artists
sort by:
Shipsea
LATVIA
20:00 – 20:40 / Nov 5 / Angārs stage curated by RMW
SHIPSEA is an experimental pop project by Latvian singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Jānis Šipkēvics, based in Stockholm. A member of Instrumenti and founder of Cosmos, Nepāriet, and Dora, he has toured with Instrumenti and opened for Björk, Arcade Fire, Mika, and Depeche Mode. His compositions have been performed across Europe, at the Venice Art Biennale, and for theatre and film projects.
Charlotte Fever
FRANCE
21:20 – 22:00 / Nov 6 / Angārs stage curated by Every Little Thing
Charlotte Fever, the French hot-pop duo, blends analog synths, exotic percussion, and lyrics of passion and disillusionment into a fiery, magnetic sound. Since debut album Paris Cyclone, they’ve lit up stages from Berlin to Taipei, earned nearly 10M streams, syncs in international series, and a 2024 Benoit Brayer Awards “New Talent” nomination. With radio support from France Bleu, FIP, and Culturebox, they now return with a new single and European tour to set hearts ablaze.
NOËP
ESTONIA
21:20 – 22:00 / Nov 5 / Angārs stage curated by RMW
NOËP, trailblazing artist from Tallinn, blends electronic and indie-pop with over 90M Spotify streams. His debut album No Man Is An Island won multiple Estonian Music Awards, and in 2023 he became the first Estonian to headline a stadium show, drawing 14,000 fans. With standout performances from Sziget to London and global collabs including Dillistone and CHINCHILLA, NOËP pairs innovative production with striking visuals, cementing his place on the international stage.
Ziferblat
Ukraine
00:00 – 00:40 / Nov 5 / Angārs stage curated by RMW
Ziferblat is Ukraine’s next big thing. In 2025 they won Ukraine’s Eurovision National Selection with “Bird of Pray” and placed 9th in Basel. Their English album Of Us dropped on May 2, followed by their first European tour in October. Ziferblat’s 12 tracks were implemented in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Their debut earned them the Muzvar Award as Best New Name in Alternative Music, and their live shows are vibrant and powerful.
Tautumeitas
Latvia
22:40 – 23:20 / Nov 5 / Angārs stage curated by RMW
Known for electrifying harmonies and a fusion of ancestral Latvian chants with modern arrangements, six-piece Tautumeitas have become a force in the Baltic scene. In 2025, they impressed Europe at Eurovision, placing 13th, and released their fifth album Zem Saules / Under the Solar Spell. With appearances at Glastonbury, Eurosonic, Rudolstadt, and Festival du Bout du Monde, as well as concerts spanning Melbourne to Tokyo, Tautumeitas channels centuries-old traditions into a powerful, unforgettable live experience.
Kautkaili
LATVIA
22:40 – 23:20 / Nov 6 / Angārs stage curated by Every Little Thing
Kautkaili blends 90s Latvian alternative pop with soulful, modern textures. Fronted by singer-songwriter Kristīne Pāže, the band’s velvety vocals and thoughtful melodies create a personal, emotional sound. Their 2023 debut album Personas kods was nominated for “Best Pop Album” at Zelta Mikrofons and won the viewers’ choice at Austras balva. Singles like “Ļauj man” and “Vēl vien reiz” have resonated on radio and in sold-out live shows.
ALIKA
Estonia
22:20 – 23:00 / Nov 5 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
ALIKA is a rising pop artist and powerhouse vocalist from Estonia, winner of Estonian Idol 8 and Eurovision 2023 finalist with “Bridges,” co-written by Wouter Hardy. She earned five Estonian Music Awards in 2024, including Artist and Album of the Year. A lifelong performer, she’s triumphed in Baltic Voice, New Wave Junior, Kaunas Talent, and Berlin Perle. Her debut album spans English, Estonian, Russian, and Ukrainian, and her 2024 EP explores new genres in her native language.
