Category: News

Singer Palū, the finalist of the fourth season of the show “X Factor”, comes out with a new song – “Talk to me”, which was created together with young artists – producer and songwriter Patriks Peterson and musician Krišjānis Brasliņš. The artists met at the eighth session of the RIGaLIVE songwriting camp organized by the Music Export Latvia, where the first version of the song was created.

“We met each other exactly a year ago – at the RIGaLive songwriting camp, where we immediately felt that we speak a similar language, and that’s how the song was created – each of us bringing our own feelings to the table. The track captures the emotions that typically surface in autumn, that cozy feeling under a warm blanket, observing the transition from vibrant colors to November’s grayness. It’s about wanting to cuddle up tightly, look into each other’s eyes, and express deep affection,” in the words of the singer and co-author, Palū.

The song was recorded by several musicians:

Music and lyrics – Patriks Peterson, Palū, Krišjānis Brasliņš, producer – Patriks Peterson, electric guitar – Rudolfs Ozols, bass – Raivo Vaivars, Bruno Priekulis, drums – Artis Orubs.

Last year, Palu took part in the show “Voices of Lithuania” with significant achievements, getting into the team of the popular Lithuanian singer Monika Liu. Shortly before the finale of the show, Palu left the show.

The author and producer Múr releases third and final single Stood Quiet (Stāvam Klusi) from her upcoming third studio minialbum Disbalanss. The record was made in London, UK with music producer Daniel Guillermo Sauceda from Miami, USA.

Stood Quiet (Stāvam Klusi) sonically differs from first two singles Tu Mani Turi and Ārstēšanās with overdrive of melancholy and notes of R&B influences. Múr recorded the new minialbum Disbalanss in London where she’s currently living and studying Masters in music production.

The author adds: “It was important for me to have a piece in the album to produce by myself. It allowed creating a space for self-exploration as a producer, and the results have brought contentment. This song resonates with me the deepest. Stood Quiet is the most honest, relaxed, and possibly the most beautiful track on Disbalanss”.

The song was created as the official anthem of the “Dod pieci” charity marathon.

“”Adata un diegs” or the needle and thread are a symbol of the desire to sew up what is torn – whether it is a patch on torn pants or a stitched wound after a fight. It can just as well be a patch for our relationship or mental health. The message of the song is quite universal – for each of us at least once in life it has seemed that we are superfluous, but in the madness of youth, these feelings and the humanly desperate desire to belong to something can also lead to wrong paths. That’s what the song is about – about feelings that sometimes seem impossible to fix. The recording of this song was extremely special for us and the band, because we had the honor to work in the same studio with Latvian music legend Gustavo. His verse gave the song a dose of realism and inspiration,” says one of the authors of the anthem, Andrejs Reinis Zitmanis, soloist of the band “Sudden Lights”.

Musician Múr today, 1 December, releases indie pop mini album “Disbalanss” (Imbalance) for those with ‘chronic tendency for nostalgia’. Record was made in London where she’s studying for a master’s degree in music production.

Múr (Madara Murnikova) released her debut album “Under Allure” in December 2017 and it was followed by mini album “Nekas Vairs Nav Skaisti” (Nothing is Beautiful Anymore) in September 2018. The new mini album “Disbalanss” is the first which the artist releases as a producer and a mixing and mastering engineer. “I’ve spent the last five years learning and crafting my skills to get to this point where I both know the recording and mixing process to the bone and can also confidently lead my team” Madara says. “It was important for me to keep my hand on the pulse in every step because I knew that only decisions very much authentic to me will result in something I’m proud of. And that’s this album.”

“Disbalanss” covers a larger range of emotions than previous works. In the album, emotional and nostalgic tracks like “Stāvam Klusi” (Stood Quiet) and bonus track “Jēga” (Purpose) can be found, as well as alternative and electronic dance rhythms in the track “Puzle” (Jigsaw). Album contains five tracks, an outro and two bonus tracks.
Musicians from all around the globe participated in the making of the album. It was produced by Múr (Madara Murnikova), Daniel Guillermo Sauceda from USA and Ohmri Young from the UK. Morten Rosnes from Norway participated in the mastering of “Stāvam Klusi”.

Singer-songwriter Ivo Fomins, after a hiatus of more than a year and intensive concerts in sold-out venues, is finally releasing a new song and video! “Vēl viens pagrieziens” (Another Turn) is co-written by Ivo Fomins and Guntars Račs Music, who collaborated on nearly all of Ivo’s previous hits.

Ivo: “We never know what awaits us beyond each new turn. Rarely does anyone ponder that because it’s much more crucial to keep moving forward toward our chosen goal. The journey itself is the meaning of life. This is what the new song is about, and it will also be the theme of my major concert in Liepāja, titled ‘Mans ceļš’ (My Way).”

