Open Call: Baltic Focus at Ireland Music Week 2025

Ireland Music Week 2025 is set to welcome a groundbreaking international focus with the launch of “Baltic Focus at Ireland Music Week”, a collaborative initiative between Music Latvia, Music Estonia, and the Lithuanian Music Business Association. Taking place in Dublin this October, the initiative aims to spotlight emerging music and industry talent from the Baltic states — Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia — on one of Europe’s most respected showcase festival stages. From the Baltic states, 3 artists and 15 professionals will be selected altogether.

Ireland Music Week, running from October 2–3, 2025, is known for its rigorous artist selection and impactful industry programming, including panels, workshops, and networking sessions. Now, with Baltic Focus, the festival expands its geographical reach and inclusivity, recognizing the vibrant and innovative music scenes in the Baltic region. The Baltic Focus marks the first major presence of Baltic artists at the festival, opening new avenues for cultural exchange and industry collaboration. The project not only introduces the distinct musical voices of the region to international audiences but also strengthens ties with Ireland’s Baltic diaspora of over 55,000 people.

One act from each of the three countries will be selected through an open call, with the final line-up chosen by the three national export offices and Ireland Music Week representatives. Selected artists will receive a 500 EUR performance fee, backline support, and up to 1500 EUR in travel and accommodation reimbursement. All the selected artists will receive mentoring, artist meetings and speed-meeting opportunities. Five music professionals will be selected from each country — a total of up to 15 professionals — to join the delegation. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed up to 700 EUR. Each country’s music export office will make the selection based on the strength of the application, export plans targeting the destination country and its surrounding regions, and ongoing export activities. Additionally, 2 music professionals — totaling up to 6 professionals from the Baltics — are invited by the festival itself, with the following coverage of the costs – accommodation for 3 nights and travel reimbursement up to 200 euros.

Applications are open until May 25, 2025, to artists and professionals based in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania, from any genre. This is a unique opportunity to connect with leading music industry professionals from across Europe and perform at one of the continent’s most influential music events.

See artist terms & conditions: HERE

Apply to play: https://musicestonia.typeform.com/to/jsrSDmxy

See delegation terms & conditions: HERE

Apply for delegation: https://musicestonia.typeform.com/to/UXuwgRlh

For more details and to apply, artists can contact their national partner organization. The Baltic Focus is supported by the Baltic Culture Fund.

The success story of a Latvian DJ…

On Friday, February 9, the Los Angeles-based record label “Barnaton” released the song “Miami Freestyle” by the recognized Spanish DJ Sak Noel and the internationally known Latvian DJ [Ex] da Bass. The song features vocals by Rubi Rox, a talented Dominican singer from Miami, Florida.

“This is the great success story of my 27-year DJ career. I’ve long followed Spanish DJ, producer, and songwriter Sak Noel, who has long called the US his home and collaborated with the likes of Sean Paul, Pitbull, Major Lazer and Lil Jon. For a wider audience, his name is undoubtedly associated with the legendary club hit “Loca People”, which topped the UK singles charts and eventually propelled him into the global spotlight. At the end of 2023, he suggested his followers make their own version of the collaboration between him and Rubi Rox in a video on his Facebook page. It was a short video in which Rubi rapped in two languages simultaneously. I was so captivated by both the melody and the lyrics that I decided to do my version without thinking about what might come next. After about two weeks, the [Ex] da Bass version was ready, and I sent it to both the singer, who responded in a flash, and to Sak Noel himself for review. And then the thing I least expected happened: both artists were extremely excited about what they heard, and we began officially discussing the release of my remix with a few additions from Sak Noel – as the main version of a maxi-single, with an extended mix for DJ needs as well as Rubi Rox’s freestyle, which started it all. This version then became the Alternative Mix. But that’s not all – the idea of inviting Sak Noel to the Baltics came up immediately, and this is the result – on February 14 we will be on stage together in Marijampolė, on February 15 in Kedainai and on February 16 in Jurbarkas, Lithuania. So, on February 17, I will have the honour to warm up Sak Noel at Club “Maxine” in Helsinki. There is also a possibility that there will be a video for the song. Can you believe it? I’m starting to believe it too, really!” says [Ex] da Bass excitedly.

