“baltu įviņi nodživat” Crowned Most Valuable Song of 2024 at Latvian Music Bank Awards
The 25th anniversary of Latvian Radio 2’s Music Bank culminated in a grand celebration of music, with Antra Stafecka, Ingars Viļums, and the band Jumprava taking home the coveted title of the most valuable song of the year for their composition “Baltu įviņi nodživat”. The ceremony, held in Daugavpils, saw 15 finalists compete for the top spot, with the winner persistent solely by the votes of listeners and viewers.
“We thank all the voters and say thank you for being so brave to look inside yourself and understand the code of this song,” said Ingars Viļums, the song’s co-author, during his heartfelt acceptance speech.
A Celebration of Latvian Music
Table of Contents
The Music Bank 2024 awards showcased the diversity and richness of latvian music, with songs spanning genres and themes. The top three spots were claimed by “Baltu įviņi nodživat”, Musiqq’s “Lai kųl”, and Chris Noah’s “Awake”. Other notable entries included Emily’s “Heart in Ashes” and Miks Galvanovskis’ “Stupid Conscience”, which secured fourth and fifth places, respectively.
Kaspars Mauriņš,director of Latvian Radio 2,reflected on the milestone year,stating,”The 25th anniversary year of Music Bank was spent beautifully,grandiosely,and impressively. I am pleased that the Latvian Radio 2 music survey has not only gained but also managed to keep the trust and appreciation of both listeners and artists. The songs in their native language address what we continue to make sure again and again.”
How the Winner Was Chosen
The final voting process for Music Bank is a two-round affair. In the first round, 25 compositions are evaluated by both experts and listeners on the official Music Bank website, muzikalabanka.lv. This determines the 15 finalists who compete in the live broadcast of the final show. For the second consecutive year, the winner was decided exclusively by audience votes during the live broadcast.
interestingly, if the decision had been left solely to the musical experts, “Baltu įviņi nodživat” would still have claimed the top spot. However, the rankings would have shifted substantially for other entries. As a notable example, “tu ikriti mani” by Instrumentu and “Ordinary Girl” by Viktors Buntovskis would have secured second and third places, respectively.
A Look at the Results
Here’s a summary of the Music Bank 2024 top 15:
| Rank | Song | Artist(s) |
|———-|——————————|————————————|
| 1 | “Baltu įviņi nodživat” | Antra Stafecka, Ingars viļums, Jumprava |
| 2 | “Lai kųl” | Musiqq |
| 3 | “Awake” | Chris Noah |
| 4 | “Heart in Ashes” | Emily |
| 5 | “Stupid Conscience” | Miks Galvanovskis |
| 6 | “Random shots” | Sudden Lights |
| 7 | “ordinary Girl” | Viktors Buntovskis |
| 8 | “Tuvu” | Yūt |
| 9 | “Black Arrow” | Don |
| 10 | “I’m Going Out” | Intars Busulis, Subscription Orchestra |
| 11 | “You Fell Into Me” | Tools |
| 12 | “Perhaps” | Karlis Boomeisters |
| 13 | “Dawn” | Aminata, Sudden Lights |
| 14 | “Let Loose” | Kautkaili |
| 15 | “Magnetic Storm” | Linda Leen |
The Power of the Audience
The Music Bank awards highlight the importance of audience participation in shaping the Latvian music landscape. As Mauriņš emphasized, “Every vote counts in determining the most valuable song of the year.” This year’s results are a testament to the enduring connection between artists and their listeners, proving that music truly resonates when it speaks to the heart.
For more details on the voting process and to explore the full list of nominees, visit the official Music Bank website at muzikalabanka.lv.
—
Stay tuned for updates on next year’s Music Bank awards and join the conversation by voting for your favorite songs!
The 2024 Social Media Charity Marathon and the grand finale of “Music Bank” brought together some of latvia’s most talented artists, composers, and performers in a breathtaking celebration of music. Held at the Daugavpils Olympic center, the event showcased the best of latvian music, with unforgettable performances, premieres, and commemorative awards.
