The road from Riga to Ljubljana takes a big detour, because this time we have to do without direct flights. When the destination is finally reached, Ljubljana welcomes a warm spring day. There are contrasts in the urban landscape – the historic old town center is surrounded by constructivism. The venue of the first day of “MENT” is located two kilometers from the center in the multifunctional cinema “Kino Šiška”. The idea of focusing on the Baltic music market came to Agnes Cimuška-Rekkei, executive director of the Latvian Music Development Association/Latvijas Mūzikas eksportas, in 2015 as a joke “from the Balkans to the Baltics”. It turned into “Baltic moment”, and the idea was realized with the support of the Baltic Culture Fund, the Ministry of Culture and the Association of Latvian Performers and Producers. “Music Estonia” and the Lithuanian Music Business Association became cooperation partners of the “Baltic moment” project.
“This is the uniqueness of us – the three Baltic states – to agree, cooperate, support each other and at the same time preserve our differences,” says Agnese Cimuška-Rekke, noting that there are often no such examples when countries unite in the music industry to present themselves in such a way in a large-scale project.
Agnese Cimuška-Rekke Photo: Tina Stariha
“Baltic moMENT” project manager Kristīne Klein adds: “MENT” was a perfect conference for the Baltic focus precisely because of the size of the market – the territory of Slovenia is also not large, and the Balkan countries have an active cultural life similar to us in the Baltics. And industry professionals can also exchange knowledge , how things work in smaller markets.”
Previously, the Baltic countries had cooperated on a smaller scale, but considering that the Baltics are perceived as one market in the world music industry, this was an additional motivator for a larger project. Cimuška-Rekke continues: “We are new participants in the acquisition of the music industry markets. We have started our export initiatives at the same time. Each of the Baltic countries has a small local market, its own unique language, the operating principle of the industry – DIY (do it yourself) or management, which covers all fields of activity. And yet we are also united by historical and social similarities, and the related emotional aspect. During the existence of “MENT”, the focus of the Baltic music industry was the first activity of its kind, where a specific region is highlighted at the conference.”
Representatives of the Ministries of Culture of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Slovenia, ambassadors and honorary consuls of all three Baltic countries also attended the Baltic music industry presentation event in person. Representatives of the Baltic States’ Ministries of Culture had a meeting with the Slovenian Ministry of Culture. “Participation and representation in such events is a long-term investment, which must be systematic,” says Agnese Cimuška-Rekke.
Six events were held in the “Baltic moment” program, including a reception event and presentation of the Baltic industry, participation of professionals in networking events and panel discussions. For example, Đirts Majors (“Positivus Festival”) took part in the panel about changes in festivals, while Guna Zucika (“Every Little Thing”) – in the panel about the possibilities of a concert tour in the Baltic States. Lena Sme represented the festival “Skaņu mežs”, “MOO”, and Mark Dielers “Lona Music”, “Cindy & Kate” – both are active concert organizers who have brought both well-known artists to the Baltic countries and given a platform to new names.
Discussion about concert opportunities in the Baltics Photo: Maša Gojić
In total, the Baltic countries were represented by 35 music industry professionals, 12 artists (total of 77 artists in the program), Latvia was presented by nine professionals. 39 musicians from Latvia applied to play “MENT”, from which the festival organizers chose Elizabeti Balčus and the groups “NESEN”, “Bel Tempo” and “Perestroika”. At the Baltic film evening, the guests watched the film “Jelgava 94” directed by Jānis Ābeles.
“MENT” was the first conference-festival of the music industry for Maija Moira Mazanova, head of the “M/Darbnīca” club, in which she participated both in the discussion of listening and evaluating new music, and sought new collaborations for the club’s program. She says: “This summer’s “M/Workshops” program will be supplemented by many interesting musicians directly from this festival – France, Italy, maybe also from Slovenia. At this festival, jazz was not represented in the classical sense of this genre, but in connection with electronics. To “MENT ” I’m driving with the aim of promoting the new, interesting jazz music that we from Latvia can offer very well in the popular music scene. For example, the duo of Evija Vēbers and Ivars Arutjunjanas, as well as many other compositions that are at our “M/Darbnīkė” alone they have found each other and grown. In short, we bring home a lot of work from this conference.”