Starting February 9th, find the Sak Noel x [Ex] da Bass x Rubi Rox single “Miami Freestyle” on major music streaming platforms worldwide.

Music Latvia invites applications for the 10th RIGaLIVE Songwriting Camp

The Latvian Music Development Association/Latvian Music Export, also known as Music Latvia, invites musicians, lyricists, performers, composers, and producers to apply for participation in the milestone 10th RIGaLIVE songwriting camp, which will take place from November 12th to 14th in Riga, Latvia.

RIGaLIVE is an international songwriting camp that brings together musicians, composers, and producers from various countries and with different musical backgrounds. It is a unique collaboration platform offering the opportunity to interact, work in teams, and create original new songs, blending various genres, styles, and experiences. RIGaLIVE has become a significant event in both the Latvian and international music industry, providing participants with a platform to create music that can reach a broad audience in Latvia and beyond. Both local and international musicians have participated in the camp, creating hundreds of new songs, many of which have become successful radio hits. RIGaLIVE participants not only create music but also build professional connections and learn from industry experts.

Agnese Cimuška-Rekke, executive director of Music Latvia and the RIGaLIVE organizer, comments: “We are extremely proud that the RIGaLIVE camp is taking place for the tenth time! This session will be special, as we have seen the significant impact this platform has had on the Latvian music scene and on international musician collaboration. Our regular feedback from participants – both local and international – indicates how RIGaLIVE has become an important and inspiring place for the development of creative ideas. We are delighted that participants can not only create new music but also build professional relationships and learn the latest trends from industry leaders. We are excited about everything we can achieve together in this anniversary session!”

Applications for RIGaLIVE #10 are open until October 1. All interested individuals are invited to apply by filling out the form: https://ej.uz/rigalive_10. The participation fee is 100 euros, and selected participants will be announced by October 10th.

As always, RIGaLIVE will also offer educational masterclasses and lectures, providing an opportunity to acquire new skills and learn about the latest trends in the music industry. Stay updated on these events by visiting the website www.musiclatvia.lv.

RIGaLIVE extends its gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, the Latvian Performers’ and Producers’ Association (LaIPA), and the Jāzeps Mediņš Riga Secondary School of Music for their support.

 

Music Latvia Participates in Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival; “Sudden Lights” to perform on January 16

Music Latvia is participating in the Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) festival and conference, taking place in the Netherlands from January 15 to 18, 2025.

Founded in 1986, Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) is considered one of the most significant music industry events in Europe, greatly contributing to the career development of artists. ESNS traditionally serves as a platform to showcase new European music projects, both within Europe and beyond. The festival combines live music showcase events with an extensive conference and panel discussion program, which is an integral part of its offerings.

Since 2023, Music Latvia has been involved in the ESNS initiative ESNS Exchange. This program promotes opportunities for European music groups and artists to perform at festivals outside their home countries while ensuring broad media attention. It is implemented in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), music export offices, and local media. Representing Latvia in the ESNS Exchange program are also the festivals Positivus and Summer Sound, which take part in its activities. In total, the ESNS Exchange program includes 130 festivals, 31 media outlets, and 26 music export offices, fostering greater collaboration and artist visibility on an international level.

As part of the ESNS Exchange program, Music Latvia has also provided two young Latvian music industry participants with free access to attend and participate in the Eurosonic Noorderslag conference.

Agnese Cimuška-Rekke, Executive Director of Music Latvia, commented:
“The Eurosonic Noorderslag conference marks the start of the year for the European music industry – a place where leading festival organizers gather to discover and support the next European music stars. It offers equal opportunities to all European countries, emphasizing inclusion and diversity. However, countries with less developed support systems and weaker industries often lack the resources to fully utilize these opportunities, making participation in such initiatives particularly important.”

