Band “Papīra lidmašīnas” releases new single “Peļķe ielas galā”

The song ”Peļķe ielas galā” is the first single from the band’s ’’Papīra lidmašīnas” upcoming second studio album.

“Weekends, sunshine, friends, and the feeling that tomorrow can wait. Sometimes you just need to forget what time it is, what you have to do tomorrow, and what others think. That’s what this song is about,” says the band’s lead vocalist, Rihards Bērziņš. “We invite everyone this summer to share their wildest, warmest, and most unforgettable moments. Let “Peļķe ielas galā’’ be a song for your heart, for relaxation, and for the holidays!”

Listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI0jI9Js3g0

“It’s exciting to start working on new songs and crafting new stories. We’ve got a lot of ideas piled up in the demo folder — now it’s time to turn them into something worth listening to. We haven’t set a release date for the new album yet, but I really hope we can make it happen in 2026,” shares band member and producer Juris Ludženieks.

’’Papīra lidmašīnas” released their debut album “Turbulence” in May 2024, featuring 12 tracks.

Listen to the album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7wtuQAol21mtXLZj44y0jL?si=iWYPBSgURDeEfhwb3_p9Uw

Representatives of the Latvian Music Industry Head to Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival

Representatives of the Latvian music industry have traveled to “Eurosonic Noorderslag” – one of the leading festivals and conferences in the industry, taking place in Groningen, Netherlands, from January 17 to 20. This year, Latvia at the festival will be represented by only one music project – the new artist Might Delete Later. This project is created using a unique concept: making music from voice messages. Since its inception at an art gallery in Amsterdam, Might Delete Later has gained recognition both online and offline.

The performance of Might Delete Later will take place on Thursday, January 18, at “MAAS Front” club at 22:10.

“Eurosonic Noorderslag” or ESNS, founded in 1986, is one of the most important events in the European music industry, playing a significant role in the growth of artists’ careers. ESNS traditionally offers a platform for introducing new European music projects throughout Europe and beyond. The festival includes both a live music showcase and a wide range of conferences and panel discussions, which are an essential part of the festival.

Music Latvia has been part of the ESNS initiative ESNS Exchange since last year. ESNS Exchange promotes live performance opportunities for European music groups and artists at festivals outside their home countries and provides extensive media attention to these artists in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), music export offices, and local media.

Cimuška-Rekke says: “Music Latvia’s participation in the ESNS Exchange program opens wider doors for the Latvian music industry. It provides our artists and industry professionals with invaluable experience and visibility in the European music market. This program is a platform where we can not only showcase the diversity of Latvian music but also promote international cooperation by exchanging ideas and experiences. I am convinced that our participation in this initiative will open new opportunities and enhance our artists’ international recognition.”

Within the framework of the ESNS Exchange program, Music Latvia has also ensured that two young participants in the Latvian music industry, Emīlija Paula Andersone (M/Darbnīca) and Kristiāna Paegle (Netīrās Cilpas), can attend and participate in “Eurosonic Noorderslag” free of charge.

As delegates, the conference from Latvia is attended by Agnese Cimuška-Rekke (Music Latvia), Guna Zučika (Every Little Thing/Carnival Youth), Kristīne Kleina (Every Little Thing/Carnival Youth), Bruno Roze (I Love You records), Anastasija Konkina (Creative Europe), Timurs Tomsons (Lielais Dzintars), and Ģirts Majors (Positivus Festival). Majors, Zučika, and Kleina are also invited to participate in the ESNS conference discussion panels. Music Latvia Executive Director Cimuška-Rekke will participate in the European music export associations’ general meeting and, for the first time, in the ESNS Exchange program and activities.

Musician Jānis Niedra releases his third radio single

“To fall in love with every morning.” Musician Jānis Niedra releases his third radio single and invites listeners to never stop trying to become better themselves.

Song “Varēt labāk” was created by successfully continuing cooperation with Latvian musician/producer Chris Noah (Krists Indrishonoks), the mix and mastering was done by British sound engineer Kristtofer Hariss. Song also has a lyric video that was made by latvian artist Janta Jasjukeviča.

Very Cool People releases a single Plastmasmens dedicated to ecology

Very Cool People continue to approach their most explosive album to date with the release of their third single, Plastmasmens (Plastic Man), which is both a powerful party hit and a thought-provoking song about ecological issues.

The new song is dedicated to an inevitable current issue – plastic, which has taken over both people’s minds and the surrounding environment without realizing it. Plastmasmens is kept in the latest traditions of Very Cool People’s sound – in the mood of soul and bass system shattering electro-funk with the easily perceptible presence of Latvian party folk song tradition.

The band emphasizes that the main thing is not to become plastic yourself and to follow your heart, not to measure all activities only by the yardstick of stylishness and popular brands. “Trends will change, but everyone will just have to live on with the choices they have made”, the band’s leader, guitarist Elvijs Grafcovs, conducts anti-plastic training. “The same applies to shopping, so with Plastmasmens we offer to think whether the feeling of human happiness is really found in expensive things – smartphones, tablets, handbags, sneakers, clothes and leased cars? Maybe it’s better to spend the rest of the money on a trip or other self-education, not letting Plastic Man always win”.

The new single is also a hint in the direction of modern art and music, because free creativity is often replaced by the pursuit of quick popularity and profit, borrowing already tested ideas from what is currently in fashion, which in the long term will most likely fade away and soon even be replaced by the perfectly mediocre production of artificial intelligence. “Artists have to create new emotions, only then at least several thousand of the eight billion listeners in the world will be able to really connect with it”, sums up Elvijs.

