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.

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.

Meadow Talks releases “Garden” – A Delicate Ode to Loss and Memory from the Upcoming EP

Czech artist Meadow Talks unveils “Garden”, the second single from her forthcoming EP „Bed of Green“—a hauntingly intimate track written during a songwriting camp in Riga. With production by Polish musician TYNSKY and a heartfelt performance by Latvian songwriter Ilze Rijniece, „Garden“ explores the tender themes of grief, memory, and quiet acceptance.

Emerging from a deeply personal moment of sorrow and introspection, “Garden” is the newest single from Meadow Talks upcoming EP „Bed of Green“, set to be released later this year. Written in November 2024 during a collaborative songwriting camp in Riga, Latvia, the song stands as a moving tribute to the artist’s great-grandmother, who passed away just two weeks before the trip.

The track brings together international voices and textures, featuring Polish producer TYNSKY, whose atmospheric production wraps around the fragile core of the song, and Latvian musician Ilze Rijniece, who contributes both piano and kokle—a traditional Latvian string instrument. These organic elements, woven with subtle field recordings from the very classroom where the track was conceived, create a unique and deeply human sonic tapestry.

Unlike a traditional single, „Garden“ embraces an experimental structure. Its gentle flow of instrumental swells, fragments of spoken word, and candid moments of laughter challenge standard songwriting form, leaning instead into raw emotion and atmosphere. This approach reflects the inner turbulence of grief—moments of heaviness offset by unexpected lightness and stillness.

“Garden is about letting go of control,” says Meadow Talks. “It’s about standing still in front of something you cannot change and simply acknowledging it exists. It’s not loud, it’s not resolved—it just is.”

As the second glimpse into „Bed of Green“ (EP), „Garden“ sets a quiet but powerful tone for the EP’s exploration of nature, memory, and emotional vulnerability. With its cross-cultural collaborations and tender authenticity, the track promises to resonate with listeners navigating their own landscapes of loss and remembrance.

Musician Luka releases new summer single “Tik viegli”

On Friday, May 30, 2025, musician Luka is releasing her new summer single “Tik viegli”, which she presents as a preview of her upcoming EP album, set for release this fall. The song’s music video will be available on all major streaming platforms starting May 30 at 12:00 PM.

“The song ”Tik viegli” reflects how I’m learning to embrace the good in everyday life – not rejecting the things that bring peace, safety, and joy,” says Luka. “It’s a gesture of gratitude toward the people who bring that feeling into my life, and at the same time, a permission I give myself to be open to joy. “Tik viegli” is a reminder that feeling good and accepting it is not only possible, but also something we deserve.”

“Tik viegli” was created in collaboration with producer Patriks Elviss Pētersons. The chorus came to life while Luka was visiting Denmark and became the foundation for the song’s overall mood. The guitar parts were recorded by Jānis Kalniņš, and the track was post-produced by Kaspars Ansons. The visual concept for the song was created by Ralfs Jankevics and Emīls Trauliņš.

Luka shares that the creative process for this track was unpredictable and ever-changing, as both the song and its creation differed from her previous work. The theme of water is a constant motif – both in the song and its visual story, which is part of a broader journey that will continue with the upcoming EP.

The single will be performed live for the first time on June 5 at “Bourzma Boutique 2025” at 8:00 PM.

Musician Luka is the runner-up of Season 5 of the music show “X faktors” and was also a participant in this year’s “Supernova”. She also gained recognition with her single “Atļauties”. Luka plans to further pursue her musical career abroad.

The band “R.A.P.” releases an energetic single and music video

Marking their return after a 17-year hiatus, the band “R.A.P.” has released a new, energetic single titled “Melnā (Ak nē, nē, nē!)”, along with a music video. 

The song’s music was created by all four band members – vocalist Artis Dvarionas, guitarist Aleksandrs Štro, bassist Artis Rozītis, and drummer Gatis Kaizers. The lyrics were written by Artis Dvarionas. The initial musical idea was born during the band’s first creative retreat after reuniting, which took place last year in Rauna, while the lyrics were written later, following the band’s powerful comeback concert this March.

“The song is based on healthy irony about emotions we all know – when anxiety caused by a desire for recognition, and fear that your work won’t meet expectations, becomes a burden,” says Artis Dvarionas. “These feelings are especially familiar to people in creative fields, who often experience a stark contrast between the initial euphoria of a new idea and the hard-hitting reality that follows.”

An equally energetic music video was produced for the new track “Melnā (Ak nē, nē, nē!)” which is a rarity in the band’s history. “This is a big deal for us, as we haven’t exactly been generous with music videos in the past,” Artis continues. “The concept was simple – to highlight the song’s dynamics and its self-ironic message. This was possible thanks to two truly talented individuals who brought our vision to life – director Marks Landmanis and cinematographer Ritvars Bluka.”

As previously reported, the band “R.A.P.” – considered one of the flag-bearers of the local alternative rock scene – returned last November after a 17-year creative break, releasing the new song “Mēs esam atpakaļ!”. This March, they reunited with their audience with full force at a concert held at “Palladium” concert hall in Riga. The concert has also been nominated for the public media award “Kilograms kultūras”.

The band is now actively preparing for their summer shows, two of which have already been announced – on July 26, “R.A.P.” will perform at the “Saldus Saule” festival, and on August 2, they’ll take the stage at the grand summer festival “Summer Sound” in Liepāja.

Meanwhile, the new single “Melnā (Ak nē, nē, nē!)” is already available on top Latvian radio stations and major music streaming platforms.

The new music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QB5WEloOKlg