A Europop blog by an American appreciator of all things Eurozone. Opinions expressed here are personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views/opinions of Warner Music Group. Contact here.
TwitterSearch
Subscribe
Subscribe via RSS
When Lauris Met Renee: A Latvian/Dutch Love Story (New "Zo'n Verhaal" Clip)
Is there any language Lauris Reiniks can't master? Very surprised this morning to hear the Latvian singer, who I've met before here in L.A. where he lives part time (he's a great guy), speaking Dutch. The singer and actor, who almost represented Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest several times (finishing 2nd in 2011), hits Holland in his latest clip, where he duets with Renée van Wegberg on a tune called "Zo'n Verhaal." For those keeping score at home, Lauris has now released songs in Latvian, Lithuanian, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Estonian, Dutch, German and English. He's live a living embodiment of Google Translate and a cool guy as well. Come back to L.A., Lauris, and teach us all your language learning secrets.
Latvia's LMFAO: Bermudu Divstūri's "Labi"
The first time I saw Bermudu Divstūri's video for "Labi" I thought to myself: what the fuck. Then, I had the good sense to ask a friend from Riga what the hell was happening. She calmly explained that the two dudes from Bermudu Divstūri ("incredibly attractive cousins Biceps and Triceps") are really Musiqq. And that this video is a joke of sorts. The guys are (I think) poking a bit of fun of Latvian dudes who think they are "down" or into hip-hop who are (as she called them) "country people." Basically well-respected act Musiqq are taking the piss and having a laugh here, but it's actually kind of a good song and it's simply on fire in Latvia this month on you tube. Everyone under 25 is watching this video in the small country with big heart. LMFAO, eat your heart out.
Latvia: Astro'n'out, DJ Rudd's "Stillness"
It's been a minute since we've heard from Latvia's Astro'n'out. The Riga-based act today released a video for a slightly dark yet compelling song called "Stillness Is Light," which is low budget yet still communicates a touch of mystery that suits the track (which also features the work of DJ Rudd). I wrote about this band earlier this year and they're an intersting lot, describing their own sound as "from Erykah Badu till Smashing Pumpkins with Alanis Morrisette and Radiohead in the middle" on their Facebook page. Back in 2007, Astro'n'out was nominated for the MTV EMA's in the category of “New Sounds of Europe." Check out their latest below.
Lavtia: Proekt Koza's Latest Viral Video
What's hot in Latvia this month? This crazy new video by Riga-based comic troupe Proekt Koza. The song was produced by a guy named J.D Beatz, a HipHop/R&B/Pop producer signed to Millennium Men Records/EMI Music. The vocal talent in the track is via Kristina Korvin. Anyway, the song is pretty good and the video bursts with energy. Already this clip has racked up over 200,000 streams in just a few days since it was released, a huge number for Latvia (it may have a bit to do with the fact they rap in Russian). Fun stuff (filmed partially at Riga's hottest place for sushi, Tokyo City).
Latvia's Oskars Deigelis Samples Coldplay
Hey did you ever think the string section hook from Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" might make a really good sample? So did Latvia's Oskars Deigelis, who made an entire new song around the hook. Don't know much about Oskars or the producer of this track, Fakts, but this seems like a really awesome song and I'm going to have to learn Latvian, and soon, given all the great music I'm finding out of Riga lately. Check out "Ar Sauli Sirdī (Meklēt Patiesību)" below.
2 Comments