Reinis Jaunais releases new surreal music video, together with Regan Awale from Nepal and other musicians

Reinis Jaunais recently released new animated music video for his song “Depths”. The song features several guest artists, including Regan Awale from Nepal, Ivars Štubis from Australia, Erna Daugaviete and Ernests Mediņš from Latvia.

The video was made by Reinis Jaunais’s wife Laima Jaunā. She made this video inspired by a dream she once had. She describes the idea behind this surreal video: “Imagine yourself waking up in the middle of a night because of a mosquito buzzing around you. You get up desperately trying to catch it! Afterwards, you can’t get back to sleep anymore because you are stuck in a weird place between your dreams and reality.”

Nepalese musician Regan Awale recorded sarod tracks for this song. Sarod is a string instrument, common in Nepal, as well as in India and other nearby countries. It has broad fretless fingerboard covered in metal. The strings of the sarod are plucked with a plectrum held in the right hand, while the fingernails of the left hand press and slide the strings. The plectrum often is made out of a coconut bark. Sarod has up to 25 strings, most are tuned up in a particular scale for resonant, reverberant sound.

Another featuring artist in this composition is Ivars Štubis. Ivars Štubis was born and raised in Australia but he moved back to Latvia year ago. Ivars added bass guitar lines to this song. Latvian musician Erna Daugaviete added cello tracks to this composition. At the very beginning and end of this song you can hear some vibraphone melodies played by Ernests Mediņš, known as member of Perpetuum Ritmico band. Audio was mixed by sound designer Arvis Ahuns.

The song is included in Reinis Jaunais latest music album “Zeme”, released with the support of VKKF fund and AKKA / LAA author scholarship. The album also raised necessary funds on the crowd-funding platform “Projektu banka” in less than 24 hours.

Andrejs Osokins has released his new album “Two Worlds”

American record label Prima Classic has released Andrejs Osokins’ new album “Two Worlds”, dedicated to two outstanding composers – George Gershwin and Claude Debussy. It depicts both composers as creators of a new style piano music and the beginning of the 20th century as a time of pursuit and experimentation in music.

Andrejs Osokins’ new album is a glance at a unique moment in the 20th century’s musical scene, on both sides of the Atlantic, through a personal selection of piano pieces by George Gershwin and Claude Debussy.

“I was very thrilled when the founders of “Prima Classic” – our great opera singer Marina Rebeka and the wonderful sound director Edgardo Vertanessian – reached out to me to record a solo album. This idea, despite the limitations of the pandemic, was realized with tremendous inspiration and energy, and I am extremely glad that it is appreciated by listeners all over the world,” reveals Andrejs Osokins.

Even before the album was released several tracks from it had been noticed and appreciated around the world. Three singles that were released – George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Claude Debussy’s “Clair de lune” and “Golliwog’s Cakewalk” from the suite “Children’s Corner” – were included in prominent classical music playlist on Spotify. This playlist highlights outstanding classical recordings from around the world. Several tracks have also garnered praise from music experts from Apple Music and Amazon Music.

he layout of all 24 tracks on the album was purposefully and conceptually curated. The album demonstrates the search for musical means of expression by both composers while vividly revealing the mood that prevailed in Europe and the US in the early 20th century.

The video for George Gershwin’s piece “The Man I Love”, which Andrejs Osokins performs in his transcription for the left hand..

The layout of all 24 tracks on the album was purposefully and conceptually curated. The album demonstrates the search for musical means of expression by both composers while vividly revealing the mood that prevailed in Europe and the US in the early 20th century.

The record is directed and produced by Edgardo Vertanessian who over the years has collaborated with countless world-renowned classical and non-classical musicians and bands, including Marina Rebeka, Luciano Pavarotti, Anders Miolin, Taylor Swift, The Who, Rihanna, Jay Z, Kayne West and many more.