This year, Latvia is represented at the ESNS festival by the indie band “Sudden Lights,” performing today, January 16, at 7:30 PM at Forum Rabostudio.

“Sudden Lights” began their international career in 2023 by representing Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest. The band has performed solo concerts and participated in festivals in Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. To date, “Sudden Lights” has released three albums.

Linda Āboliņa, representative of the management team for “Sudden Lights,” commented:
“As a manager, I have been attending the Eurosonic Noorderslag conference for several years, but this year, for the first time, I am also participating with a band performance. It is a great honor – we are the only Latvian musicians at this major event this year. The work involved in participating in Eurosonic differs significantly from a regular concert, as the main focus here is on inviting conference delegates to the performance. Among them are organizers of the world’s largest festivals, concert agents, and media representatives.”

The Latvian delegation attending the conference includes:

  • Agnese Cimuška-Rekke (Music Latvia)
  • Guna Zučika (Every Little Thing)
  • Katrīna Liene Bičus (Very Cool People)
  • Bruno Roze (I LOVE YOU records)
  • Uldis Pabērzis (Summer Sound Festival)
  • Ģirts Majors (Positivus Festival)
  • Irina Alescenko (Positivus Festival)
  • Elva Lorence (Positivus Festival)
  • Linda Āboliņa (Sudden Lights)

Music Latvia’s activities are supported by the Ministry of Culture and LaIPA.

Successful Completion of the 9th session of the “RIGaLIVE” songwriting camp

“Latvian Music Development Association/Latvian Music Export” has successfully concluded the 9th session of the “RIGaLIVE” songwriting camp that took place from November 7 to 9, bringing together 30 songwriters, performers, and producers with an aim to create new songs and collaborations.

On the first day of the camp, participants engaged in informative masterclasses on intellectual property matters, including copyrights, neighbouring rights. The sessions were led by Liena Edvardsa, executive director of the Latvian Performers and Producer’s  Association (LaIPA), and Linda Zommere, head of the legal department at the Patent Office.

Additionally, there were presentations on entering the Estonian music market by Ave Tölpt (Music Estonia), insights into the French music market by Benjamin Demelemester (Centre national de la musique), and discussions on music synchronization in film and advertising featuring Magdalena Niestryjewska from Jaguarec. The day concluded with a panel discussion on synchronization in films, ads, and beyond, featuring Guna Zučiks (Every Little Thing, LV), Dāvis Sīmanis (film director, LV), Magdalena Niestryjewska (Jaguarec, PL), Sandra Perens (Tier Music Publishing, EE), and Elvijs Pārpucs (Later Riga, LV).

During the second and third days of the camp, participants worked on creating new songs, presenting their work each evening not only to fellow participants but also to industry experts who evaluated the potential of each song.

“Our goal was to create an international, exciting platform for music creation and artist development, and we have achieved that. The collaboration with ‘Jāzeps Mediņš Riga Music Secondary School’ is vital as it allows us to involve the younger generation, share industry knowledge, and promote the acquisition of essential skills. We express our gratitude to the team, students, and director Ainārs Šablovskis of Jāzeps Mediņš Riga Music Secondary School for their collaboration and support,” said Agnese Cimuška-Rekke, executive director of the Latvian Music Development Association/Latvian Music Export.

“This camp has been like a creative recharge that has opened up new perspectives not only in my songwriting but also provided an opportunity to collaborate with talented musicians from other countries. I am confident that ‘RIGaLIVE’ is a place where new collaborations and opportunities emerge, and I am happy to be part of this wonderful experience,” commented singer Marta Grigale, reflecting on her participation in the “RIGaLIVE” songwriting camp.

In total, the 9th session of the RIGaLIVE camp produced 25 new songs in various music genres. This year, participants included musicians from nine countries: Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Slovenia.

