Category: News

Velvet River is a duo project consisting of drummer Kārlis Roberts Kalejs (LV) and bass guitarist Tauna Woolfe (UK). Following the release of their debut EP “Casablanca” at the beginning of the summer, the instrumental duo is now releasing live video recordings filmed and recorded in an industrial complex in Riga, Latvia.

“The charm of live recordings provides the listener with a similar feeling as a concert, as everything happens at the same time and place. Moreover, such videos offer the opportunity to see the musicians up close,” says Kārlis, the drummer of Velvet River, expressing the goals of the recordings.

The first recording released by the band, “Casablanca,” is a composition from the duo’s debut album. However, the tracks “Altercy” and “Occurrence” are entirely new and are being presented to the audience for the first time.

The choice to film in “Provodniks” happened very organically, as it was important for the duo to select a location that not only offered an authentic atmosphere but also complemented the group’s sound.

The musicians began their collaboration in late 2019 when both were studying music in the UK. The roles of bass guitar and drums in music typically serve to support and enhance the sound of other instruments, but Velvet River in their music experiment with what they can create just by themselves in such a minimalist context. The duo’s sound and unique concept are inspired by modern and contemporary jazz, combining it with their individual sources of inspiration.

The video series was created in collaboration with videographer Artūrs Krūmiņš, photographer Kārlis Didrihsons, and video producer Nikola Dita Namniece.

BAIBA, a Latvian musician and producer based in Austria, has released a new single and a live music video filmed at the top of the Alps.

“Black Hole” is her latest work and is already available on the most popular music streaming sites. BAIBA performed this song for her fans for the first time in a very unusual way – on the shores of a picturesque lake, located on a hiking trail in Austria at an altitude of 2158 metres.

Her performance is featured in the music video for the song “Black Hole”, a collaboration between the “Gigmit” booking platform and the portable power company “Instagrid”.

In the song, BAIBA talks about the bittersweet ‘unhealthy’ or ‘toxic’ love, often praised in pop culture.

The journey into space, the longing for something beautiful and lasting, and the fear of whether this attraction to the other will “suck out” the whole essence of oneself, pulling one into the nothingness or black hole of space – these existential questions, combined with a flowing melody and strong bass lines, create a whirlwind of feelings.

This is her first release since her EP “Compulsive” this spring.

Aivo Oskis and Oskars Deigelis have jointly released a new collaboration single titled “Gaiss tīrs”.

The primary theme of the song emphasizes the significance of effective communication within a relationship, especially during challenging times, instead of impulsively seeking fulfillment elsewhere. It underscores that open and honest dialog can lead to more profound and lasting connections between individuals.

Elizabete Gaile has released her version of the Gain Fast song ”Tas nav uz zemes šīs” giving a new sound to the song. ”There’s something special about this tune and the feeling it gives. When winter came, I felt that I wanted to record my version of it, as this song has become very close to me.

For this anxious time that goes along with the pre-holiday atmosphere, I wanted to convey a sense of peace and take the listener somewhere higher.” says Elizabete.

With the release of debut EP “short hair now”, Latvian band “whenever near” make a their mark on the local music scene. The album consists of six songs and is available at all major music streaming platforms.

The band is hailing from Riga, Latvia and consists of two members – Anneli Arro (vocals, keys) and Toms Taukulis (guitars, songwriting). Both have been involved in another project called “himnas”, which was nominated for “Austras balva” and “Zelta mikrofons”.

The EP “short hair now” combines post-emo guitar and drum sound influences, rhythmic yet downcast melodies within anthem-like verses. The record was self-released and it’s beginnings date back pre-pandemic.

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On October 21, the music label Amber Muse will continue its autumn-winter season of events. On this date, the Laska V21 club will host a party of the Disco Darko series with the support of Beefeater. Its headliner will be a representative of the Frankfurt scene, which gave the world a galaxy of famous electronic stars – Chinaski from the Robert Johnson club.

Stefan Haag aka Chinaski aka S-F-X is a sound and visual artist, producer, and DJ based in Frankfurt am Main. Born in Northern Germany and coming from a background in digital arts, his endeavours in electronic music are not new: Stefan has been producing for years to develop his signature sound built upon hooky synth lines.

His work has consequently brought him to Robert Johnson, in whose vicinity he stayed to become a resident in 2014. Led by a keen instinct for the visual counterpart of sound in video and live performance, Stefan has also edited numerous video clips for befriended artists and releases on Die Orakel or Live At Robert Johnson – the label he is closely affiliated with as a musician. He has also been released with Permanent Vacation, Running Back, Bordello A Parigi, and Dischi Autunno, among others.

As Chinaski Stefan addresses the dance floor as a joyful space where the roots and the contemporary of electronic dance music walk hand in hand. In his sets, he combines those genres of contemporary electronica that are commonly referred to as dark disco.

Indie and psychedelic rock band @thebadtones have just released their second tringle, ‘ii’, featuring three new tracks. Among them, “Vējš,” accompanied by a music video created by the band members, explores the theme of facing life’s headwinds. Lead vocalist and lyricist Edvards Broders shares, “Just like riding a bicycle over Vanšu bridge on a rainy day, with the wind in your ears and raindrops on your face, ‘Vējš’ captures the struggle to overcome helplessness and find your way forward.”

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After doing music in Latvia for years singer, song writer MARTA is ready to step into international waters with her first debut in English – Losing Game. 

The talented local musician and internationally acclaimed songwriter Chris Noah invites listeners to a solo performance at the cultural space “Tu jau zini kur.” (You Know Where) on September 28. This beloved meeting place in the Tallin Street Quarter of Riga will resound with new music from the artist as well.

The program will feature Chris Noah’s most popular pieces (Sunboy, Only Yours, Spark, Fall Through), as well as melodies that have received less airplay but hold a special place in the musician’s heart. Additionally, the audience will have the opportunity to appreciate entirely new and unheard of musical creations.

“This is a special moment in my career that I want to celebrate among friends,” says Chris. “There is much beauty behind me and even more ahead, so I invite everyone to pause for a bit, stay in the moment and spend a beautiful fall evening together. This year, I have been actively working on new material, and I can’t wait to perform it to my guests.”

Chris Noah is a singer and songwriter highly regarded both within the local and international music scene. Throughout his career, he has released several successful singles that have entered various radio charts, and has been nominated for multiple “Zelta Mikrofons” awards, including Best Debut, Best Pop Music Recording, and Song of the Year. Since 2022, Chris Noah is signed to Sony Music Entertainment, which also represents stars such as Adele, Robbie Williams, Beyoncé, and Måneskin. As a songwriter, has also achieved success in the Eurovision Song Contest; this year the song “Stay”, written in collaboration with the Latvian producer JJ Lush and performed by Monika Linkite, represented Lithuania and took and impressive 11th place in the competition’s grand final in Liverpool.

This will be the musician’s first full-scale concert in Riga this year.
Tickets available at ekase.lv.