Arturs Skutelis’ album “Yes” was made in 2021–2022. in a year. The original version of the composition “Sponsors” was recorded about three years ago, during the album “Avalanche”. Collaboration with rapper Ūga, song “Bēgums”, started in the summer two years ago. The artist felt the flow of the album during the creation of “Differences”. In turn, the war in Ukraine paused the album process.
“Since February 24, I’ve had a lot of questions about whether and when to publish the album. However, I realized that my music is very difficult to record in the entertainment category, respectively – it’s not just a selection of fun songs. Outrage, fear, despair, anger – the wide range of emotions I had for the first few months has subsided a bit. for the concert “Latvian Rap against the War in Ukraine”.
The charity concert was attended by more than 50 Latvian rappers who have not previously stood on the stage of one event. Would it come a second time? Skutelis explains: “Although I organized the concert, it would be more correct to say that the Latvian rapper came together himself. representing one genre and able to put aside controversy to step on the same stage for the sake of one bigger goal.In answer to the question of whether such a line-up could be assembled for no reason, I very much hope we can do that when the war ends and Putin dies. If we talk outside of such important events, it will hardly be said that it will happen. “
“Yes” – for layers
Alga Golovacka (flute), Dita Frīdenberga (saxophone), Mārtiņš Vilnītis (guitar), Gatis Ziema (guitar) and Dj Vins participated in the recording of the album “Yes” with their vocals. The musical accompaniments of the album have been performed by: NiklāvZ, Shenfi, Oriole, Oskars Iljins, Rihards Strauss, Noitro, Robis GKW and Arturs Skutelis himself. Most of the recordings were made in Riga, in the studio “msonic Baltic”. The album was edited by Jānis Šmēdiņš (Fakts) in Jelgava, in the studio “PrimeTime Records”. The visual design of the album was created by Emīls Kālis. The cover of the album uses an excerpt from the painting “Children’s Games” (1560) by Peter the Elder (c. 1525–1569).
The album “Yes” can be listened to in different layers – musically it fascinates with its diverse rhythm, tempo, dynamics or flow. The electronic layers merge with the instrumental parts of the flute, saxophone and guitar. In this context, does Skutelis feel like an instrument of rhythm? Yes. He adds:
“While writing this album, I tried to get rid of what was expected of me so that I could work freely and freely.
If we talk about the hip hop industry aspect, then outstanding emsijs does not immediately mean success and the interest of the audience. Other factors need to be taken into account. “
I tell Skutelis that there is already an album about the industry and rap music factors and I ask if anyone has asked him to create that radio hit. To which the musician responds, we must first talk about how we understand this representative of the music industry, the executive producer, in the context of the album. “The text is always open for interpretation, but from my point of view it was an inner voice, a doubt and a devil trying to tell me what’s right. During the album, I deal with it and it’s a very good feeling,” says Skutelis.
Arturs Skutelis
Photo: publicity image
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The fight, one of the hallmarks of hip-hop, remains in this record as well – a fight with myself, I say to Skutelis, to which he replies: I protest this album against the music industry or things that happen in Latvian hip-hop, for example.
This is one of the few albums where I’m really not afraid to look comical and look at myself and the culture and industry a little ironically. Here, struggle and self-irony are motifs that are quite close to each other and overlap, but it’s definitely not a protest fight album. “
The full length of the album “Yes” will be heard in the first part of the “Palladium” concert, while the second part will be composed by compositions made at different times. The music will be complemented by visualizations by Emil Kalis and Kristaps Kazaks. Before Skutelis, listeners will have the opportunity to hear performances from Dj Vinvins, Ūga and Bush.
Arturs Skutelis
Photo: publicity image
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This year in Latvian hip-hop is rich in albums. “I haven’t heard all the Latvian hip-hop recordings yet, but there is a possibility that the scenario of 2009 will be repeated in 2022 – it will be the culmination of its period, which can be celebrated with an excellent record. Wiesulis, Oda, EV albums, Finķi I haven’t heard yet “Roland Che has a strong record and many more will be new this year. It’s only May,” he adds, saying the pandemic may have given authors time to work on new albums. Skutelis also points out that in recent years, news can also be heard from rappers who have been silent for a long time, and that is very good. “Finally, Latvian hip-hop is not treated as a lower genre. It has always been very diverse and now there are far fewer stereotypes around it, especially when it comes to this year’s breath.”
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