Edgardo Vertanessian says about the creation of the album: “At Prima, we knew Andrejs for a long time and we have been following his career, he is such an amazing pianist! We wanted to show his art to our audience through a studio recording, and we discussed the project with him, and this great album came out as the result. We dedicated a good number of long recording sessions so he could experiment with different interpretations and then he took the time to listen and to decide which were the versions that he liked the most. This is a luxury these days when usually artists go to the studio and record a lot of music in a relatively short time, and this is also something that cannot be achieved on a live recording because an artist can only play a piece once! We are very happy we did it this way.”

The recording was made in Latvian Radio Studio 1. The album is published by “Prima Classic” label whose founders are Marina Rebeka and Edgardo Vertanessian.

Latvian rockers “Laime Pilnīga” release a new song- “Stop”

Song “Stop” is dedicated for all those who didn’t know or care that for some people they are a hero. An inspiration for this one came from famous photo “Tank man”. Latvian version “Divatā” is a story about desire, fear and indecision. Both versions of the song are available on all biggest music streaming platforms.

Song was recorded in bands own studio “Laimes Telpa” with bands guitarist Mārcis as sound engineer, and some parts with Mārcis Kalniņš in “Siguldas skaņu studija”. Song was mixed by Krišjānis Geidāns, mastered by Minerva Pappi from Waudio Mastering. Artwork by Miķelis Vīte.

Song was funded with the help of LaiPa (Latvian Performers’ and Producers’ Association).

The Latvian rock phenom “Laime Pilniga” embodies a rock`n`roll dream by combining elements of unique vocals, groovy rhythm section and virtuoso electric guitars. Fueled by true passion and outstanding musicianship band is a one of must see live acts from Baltic rock scene.

Laime Pilniga have released four studio albums – Dual (2011), LP (2015) Synergy and Waterlilies (2018) and “Atoms”(2019). All albums have been nominated as “Best rock/ metal album” in annual Latvian music awards “Zelta mikrofons”.

The band have toured a lot in Europe and shared stage with artists like: Three Days Grace, Anathema, Sinead o’Connor, Jake’s Lee Red Dragon Cartel, Mummiy Troll, Frank Turner, Skyforger and many others.

Ervīns Ramiņš (Vocals), Mārcis Vasiļevskis (Guitars), Jānis Olekšs (Bass) and Elvijs Mamedovs (Drums & Percussion).

Normunds Rutulis collaborates with Finnish DJ Oliver Paris and sings in English.

Normunds Rutulis is releasing a new song created in collaboration with Finnish DJ and music producer Oliver Paris. Their first collaboration is the electroswing song “LET’S SWING!” Summer and parties already wait for it!
Normunds Rutulis: “A year ago, I was approached by Latvian music producer DJ Plastic with an offer to create a melody for Finnish DJ music demo who was not yet known to me at that time. I decided to try. I called DJ Oliver Paris and agreed to start this international music project immediately. First I sang a demo without words, just the melody and phrase that came to mind at that moment. Eventually, the full form came, and lyrics was later written by Oliver’s brother IGOR, who successfully operates in the Finnish hip hop scene. As this project was not a priority, we only got to the end now. However, we are both pleased. Electroswing is a type of dance music, and although its origins can be traced back to the early 1990s, it has not gained much popularity in Latvia. We hope that with “Let’s swing!” will be able to improve its position in our music market. True, this is one of the few times I allowed myself to sing in English. But since this single is also being released in Finland today, it’s understandable. “
DJ Oliver Paris: “The audience of Riga clubs has got to know me, because sometimes I perform here with my DJ sets. I have been in club music since 1999, but in 2007 I was invited to become the DJ of concert tour by Swedish club music star Pandora. Soon after, I also started producing music. Although I grew up with rock, rock and roll and pop music, which I “absorbed” on MTV and VH1, I have established myself in club music. And I really like to build mashup mixes. My passion is music and I love different genres of music, so this time I allowed myself to experiment with an electroswing style that is quite stylish, rhythmic and danceable. I am glad that I managed to meet Normunds, because I am looking for a Latvian singer who feels equally good in pop music and swing, as well as dance music. The melody and vocal manner he created inspired a new wind for my track and now, it can be heard in Helsinki, Riga and everywhere else in the world. Let’s swing! ”
Producer and author DJ Oliver Paris
The melody was composed and sung by Normunds Rutulis
The words written by Igor Parri
Song mixmaster by Jānis Kalve (Labo recording studio)