A Night of Premieres and Legendary Performances
The evening was marked by the premiere of the hymn “High five!”, written by the group “The Sound Poets” and performed by Ivo Fomins. The song,which resonated deeply with the audience,was a highlight of the event. Other notable guests included Ilona Bagele,“Daugavpils Brass”,the choir “Daugava”,the chamber orchestra “Daugavpils sinfonietta”,and the orchestra “Daugava”,all of whom added their unique flair to the night.
The 25th anniversary of “Music Bank” was celebrated with ambitious and legendary performances. Gunārs Kalniņš, whose duet “White Song” with singer Kristen won the first-ever “Music Bank” title in 2000, returned to the stage. Additionally, the first song ever deposited in the “music Bank” safes, “Sitiet bungas” by “Buss debesīs”, was performed, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey.
Winners and Commemorative Awards
This year’s “Music bank” grand final was won by Antra Stafecka and “jumprava” with their composition “Living a white life”. Third place went to the group “Kautkaili” for their song “Palaid vała”. All finalists received commemorative awards designed by artist Armandas Jēkabsons, whose work reflects the magnetism found in both nature and music.
The songs were evaluated by an independent and professional jury, including composer Emils Zilberts, opera singer Brigita Raison, composer Félikss ĶiĶelis, conductor Una Stade, folklorist artūrs Uškāns, rapper Zelma Jäger, actor maksim Bussel, poet Guntars Rachs, musicologist Signe Lagzdiņa, and music reviewer Mārtiņš Pabērzis.
About “Music Bank”
“Music Bank” is an annual survey organized by latvian Radio 2, where listeners vote for the most valuable and beloved domestic songs. The show airs three times a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 14.05, and has become a cornerstone of Latvian music culture.
| Key Highlights of the 2024 ”Music Bank” grand Final |
|———————————————————|
| Winner: Antra Stafecka and “Jumprava” – “Living a white life” |
| Third Place: “Kautkaili” – “Palaid vała” |
| Premiere: ”High five!” by “The Sound Poets” |
| Legendary Performance: Gunārs Kalniņš - “White Song” |
| Commemorative Awards: Designed by Armandas Jēkabsons |
Engaging the Audience
The final show was hosted by Latvian Radio 2 personalities Kaspars Mauriņš and Līna Grīniece, with backstage interviews conducted by Atis Zviedris, Kaspars Markševics, Velga Vītola, Līga Robežniece, and Mārtiņš Kanters. the event also featured a performance by Maxim Bussel, winner of the Latvian Television show “Pārdziedi mani”, and a tribute to the 2022 “Music Bank” winners “Other Boys”.The 2024 Social Media Charity Marathon and “Music Bank” grand final not only celebrated Latvian music but also highlighted the power of community and creativity. As the event concluded, it left audiences inspired and eager for the next chapter in Latvia’s musical journey.
For more details on the event and its participants,visit the official coverage on LSM.lv.“Music Bank 2023” Celebrates 25 Years of honoring Latvia’s Best Pop and Rock Hits
For 25 years, Music Bank has been a cornerstone of Latvia’s music scene, celebrating the nation’s most beloved pop and rock songs. This year’s edition, Music Bank 2023, marked a significant milestone, crowning Don’s “Kingdom of Broken Spears” as the most valuable song of the year. The annual event, which culminates in a grand award ceremony, continues to captivate listeners and artists alike.
Every Saturday at 12:00, listeners cast their votes on the Music Bank home page, determining the most valuable songs of the week, month, and year.The process is a testament to the program’s commitment to engaging its audience and honoring musical excellence. “The annual survey of the Musical bank ends with an ambitious award ceremony in which the authors and performers of the songs whose works are most appreciated by the radio listeners and the jury take part,” the organizers shared.
This year’s competition was fierce, with Don’s “kingdom of Broken Spears” taking the top spot. The second place went to “We Continue” by the group Sudden Lights, while Antra Stafeckas and Ivo Grīsniņas-Grīšlis secured third place with their composition “Dzīparos”. These results reflect the diverse tastes of Latvian listeners and the enduring appeal of both established and emerging artists.
key Highlights of Music Bank 2023
| Position | Artist | Song |
|————–|—————————|——————————|
| 1st | Don | “Kingdom of Broken Spears” |
| 2nd | Sudden Lights | “We Continue” |
| 3rd | Antra Stafeckas & Ivo Grīsniņas-grīšlis | “Dzīparos” |
The Music Bank award ceremony is more than just a celebration of music; it’s a platform for artists to connect with their fans and showcase their talent. The event’s 25th anniversary added an extra layer of importance, highlighting its role in shaping Latvia’s musical landscape.