“RIGaLIVE” is organized with the support of the Latvian Performers and Producers’ Association (LaIPA), the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, Jāzeps Mediņš Riga Music Secondary School, Laima, Jersika Chips, VENDEN, msonic Baltic Latvia, and Aldaris.

The full lineup of the UNDER 2023 festival has been announced

The fourth edition of the electronic music festival UNDER 2023 — May 19th and 20th in Riga (Latvia) — have announced the full lineup. With a star cast of 40 artists participating in the event, headliners include Tiga, Slam DJs, Alinka and Hard Ton who will be joined by Berlin artists Holger Zilske and Radical Softness, as well as Voicedrone, the co-founder of the hype club “Fold” in London. The line-up includes a host of Baltic DJs and live electronic artists.
The 19th of May opens the festival and is dedicated to all electronic live performances. The night will be opened by the “Golden Microphone” nominee — Waterflower, a visionary artist from Latvia who is at the forefront of the eco-futurist movement. Using plants and mushrooms as both instruments and MIDI generators, they create a unique blend of avant-pop, hyperpop, and digital hardcore.
Later that day, vocalist and producer Podruga will take centre stage; her music will invite listeners back to the sounds of 90’s electronica, and sci-fi sonics with elements of post-punk.
Produga will premiere a new electronic set at UNDER Festival, together with guitarist and producer Ričards Dauksts. The queer fashion extravaganza showcases the Italian duo Hard Ton (Permanent Vacation, International Deejay Gigolo), who plays a unique blend of Chicago house, disco-styled falsettos, crunchy acid basslines, and a pinch of Italo disco, all of this preceded by the artistic set of Queer On Acid from Riga. The stage will be closed by the electro-techno-live of Igor Vorobyov from Ventspils, who has been running the record label “Blind Allies” for the past six years.
On Saturday 20th May the festival will open its doors at 6 pm. The program will kick off on the Garden stage, where both experienced and younger Latvian DJs will play. You can expect vinyl sets from Nick Ustinov & Jazzy Marky, Waxid, Vakru, Ze Ivarzz, as well as performances by KAN, Aizvakardiena, Adroit, DIN, Esoniq, Ideology of Sound, Elvi Soulsystems and Cheh, who represents Lebanon and the UAE, but currently working out in Lithuania.
The UNDER Pressure and UNDER Control stages will open at 8 pm. The huge techno sounds on the UNDER Pressure stage will be presented by the Scottish legends of this genre — Slam DJs. Their record label, Soma Records, started in the early 1990s, introducing several of today’s big names to the world, their eponymous radio show has thousands of fans worldwide. The duo will be joined by Voicedrone, co-founder, curator, and resident of London club, Fold. The club is considered one of the most hyped underground spots in the British capital.
Fast techno will be played by the regular guest of the HÖR in Berlin — queer DJ Radical Softness. There are many female names on the line-up including Merimel, the first lady of Estonian techno who is active with releases on many high-profile labels and has her radio show on national radio, the founder of the UNDER festival Ksenia Kamikaza, DJ Orthodox from Liepāja, Laima Adelaide from Stuttgart, LE/RA. DJs E91, Ikss and HP-82 have their distinct style that will complement Saturday’s techno sound.
The stars of the UNDER Control stage – which is mainly for EBM, electro and acid – will be Tiga, the Canadian DJ, producer of many electronic anthems from his record label Turbo Recordings, Alinka, a Berlin-based Ukrainian-Chicago artist and resident of the Panorama bar, Berliner Holgers Zilske known in the electronic scene by the name of the techno project Smash TV, who currently works in the electro genre. The festival’s international program will be completed by Mountak, a resident of the Lithuanian club “Lizdas”. Latvia will be represented by the duo Taran & Lomov from Amber Muse, Lévi from Klik Klak, Crying Skies, mOZ & Herren Ivo, Veronika Keris & Grisha Nirgov, as well as the duo Laiva Maikule.