Latvian producer MICKEEN releases single “Feel Free”

Electronic music producer MICKEEN (Miks Pinzulis), in collaboration with Saule (Krišjānis Suntažs)  on May 4th, released the single “Feel Free”.

Saule about the song:“Message is pretty straightforward, but at the same time so true. When I wrote the lyrics, I was in a place in my life, where everything was changing, everything about my life was getting more and more serious and I felt like i’m losing my spark, my spontaneity, my inspiration to have fun. That’s what the song is about, an encouragement for people to not be shy, to do silly things and embrace life fully.”

MICKEEN about the song: “When working on this song I wanted to create happy but still emotional feelings with thought that adults sometimes should feel like kids and feel free. With Saule we already knew the motive of this song when we started.”

The single was released with a video about friendship, the feeling of being free and having a good time.

[Ex] da Bass and REZarin invites to participate in their song Find My Way remix contest

In celebration of their song’s Find My Way 50k streaming mark on Spotify within a less than a month, DJ’s and music producers [Ex] da Bass and REZarin are inviting all interesents to participate in a Find My Way remix contest. The highest rated remix, as well as 5 other best remixes will be released by the Day Dose Of House label.

“Find My Way is dedicated to the “challenging times”, in other words – the life stage period in 2020 when the world has lost it’s control and we’re all on our own. For the representatives of the entertainment and music industries, this year will always be remembered as very tough, when every person had to “find his way”. We found our way by creating a joint song which we’re submitting for your evaluation. While our mouths and noses are blocked, listen to our track. Our ears are still free and they’re what the song was made for. Besides, if you’ll also dance, then it will be a great combination, because physical activities strenghten health and eases the mind”, as been said by [Ex] da Bass and REZarin.

Contest rules and applicable files can be found here: http://daydoseofhouse.com/remixcontest

Meet Blue Jean Serenade! The Latvian band releases a new single Your Heart

On Friday, 15th of January, Latvian indie-pop band Blue Jean Serenade release their newest song Your Heart.

The single is the very first song published after the debut album that was presented back in March 2020, just before the pandemic hit Latvia. The new single marks a new chapter in the band’s musical life.

The song Your Heart is about the feelings each of us hold inside. The feelings of love. The lead singer Jānis Niedra explains: “We are scared of revealing our love in fear of getting hurt and not receiving it back. We are afraid to ruin the relationships we already have, so we don’t go all in. Then we play out the confession of the other person and how it would feel. How wonderful it would be. This idea warms the heart, even if it is not meant to be. In the end, we mostly regret the things we haven’t done.”

The song first came to be in a song-writing camp held in Riga. It was further developed in the creative camp Blue Jean Serenade had in the July 2020 in the countryside of Latvia. The record is made together with the Latvian producer and musician Aleksis Luriņš. Mix and master is made by Andis Ansons.

Blue Jean Serenade dates back to 2016 when the lead singer Janis and the drummer Tomass started playing together. The team has changed over the years, and now they play and write as a five-person band. In 2016 the band released an EP in English called All My Friends Care About Celebrities, Well, I Don’t and then turned to writing in their native language as well. The band has held concerts all around the country and participated in Reeperbahn Festival 2018 in Hamburg. In March 2020 Blue Jean Serenade released their debut album Prieks, no kura neizaug. Laiks, kuru neaizmirst. (Latvian for for Happiness that can’t be outgrown. Time that can’t be forgotten.)