Discussion of music listening and evaluation Photo: Lenart Lukšič.
“I visited the first “MENT” in 2015, because “Carnival Youth” was the first group that “MENT” nobukoja after hearing the band “Reeperbahn Festival” in Germany. Of course, the first events are smaller in size, so I can see nine years of growth – in terms of visitors, delegates. “MENT” is the central event of the Balkan region, and not only. “Carnival Youth” have returned to Ljubljana and played a solo concert “Kino Šiška”, as well as performed at festivals. This market is interesting, but given the distance, you have to look at it in a bigger context – going on a concert tour, which are the logistical points that meet. This “MENT” was a successful event for the presentation of the Latvian and Baltic market,” explains Guna Zučika, manager of the management company “Every Little Thing”.
About the city, about music
Perhaps the first musical associations when mentioning Slovenia is the avant-garde group “Laibach”, which is also well known to the listeners in Latvia, as well as the cooperation of the group with directors Ugi Olti, Morten Travik and cameraman Valdi Celmiņa, “Environmental Film Studio” produced the film “Liberation day”. Latvian listeners might also be familiar with the Slovenian jazz, world and folk music scene.
“The Sugars” Photo: Maša Pirc
Thanks to the geographical location, the cultural scene in Slovenia is active and there are also concert venues of various sizes, for example, enlivening industrial buildings. So, for example, “AKC Metelkova mesto” is underground cultural center both musically and visually. On the other hand, the abandoned factory building “Sukrarna”, built in 1828 and with the status of cultural monuments, nowadays offers rooms for concerts, contemporary art exhibitions and other artistic expressions. Similar multifunctionality is practiced by other cultural places.
“RECENTLY” Photo: Marcel Obal
“MENT” concerts were well attended and the audience listened to Latvian artists with interest. The diversity of post-rock stylistics was introduced by “NESEN”. Their songs are in Latvian and foreign languages become a part of the common sound, which the group manages in a controlled way, thereby building a new space that fascinates the listeners. “Perestroika” music is eclectic, but also belongs to the rock genre. The group’s songs are in English and tell of visions of the future, musically multi-part, with theatrical elements and great power. An expressive performance of electronic music was prepared by Elizabete Balčus, bringing the audience into the world of fantasy. On the other hand, “Bel Tempo” electropop both ennobled and invited you to immerse yourself in memories and feelings. A local rapper also joined the performance of “Bel Tempo”. “We have no idea what he said. When I asked the Slovenian woman, she said everything he said rhymed,” says Kristine Klein, representative of Bel Tempo.
Elizabeth Balčus Photo: Katja Goljat
A music conference festival can be approached conscientiously by listening to all the artists beforehand. You can also go with the flow and the recommendations of the people you meet, which was my choice this time. I am very happy for the opportunity to hear the French “La Femme”, who masterfully adapted yes pop stylistics today. He performs his music with the charm and sexiness of French movie stars.
“Wife” Photo: Tina Stariha
It was interesting to see how seemingly “niche” genres have found a way to expand their audience. For example, the Slovenian trio “Etceteral”, which performs experimental jazz, complements it with gorgeous visualizations. On the other hand, the Estonian interpreters of modern folk music “Puuuluup” complement their performance with dances, witty lines and other theatrical elements. And the Slovenians “Gugutke”, who perform folk and ethno-jazz, fascinate with their wit even those who are just getting to know the Balkan culture. Also, music conferences provide an opportunity to discover talents that will soon be the talk of the town. This time it could be the British “PVA”, who combine post-punk, techno and electroclash.
“Puzzle Up” Photo: Tina Stariha
It should be noted that it is useful for music lovers to know that there are good vinyl records stores in Ljubljana, where you can find very extensive collections. On the other hand, Latvian musicians will participate in the nearby Tallinn Music Week from May 11 to 13, which also offers a stylistically diverse festival, which listeners are also invited to attend.
Latvian musicians participate in a conference in Slovenia3 min