As Music Bank continues to evolve, it remains a vital part of Latvia’s cultural fabric. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the program offers a unique opportunity to discover and celebrate the best in Latvian music.
What’s your favorite Latvian song? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about Music Bank 2023!
Interview with Kaspars Mauriņš, Co-Host of “Music Bank 2023”
Editor: Kaspars, thank you for joining us today.”Music Bank 2023″ has just concluded its 25th anniversary edition. What makes this year’s event notably special?
Kaspars mauriņš: It’s an honor to be here. This year’s edition is indeed historic, marking 25 years of celebrating Latvian music. Over the decades, “music Bank” has become more than just a program; it’s a cultural institution that brings together artists, fans, and the broader community. This year, we saw an astonishing mix of established legends and emerging talents, making it a truly memorable celebration.
Editor: Don’s “Kingdom of Broken Spears” won the top spot this year. What do you think makes this song stand out?
Kaspars Mauriņš: Don’s work is always deeply emotional and thought-provoking. ”kingdom of Broken Spears” is no exception—it’s a powerful anthem that resonates with listeners on manny levels.The song’s lyrical depth, coupled with its compelling melodies, showcases Don’s ability to connect with audiences in a profound way. It’s no surprise that it captured the hearts of so many listeners this year.
Editor: How did the participation of in the competition add to the excitement?
Kaspars Mauriņš: Sudden Lights are one of Latvia’s most innovative and exciting bands. Thier song “We Continue” is a testament to their creativity and ability to push boundaries. Their participation not only added energy to the competition but also highlighted the diversity of Latvian music. It’s always inspiring to see artists who are unafraid to experiment and evolve.
Editor: Antra Stafeckas and Ivo Grīsniņas-Grīšlis secured third place with “dzīparos.” What’s unique about their collaboration?
Kaspars Mauriņš: Antra and Ivo are both exceptional artists in their own right, and their collaboration on “Dzīparos” is a perfect blend of their strengths. The song’s poetic lyrics and haunting melodies create a timeless piece that speaks to the soul.Their ability to complement each other’s styles is what makes this collaboration so special.
Editor: What role does the jury play in determining the winners,and how does it differ from the listeners’ votes?
Kaspars Mauriņš: The jury brings a professional perspective to the competition,evaluating the songs based on artistic merit,originality,and technical excellence.Their input complements the listeners’ votes, ensuring that the results reflect both popular appeal and artistic quality. It’s a balance that helps maintain the integrity of the competition.
Editor: As “Music Bank” celebrates its 25th anniversary, what are your hopes for its future?
kaspars Mauriņš: My hope is that “Music Bank” continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.I’d love to see even more experimentation and diversity in the music we celebrate, and also greater engagement with younger audiences. This program has always been about bringing people together through music, and I believe it will continue to do so for many years to come.
Editor: what message would you like to share with the listeners and participants of “Music Bank 2023”?
Kaspars Mauriņš: I’d like to thank everyone who participated, voted, and supported “music Bank” this year. Your passion and dedication are what make this program so special. To the artists, keep creating and sharing your music—it’s a gift to us all. Here’s to another 25 years of celebrating Latvian music!
Conclusion
The 25th anniversary edition of “Music Bank” was a celebration of Latvia’s rich musical heritage, featuring a mix of established artists and emerging talents. Don’s “Kingdom of Broken Spears” took the top spot, followed by Sudden Lights’ “We Continue” and Antra Stafeckas and Ivo Grīsniņas-Grīšlis’ “Dzīparos.” Co-host Kaspars Mauriņš highlighted the program’s role in bringing people together and expressed hope for its continued evolution in the years to come.”Music Bank” remains a vital platform for celebrating and preserving Latvian music.