Humour rock band “Pirmais Kurss” releases the single “Avansā”

Humour rock band “Pirmais Kurss” releases a new single “Avansā” from the second studio album “Interkurss”, which will reach the audience on March 9. The new album will be a musical reflection in 14 parts about the beauty of love and misery in the lives of young men.

Sound of the new single describes search for new musical paths in the band’s life. Band’s solist Dāvis Mazurenko (guitar, vocal) tells: “So far there has been no such sound in our music. With thoughts of a party in the future, this stylistically different song will warm your lonely hearts.” The single “Avansā” can be heard on the most popular music streaming sites.

Listen to the song “Avansā” here.

Authors of the lyrics and music is “Pirmais Kurss”. Song mix – Arnis Račinskis. Producer – Dāvis Mazurenko. Master – Kaspars Ansons and Krišjānis Geidāns.

“Pirmais Kurss” is a group of normal young people who play cool music in their free time. In their ten-year existence they have played concerts all over Latvia and released the album “Problems”, which tells about sore topics – unsuccessful purchase of a new car, barn construction process, hair and internet problems. They play original music and some masterpieces of Latvian music. Intars Busulis: “World group no. 1 in Latvia”

Latvian singer and songwriter “Taurud” gains momentum with a single “I’ve Been Carrying My Past Lives With Me”

After three weeks in Radio SWH competition for new artists called “Priekšnams” “Taurud” is the 3rd best.

“I’ve Been Carrying My Past Lives With Me” is about becoming free from our past. “Taurud” said: The only thing ever messing with our heads is either our memories we are collecting like souvenirs or projections of the future. One is programming how we react and deal with things, and the other causes discomfort, cos we’re afraid of all the unknown. The song is about breaking free, being in the moment. It’s like a friendly tap on the shoulder saying You got this, it’s all in our head, and I am convinced that anyone can overcome anything. Be inspired.

This year has started with new aspirations. The musician is hoping to be in Latvia for spring to present his double single – Latvian and English version. Like many artists, I am not making any income during this time, but I am still looking forward to getting ready for April to go home and bring everyone present – new music. My birthday is in April. This time around I’d want to offer a song in Latvian as well, to get closer to my Latvian listeners. Fingers crossed, we will see each other soon, and I will be able to play live. We’re working on some live streams right now: says “Taurud”.

“Taurud” and his team would love to release the album this year, but there is no chance to continue the recording process because the situation is the way it is in the UK. The songwriter is ready to get back to work as soon as he will be allowed. The song for the spring release was recorded early last year and finished remotely. “Taurud” says: Nothing will stop me, man. I’m pushing forward!

Katrina Gupalo and Normunds Rutulis meet in a new project

Last autumn, singer and pianist Katrina Gupalo released her version of Raimonds Pauls’ mega-hit “Par Pēdējo Lapu”. Now, a new and more danceable version of this song has been created in collaboration with Normunds Rutulis aka N’Works. It will be a perfect fit for the anticipation of spring, which this year is approaching us with extra hopes and promises.

“I was very surprised when I suddenly received a message from Normunds Rutulis. He is an artist with enormous amounts of charisma, and when we met in a photo shoot that took place before the stricter restrictions were announced, I was in awe. I felt very similar again when I unexpectedly received the new remix in my Facebook messenger’s inbox. In my original version, “Par Pēdējo Lapu” sounds quite painful and even melodramatic. However, Normunds had combined my voice with completely different – very positive and even playful – moods,” reveals Katrina Gupalo.

N’Works aka Normunds Rutulis: “It is always nice when the first draft of the remix instantly makes your body move and your soul fly. That is exactly what happened with this song – thus the result is melodic and quite rhythmical. I am very glad that the first collaboration with Katrina has been successful. I really hope that dance music lovers will like it as much as we do. In addition, the remix is available in both Latvian and Russian.”