The industrial quarter on 9 Teraudlietuves Str. in Riga is the best place for the boldest sound of the festival. More information on all the artists, the venue and tickets can be found at underfestival.com.

Baltic moMENT to present Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian talent and industry at MENT Ljubljana in Slovenia

Music Export Latvia, Music Estonia and the Lithuanian Music Business Association are thrilled to present the full Baltic moMENT programme at the Slovenian new music discovery festival MENT Ljubljana, March 28th – 31st.

The programme features a dozen artists from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, along with a wide variety of Baltic industry players sharing dedicated insights into the region’s music markets and scenes – from its recording industry and the media landscape to its singing, rocking and dancing revolutions.

Estonian talent is represented by Ajukaja & Mart Avi, the duo of the longest-serving shaker of the Estonian underground and the country’s swiftest-moving avant-pop agent; as well as the moody new-gen RnB of manna; a pinch of surrealism and modern folklore by Puuluup; and the cross-generational fuzz rock attack of Zahir.

Latvia is proud to present Bel Tempo, an act with one foot firmly in dusty beat-making and the other in soft anthemic storytelling; Elizabete Balčus’ bedazzling dream pop collages and musical vegetables; queer RnB icon-in-waiting Eliza Legzdina; and skilfully sensuous post-rockers Nesen.

Making their way to Ljubljana from Lithuania are Jausmė with her urban lullabies and zither-harp kanklės; the transnational tropical anarchists Planeta Polar; the fearless Plié, ready to lure the crowd into cleansing headbanging; and Superkoloritas with their breezy beach pop and space-age nostalgia.

These 12 acts will be joining the MENT Ljubljana’s diverse line-up of 77 artists that include internationally renowned names like the UK’s hip-hop/post-punk alchemist Wu-Lu, French icons of glamorous psych-punk La Femme and Irish modern rockers Just Mustard.

The Opening Reception of Baltic moMENT takes place at Kino Šiška on Wednesday, 29th March, followed by a full-day series of presentations, panels and speed meetings at the MENT conference on Thursday, 30th March.

CEO of Music Export Latvia Agnese Cimuška-Rekke, Director of Music Estonia Ave Tölpt and Director of Lithuanian Music Business Association Vaidas Stackevičius will provide an overview of Baltic Music Markets – from each country’s key festivals, venues and promoters, to their labels, music media landscape and notable success stories.

Guna Zučika from the Latvian Every Little Thing agency, Roman Demchenko from Estonian Damn.Loud Agency and Victor Diawara from the Lithuanian art factory Loftas will share know-how for all those considering touring the Baltics. Those yearning to dig even deeper will get crash courses on the region’s niche scenes – from the revitalisation of the former Lukiskės Prison by Martynas Butkevičius, the head promoter at the Lithuanian agency 8 Days A Week; to the adventurous spirit of Latvian Skaņu Mežs festival by Lena Sme; and the Dancing Revolution of Estonia by Raul Saaremets, the king of the weird and wonderful leftfield of the northernmost Baltic state.

Tallinn Music Week’s Head of PR Ingrid Kohtla will host the Baltic Listening Session, letting the panel of distinguished international tastemakers analyze tracks by all acts from Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. There will also be a special speed networking session to meet the region’s music professionals one-on-one.

MENT conference will also present an interview with Elena Natale, the founder of Tallinn’s “Berghain” HALL about the importance of nightlife in all its variety. Director of Tallinn Music Week Helen Sildna and founder of Latvian Positivus Festival Ģirts Majors will share their perspectives on the post-pandemic festival circuit. Kristine Kleina from Every Little Thing will moderate the roundtable on the challenges of managing new talent, whilst Tanya Korenika from the Estonian UCE agency hosts the discussion about the “Go West” prospects of Central and Eastern European artists.

The Baltic moMENT programme kicks off with Baltic music flicks screenings at Kino Šiška on the eve of MENT on Tuesday, 28th March.

