The idea of recording this song in a new sound came a little earlier, when “Very Cool People” collaborated with the unusual tandem Žoržs and Ozols in some concerts, creating new arrangements for the songs performed by Siksna.
After the concerts, I had the feeling that something from this repertoire should also be immortalized in a recording. The lucky draw fell to “Pasaulite”.
“The message of the song is now more relevant than ever,” Georges Siksna explains this choice.
“Right now, the world is changing at a hyperspeed and you have to be able to keep up with it somehow…”
Along with the single, a video was released, directed by Elvis Lācis together with Đirtas Rozentals or Ozola, who is also one of the main actors.
It’s an action thriller set in the 1970s when a wise-ass speculates on Jorlandia’s national currency, the Jorldars.
This is a reference to the times when goods from Eastern European bloc countries were illegally sold in these latitudes. For example, stylish boots from Czechoslovakia. Or even rings with precious stones that attracted the wealthiest buyers who had a lot of coveted “Jorl Dollars” on hand…
The creators of the music video do not hide their inspiration from, as they say, the “Jewel of Latvia” – the feature film “Criminal Excellence Fund”, as well as the legendary films of Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese.
The clip features not only the creators of the single, but also other equally talented musicians.
The author of the song is Raimonds Pauls, it was once written with the text of Leon Briež, to which Đirts Rozentāls, or Ozols, has now added his lines.
The creators of the new arrangement are Elvijs Grafcovs and Māris Jēkabsons, and the studio producers are Elvijs and Jānis Kalve.
All members of the band “Very Cool People” took part in the recording of the song: trombonist Laura Rozenberga, trumpeter Oskars Ozoliņš, tenor saxophonist Māris Jēkabsons, baritone saxophonist Kristaps Lubovs, keyboardists Māris Vitkus and Andris Kauliņš, bassist Jānis Olekšs, drummer Andris Buiķis and, of course, the group’s leader, guitarist Elvij Graftsov, who also played a few games synthesizer and bass parts, as well as atypically reserved the accompanying vocals for the song.
He is also greatly helped by the promising backing vocalist Daniela Victoria Mase, with whom the group has big plans for the future. However, the main roles in the new version of “Pasaulīte” are, of course, Georges Siksna and Ozols.
This is the band’s first single of 2025, but it’s already clear that this is just the beginning of another year of musical harvest.
The group does not hide that this year there will be many more news and collaborations with other great guest artists.
Reviving Classics: A Conversation on Modernizing “Pasaulīte” wiht Music Expert Anna Bērziņa
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The reimagination of classic songs is a trend that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sits down with Anna Bērziņa, a renowned musicologist and expert in latvian music, to discuss the recent revival of the iconic song “Pasaulīte” by the band ”Very Cool People.” From its new arrangements to the creative process behind the music video, Anna provides deep insights into how this classic has been reimagined for a modern audience.
The Inspiration Behind the Revival
Editor: Anna, the decision to re-record “Pasaulīte” seems to have been a pivotal moment. What inspired the band to take this step?
Anna: The band “Very Cool People” had been experimenting with new arrangements during their concerts, especially in collaboration with Žoržs Siksna and Ozols.These live performances gave them the confidence to immortalize their reinterpretation in a studio recording. as Georges Siksna mentioned, the message of the song is incredibly relevant today, especially in a world that’s changing at a hyperspeed. It was a natural choice to breathe new life into this classic.
The Creative Process: Arrangements and Sound
Editor: Can you tell us more about the creative process behind the new arrangement?
Anna: The new arrangement was a collaborative effort led by Elvijs Grafcovs and Māris Jēkabsons. They reworked the original composition by Raimonds Pauls, infusing it with modern jazz and funk elements. The band members, including trombonist Laura Rozenberga and trumpeter Oskars Ozoliņš, brought their unique styles to the table. The result is a fresh yet respectful homage to the original “Pasaulīte”, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair.
The Music Video: A Nostalgic Thriller
Editor: The music video is quite a spectacle. What inspired its unique concept?
anna: Directed by Elvis Lācis and featuring Đirts Rozentāls, the video is set in the 1970s and tells the story of a speculator dealing in Jorlandia’s fictional currency, the Jorldars. This concept is a nod to the clandestine trade of goods from Eastern European bloc countries during that era. The creators drew inspiration from classic films like Quentin Tarantino’s and Martin Scorsese’s works,as well as the Latvian film “Criminal Excellence Fund.” The result is a visually stunning, action-packed narrative that complements the song’s modern arrangement.
the Relevance of “Pasaulīte” in 2025
Editor: Why do you think “Pasaulīte” resonates so strongly with audiences today?
Anna: The song’s themes of adaptability and resilience are timeless. In an era of rapid technological and societal changes, “Pasaulīte” encourages listeners to find their footing in a fast-paced world. The band’s decision to update its sound and visuals ensures that it remains accessible and engaging for younger generations while still honoring its roots.
Looking Ahead: Future Collaborations
Editor: This single is just the beginning for “Very Cool People” in 2025. What can we expect from them in the coming months?
Anna: The band has hinted at more collaborations and new projects this year.They’re clearly committed to pushing creative boundaries, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them team up with other talented guest artists. This is an exciting time for Latvian music, and “Very Cool People” are at the forefront of this revolution in modernizing classics.
Conclusion
In this interview, anna Bērziņa shed light on the creative journey behind the reimagined “Pasaulīte.” From its fresh arrangements to its visually captivating music video, the band “Very Cool People” has successfully bridged the gap between the past and the present. As they continue to innovate, we can look forward to more exciting projects that celebrate and modernize Latvian musical heritage.