Until the midnight of January 13, 25 songs of the final will be evaluated by listeners and experts of “Music Bank”, so that on January 14, the 15 songs and their performers will be announced, who will fight for the title of the most valuable song of the year in Daugavpils.
At the same time, Latvijas Radio notes that, just like last year, the winner will be determined by the votes of the listeners and viewers during the live broadcast of the award ceremony on January 25 at 9 p.m. on Latvijas Radio 2 and LTV1 live from the Daugavpils Olympic Center.
Director of Latvian Radio 2 Kaspars Mauriņš states that in 2024, almost 170 “most magnetic songs” will be included in the safes of the “Music Bank”. He notes that in addition to the compositions of well-known artists, strong, sonorous and attractive songs were also created by young musicians this year.
“Among them, both already well-known performers and artists who have shone in the popular music sky this season have entered the survey,” says Mauriņš, adding that the TOP 25 of the anniversary year’s survey has turned out to be musically colorful.
Aminata’s and Sudden Lights’ song “Ataust rīts”, Justa and Tikasha Sakam’s “Keys”, Antra Stafecka’s and Jumprava’s song “Baltu įviņi noživāt”, Don’s song “Bultiņa kalpa”, Jānis Stībeļs and Elise DeMae’s “Summer will be here again”, Antra Stafeckas’ work “Dziļuma”, as well as Intara “I will go out” by Busulis and Abonement Orchestra.
Also among the finalists are the song “Lai kųel” by the group “Musiqq”, “Magnetic storm” by Linda Leen, the song “Nejauši kadri” by the group “Sudden Lights”, the song “Nomodā” by Chris Noah, “Rīgas Modes” with the song “Second plan actress” , Aija Andrejeva and the Baltic Groove Orchestra’s “Pa príštá”, as well as the song “Palaid vała” by the group “Kautkaili”.
Viktor Buntovski’s song “Ordinary girl”, Patricia’s song “City of fragments”, “Olas” group, Esmeralda and MarkMate’s work “Saule aust”, Emilia’s “Heart in ashes”, Mika Galvanovski’s song “Stupid conscience”, Reika and Emily’s work “Only with you”.
In the final vote, you can also vote for the song “Tu ikriti manī” by the band “Instrumenti”, the song “Tuvu” by Yūt, the song “Vai ne” by Greta and Wiesuļis, the song “Varbūt” by Kārlis Būmeister, as well as the song “Zinu ka paries” by Elizabetes Gailes .
The songs voted for the grand final of “Music Bank 2024” are also evaluated by an independent jury, which includes composer and musician Emīls Zilberts, opera singer Brigita Reisone, composer and musician Fēliks ĶiĶelis, conductor, vocal teacher and singer Una Stade, musician, folklorist and producer Artūrs Uškāns, rapper , musician Zelma Jäger, actor, singer and composer Maksims Busels, poet Guntars Račs, musicologist, Latvian Radio 3 “Classics” program manager Signe Lagzdiņa, music reviewer, Latvian Radio 5 personality Mārtiņš Pabērzis.
Everyone can vote for their favorite composition once a day at “musikalabanka.lv” until midnight on January 13. The overall evaluation of the listeners and the jury will determine the 15 best songs, which will continue to fight for the title of the most valuable song of the year at the final concert show “Muzikalā banka 2024”, where the winner of the title of the most valuable song will be determined only by the votes of the listeners and viewers.
“Muzikālā banka” is a survey organized by Latvian Radio 2, in which listeners determine the most valuable and most loved domestic songs every year. On Latvian Radio 2, “Muzikālā banka” is broadcast three times a week – on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:05 p.m. and on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m.
Throughout the year, listeners’ votes on the website “musikalabanka.lv” determine the most valuable pop and rock songs of the week, month and year.
Traditionally, the annual survey of the “Musical Bank” ends with an ambitious award ceremony, in which the authors and performers of songs whose works are most appreciated by the radio listeners and the jury take part.
This year “Music Bank” will be held for the 25th time. “Music Bank 2023” was won by Don with the song “Kingdom of Broken Spears”. The second most valuable song became “We continue” performed by the group “Sudden Lights”, while the third place was taken by the composition “Dzīparos” by Antra Stafeckas and Ivo Grīsniņas-Grīšlis.
Latvian Music Fans Gear up for 25th Annual Muzikālā Banka awards
Music lovers across Latvia are buzzing with excitement as the nominees for the 25th annual Muzikālā Banka awards have been announced. This beloved annual contest, organized by latvian Radio 2, culminates in a grand ceremony where listeners’ votes decide the year’s most popular Latvian songs.
A Celebration of Latvian Music
Intars straume, a prominent Latvian musicologist and music critic, joins us to discuss the importance of Muzikālā Banka and dissect the nominated tracks.
World today News: Intars, Muzikālā Banka has been a staple in Latvian music culture for 25 years. What makes it so special?
Intars Straume: Muzikālā banka is a truly unique event for latvian music. It’s a platform that celebrates the diversity and dynamism of our musical landscape. It’s not just about chart-toppers, but also about showcasing emerging talents and highlighting the creativity within different genres.
World Today News: This year’s
nominations span a wide range of styles, from pop and rock to folk and electronic. Which acts are you particularly impressed with?
Intars Straume: It’s encouraging to see so much fresh talent alongside established names. I’m particularly drawn to the innovative approach of artists like “Instrumenti” and their song “Tu ikriti manī,” which blends traditional Latvian sounds with modern electronic elements.
World Today News: The public vote plays a crucial role in deciding the Muzikālā Banka winners. What makes this aspect of the competition so vital?
Intars Straume: It’s truly a celebration of the power of the people. Latvian Radio 2 has always put an emphasis on engaging the public and making them feel like an integral part of the music scene.
World Today News: With the grand finale approaching on January 25th in Daugavpils,anticipaion is building. Any predictions for who might take home the top prize?
Intars Straume: It’s a tough call! The competition is fierce this year. Groups like “Sudden Lights” have a dedicated fan base,and artists like Aminata have consistently delivered outstanding music.
Ultimately, the winner will be the artist who resonates most with the hearts and minds of Latvian music lovers. That’s what makes Muzikālā Banka so exciting — it’s a true reflection of the nation’s musical taste.