Starring, among others, Estonian Baltic moMENT act Mart Avi, .u.Q. by director Ivar Murd is a hypnotic docudrama about musician Uku Kuut, his soul/jazz diva mother Maryn E. Coote and their manic search for the American Dream. Techno, Mama short directed by Saulius Baradinskas is a visual essay about two Lithuanian generations unable to find a way to love each other in a post-Soviet urban wasteland. Jelgava 94 by Latvian Janis Abele is a coming-of-age tale and a portrait of the cultural chaos that reigned in former socialist states during the 1990s.

The Baltic moMENT programme is supported by the Baltic Cultural Fund in partnership with the Estonian Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Council for Culture, the Embassy of Estonia in Prague, the Embassy of Latvia in Hungary and the Embassy of Lithuania in Austria
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Baltic moMENT timeline

Tue, 28th March
Baltic moMENT films
Kino Šiška

19:00 u.Q (EE)
21:00 Techno, Mama (LT) + Jelgava 94 (LV)


Wed, 29th March, 18:30
Baltic moMENT Opening Reception
Kino Šiška (upstairs)

All MENT’23 PRO delegates are welcome to join the Baltic moMENT’s kickoff to meet the region’s key players

Welcome speeches:
Agnese Cimuška-Rekke. CEO at Music Export Latvia
Ave Tölpt, Director of Music Estonia
Vaidas Stackevičius, Director of Lithuanian Music Business Association
H.E. Mrs Gita Kalmet, Estonian Ambassador to Slovenia

DJs
Raul Saaremets (Ajukaja, EE)
Andis Ansons (Bel Tempo, LV)
Giedrė Nalivaikaitė (Superkoloritas, LT)

Drinks, snacks, toasts

Thu, 30th March
Baltic moMENT Conference Focus
A full-day programme dedicated to the music scenes of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

10:00 – 11:00 Speed Networking: Baltic moMENT – M Hotel HJ
11:00 – 12:30 Presentation: Baltic Music Markets – M Hotel HJ
13:30 – 15:00 Baltic Listening Session – Komuna (Kino Šiška)
16:00 – 17:30 Ready to Tour the Baltics?- M Hotel AB

Other panels featuring Baltic speakers

Thu, 30th March
11:30 – 12:30  Listening Session – Komuna(Kino Šiška)
13:15 – 14:15  Agent’s Panel: Going East – M Hotel AB

Fri, 31st March
11:00 – 12:00  Speed networking – Meet the Festivals  – Komuna (Kino Šiška)
11:00 – 12:00  Managers in Action: Skyrocketing the Emerging Artist – M Hotel HJ
12:45 – 13:45  The Unpredictable Future of Music Festivals – Komuna (Kino Šiška)
15:30 – 16:20  Interview: Elena Natale (HALL) – M Hotel HJ

For more info see Baltic moMENT panels, speed networking, speakers, schedule

Baltic moMENT Music Programme

Wed, 29th March
Puuluup (EE): 20:00 – 20:40, Kimo Šiška Katedrala
Nesen (LV): 20:40 – 21:20, Kino Šiška Komuna
Planeta Polar (LT): 22:00 – 22:40, Kino Šiška

Thu, 30th March
Elizabete Balčus (LV): 22:15 – 22: 55, Klub Gromka
Zahir (EE); 23:00 – 23:40, Memza Prikoritu
Superkoloritas (LT): 23:15 – 23:55, Klub Gromka
Plié (LT): 00:30 – 01:10, Gala Hala

Fri, 31st March
Jausmė (LT): 21:00 – 21:40, Stara Mestna Elektrarna
manna (EE): 23:15 – 23:55, Channel Zero
Eliza Legzdina (LV): 00:00 – 00:40, Zorica
Ajukaja & Mart Avi (EE): 00:30 – 01:10, Klub Gromka

For more info see artists and music programme schedule