The concert “Mans ceļš” will take place on March 9, 2024, and tickets are already available at Biļešu Paradīze box offices and online here: https://ej.uz/ivofominskoncerts. The concert will feature powerful sound and lighting equipment, and besides Ivo and his band, special guests—individuals who played a significant role in Ivo’s career- will also participate.

The new song “Vēl viens pagrieziens” is produced by Roberts Dinters and Ivo himself, with the final audio mix by Janis Narbuts. The recording includes Ivo Fomins on vocals, Roberts Dinters on guitar and keyboards, Kristaps Eihvalds on bass, and Eriks Hanzovskis on drums. The video is produced by Kaspar Dween Productions.

In addition to the upcoming major concert in March next year, there is an opportunity to attend the remaining shows of Ivo Fomins’ series “30 gadi uz skatuves koncertus” (30 Years on Stage), which will take place on December 8 in Talsi (sold out) and on December 21 in Ogre.

Guntars Račs: “The path is life, and life is the path. Keep moving forward, and don’t fear the swift turns where life occasionally challenges us. They might lead into a ditch but can also take you up a high hill. If you don’t turn, you won’t know.”

The song is available on all music streaming and download platforms worldwide: https://orcd.co/velvienspagrieziens

RAUM has come back with new powerful song, more powerfull and more honest that ever.

Agnese Rakovska introduces ‘Constellation class,’ which is a new method aimed at revolutionizing and digitizing music lessons within the general education system. The primary focus is on engaging students in practical activities while providing opportunities to gain fundamental music knowledge and theory in a contemporary manner, utilizing technology and music production equipment. This approach influences children and their thinking towards music lessons, combating the stigma within the education system that deems music classes dull, outdated, and irrelevant.

The project directly addresses this issue, creating an environment and method that resonates closely with the interests of children and teenagers. By growing both theory and practical skills, it allows students to use the knowledge in real-life scenarios. It primarily adopts the structure established by ‘School 2030,’ aligning with the guidelines and recommendations adopted by the Ministry of Education and Science for organizing the educational process.

“Music lessons should focus on practical activities that foster each student’s creativity and interest in music. My experience and education have been the key in creating an entirely new concept, addressing educational issues in a modern and relevant manner,” says Agnese.

The project’s goal is to introduce the ‘Constellation Class’ initiative in multiple educational institutions throughout the upcoming academic year, developing new teaching materials and enhancing the technical infrastructure of schools. Additionally, the initiative aims to nurture a new generation capable of competing in the creative industries.

Project tasks involve identifying schools willing to modernize their music classes, engaging educators ready to adopt this method, creating pilot lessons to assess their relevance among children, developing evaluation criteria for music classes, initiating the adoption process, and conducting teacher training.

“I met Būū for the first time in February 2022, during the concert “Latvian rap against the war in Ukraine”. I didn’t know when and how, but I knew that one day we will work together because I ‘caught’ Būū vibe right away ” says Raiens. Būū added that she rarely collaborate on songs and even more rarely sing about romantic love, but on “Taurenīt?” she managed to get both of those ticks in effortlessly. “Raiens is young, determined artist, driven by good goals, bright thoughts and love” she says.

Spotify

Indie pop project Funkinbiz, in collaboration with music producer Mārcis Vasiļevskis, makes their debut with the song “Tini – shadows,” an exciting single from upcoming album performed in Ukrainian language. The song is already available on all major music streaming platforms. Link – https://ffm.to/tini

The title of the song, “Tini,” symbolizes the shadows of love that touch us and linger even after we have experienced the joy of love at least once. The song is particularly fitting for moments when we introspect, travel, dream, love, and express romantic feelings.

The track was recorded at the “Laimes telpa” studio, in collaboration with talented musicians: drummer Dairis Petrauskis, and bass guitarist Toms Kursītis. The post-production was done by Toms Lisments, while the final sound processing was carried out by Robb Robinson from California, known for his collaboration with the renowned artist Jason Mraz.

The song was written by Kirils Ponomarenko, also known as Funkinbiz, who is the songwriter and performer from Latvia. Coming from the breakdance and hip-hop culture, he combines various contemporary elements in his music. Born in Riga, Funkinbiz embarked on his musical journey by learning classical guitar from Armenian guitar master Vaak Kjurdjian. This training inspired his love for music and laid the foundation for his unique style. Funkinbiz further developed his skills at the prestigious Žoržs Siksnas School of Opera, specializing in vocal techniques and expanding his musical horizons.

In 2022, while experimenting with music and participating in exclusive events, Funkinbiz teamed up with music producer and multi-instrumentalist Mārcis Vasiļevskis (Laime Pilnīga, Samanta Tīna, Ralfs Eilands). They collaborated at the “Laimes Telpa” studio with like-minded professionals to create an album.

The main source of inspiration for this project is the power of love, which is employed with the hope of fostering connections between people.

Foto – Miks Uzans