A video was also made for the new single, in which several directors visually expressed an ironic view of what is happening around us – pollution, plastic in food, excessive passion for nutritional supplements, pieces of plastic in human relationships, when people sit at the table with gadgets in their hands or do not take their eyes off the TV screen… The visual stories included in the new video were created by Rimants Iržikevičs, Valdis Krūmiņš, Arvis Belovs, Oskars Ozoliņš and Madara Dzintara Pluša.

The authors of the song are Elvijs Graftsovs, Jānis Kalve, Māris Jēkabsons and Laura Rozenberga. The rhythmic narrator, vocalist and trombonist Laura Rozenberga, vocalist Paula Saija, guitarist Elvijs Grafcovs, tenor saxophonist Māris Jēkabsons, baritone saxophonist Kristaps Lubovs, trumpeter Oskars Ozoliņš, keyboardist Māris Vitkus, bassist Jānis Olekšs and drummer Andris Buiķis, as well as synthesizer player Andris Kauliņš participated in the recording.

So far, two more harbingers of the new album have been released – the summery naughty single Rikšiem (In Trot) and the autumnal criminal-philosophical Ko tu vēl gaidi? (What Are You Waiting For?). The new single Plastmasmens can already be heard on the most popular music streaming services.

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.

On International Women’s Day, March 8, singer Samanta Tīna presents a video

On International Women’s Day, March 8, singer Samanta Tīna presents a video, made in Morocco, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, for the single “Spēka dziesma” from the album “Vēstule Tev”. “In this very difficult time, I want to highlight this song of Power right now and remind you that the basis of everything is faith in yourself and a higher power that guides us, protects us and reminds us that we are never alone! The song of strength encourages me to believe in myself and let go of life’s most difficult situations, accepting them as life lessons,” says Samanta. Also she informs that she will continue her way to her listeners this year in the “Vēstule Tev” acoustic concert tour, which she started at the end of 2023 with completely sold-out concerts.

The singers Normunds Rutulis and Evija Sloka have come together in a duet with a new song “Kāds ir gadalaiks”.

The singers Normunds Rutulis and Evija Sloka have come together in a duet with a new song “Kāds ir gadalaiks”.

The single’s spring-like positive mood is felt already in the first notes – an energy-charging song that will make you not only smile, but also think about the fact that everything is still ahead, and everything that happens flows and changes, ultimately leading to the best possible result. The single is also special because it was partly recorded in Latvia, and partly in America, where Evija lives.

[Ex] da Bass from Latvia, together with producers from Malta, creates a cover version of a ’90s club hit

After several months spent in Malta, Latvian DJ and producer [Ex] da Bass, who’s also well known in foreign countries, releases a cover version of the ’90s club hit “Hardcore Vibes” by the German electronic dance music group Dune. The new version was created with the participation of two young dance music producers from Malta – Seguna and Panza.

“I simply can’t imagine a better way to end this year! This is my fifth musical release this year, furthermore it’s also a new and powerful song that I see potentially being played by the world’s top DJs in their sets at the big clubs and festivals. This song is a cover of a Dune hit that I’ve always associated with the beginning of my DJ career. Thanks to my newfound Maltese friends – Seguna and Panza, who helped me bring this idea for a new version to fruition. I see the right attitude, as well as great passion and potential in both of these guys,” explains [Ex] da Bass.

“I will definitely return to Malta, and it looks like it will happen in April. During more than two months I spent there, I met many great people from the entertainment industry, with whom I want to continue working. Will there be another song coming up? Very possible. I want to try my hand at the Afro house genre, which is currently so popular in the world,” adds [Ex] da Bass.

“We started working on music production quite recently. Of course, we still have a lot to learn, but we’re ready for it. Many thanks to our Latvian friend for this unique offer and the opportunity to be a part of the “Hardcore Vibes” project, it means a lot to us! [Ex] da Bass is a very pleasant person and a great professional in his field,” says Seguna and Panza.

 

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.

Preparing for the warm season, Aptiekas Bēru Ansamblis releases a energetic single “Oda priekam”

“”Oda priekam” is a song full of irony, drama and honesty. It is an reminder and bitter experience with those well-known little creatures, who hides in the heat of summer, innocent corners of the forest or in the threatening size of clouds. Before listening we recommend using a mosquito repellent and protect your bare skin,” says Aptiekas Bēru Ansamblis about their new single.

Song “Oda priekam” was recorded in Riga, “Gateris” studio, sound engineer Jānis Kalvāns.

The band’s lineup consists of Irbe Šmite (vocal), Agnese Želneronoka (vocal), Laima Edīte Cīrule (guitar), Līga Inkēna (bass), Ilze Barkeviča (accordion), Madara Markovska (accordion), Mārtiņš Rutks also Rutkis (drums). Maija Cīrule (violin) also participated in the recording.

“Oda priekam” is available on all the most popular streaming sites.

Aptiekas Bēru Ansamblis dates back to 2018, merging Vecrīgas kroga Aptieka workers and friends in a song together. In the March 2024, the band released their debut album “Tunku cincis”, thanks to their victory in the new band competition “Nemiera Blice”. It has been reviewed in the magazine “Mūzikas Saule” and in the NRA portal, as well mentioned in the show “Zibens pa dibenu”, made by the music reporter Uldis Rudaks, as one of the best Latvian music albums of all time.

For the ones, who don’t know the band, they refer to their represented style as neo-eclectic-pank-indie-schlager aka cross-genre music. It’s a creatively messy music performed by seven non-professional enthusiasts.