Emilija
Latvia
18:40 – 19:20 / Nov 5 / Angārs stage curated by RMW
Emilija is a Latvian singer-songwriter who rose to fame in 2023 on X Faktors. Her debut single “Sirds pelnos” topped Latvian charts, earned Zelta Mikrofons 2025 nods for Song and Radio Hit of the Year, and placed 4th in Muzikālā Banka 2024. In 2024 she released hits like “Noticēt sev” and “Tikai ar Tevi” (with Reiks). In 2025 her song “Heartbeat” took 2nd in Supernova, while GAMMA nominated her for Solo Artist and New Artist of the Year.
Eyre Llew
UNITED KINGDOM
00:00 – 00:40 / Nov 6 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Sofar Sounds Riga
Nottingham’s ambient-rock trio EYRE LLEW have enchanted audiences in 20 countries with their powerful, ethereal live shows. Hailed as “Britain’s answer to Sigur Rós” (BBC 6 Music), they’ve played Glastonbury, sold out multiple tours across Europe and Asia, and earned acclaim from Kerrang!, BBC Radio 1, and Louder Than War. With 300+ shows under their belt, including multiple tours of The Baltics States, they return with a new album and an ever-evolving, unforgettable live experience.
Legzdina
Latvia/United Kingdom
23:40 – 00:20 / Nov 6 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
Eliza LEGZDINA is a Latvian-born, London-raised firestarter fusing club grit with bold lyricism. Her genre-fluid sound—Missy Elliott swagger, UK garage bounce, R&B soul, grime bite, and glitter—powers sex-positive anthems and soaring vocals. Featured on EA Sports and Apple ads, she’s worked with Sara Landry and Idris Elba, joined Loud LDN, and earned “ones to watch” buzz. From breakbeats to ballads, LEGZDINA moves bodies, minds, and systems with fearless Baltic energy.
Toms Rudzinskis ABYSS
Latvia
22:00 – 22:40 / Nov 5 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Still Figure
Latvian saxophonist-composer Toms Rudzinskis bridges acoustic and electronic realms, balancing structure and freedom. Twice awarded Best Jazz Album and named Latvia’s 2024 Jazz Artist of the Year, he’s also a Latvian Grand Music Award nominee. Splitting time between Berlin and Riga, he leads the Toms Rudzinskis Quartet and electro-acoustic fusion project ABYSS, praised for blending jazz improvisation with electronic textures and narrative depth, shaping Baltic jazz across Europe.
Būū
Latvia
23:40 – 00:20 / Nov 5 / Ezītis miglā stage curated by Radio SWH
Būū is a Latvian singer, songwriter, and producer celebrated with top national awards, hit singles, two albums, an EP, and collaborations across the region. Fusing pop, R&B, Afro-pop, and melodic rap, she writes on emotional intelligence, activism, healing, femininity, nature, spirituality, and personal power. Now releasing in English, Būū steps onto the international stage with a distinctive sound and clear artistic vision.
Elizabete Balčus
Latvia
20:20 – 21:00 / Nov 6 / Ezītis Miglā stage curated by Tallinn Music Week
ELIZABETE BALČUS is a Latvian musician and performance artist who creates
neo-psychedelic dream pop from surprising, collaged, genre juxtapositions that is
simultaneously melodic and experimental. She works with a strong visual aesthetic
that draws upon modern surrealism, contemporary fashion and geometric imagery.
Elizabete attended Latvian Academy of Music in order to study classical and jazz
flute, plus opera vocal in Rome’s Santa Cecilia Academy. Anything is permitted in
her musical cosmos: looping flute and voice, clicking electro pop beats and
playing vegetables as a synthesizer, leaving the listener in a blissed out trance
like state, somewhere between the waking and sleeping. Live performances engage
the audience with a psychedelic and theatrical situation that is as befuddling as
it is mesmerising.
Urbanstep
Latvia
23:20 – 00:00 / Nov 6 / ConTakts White stage curated by Summer Sound Festival
Urbanstep is a DJ/producer from Riga, Latvia, known for fusing countless genres into a singular, high-impact sound. His tracks have surpassed 100M streams across platforms, earning features and support from names like The Prodigy, Pendulum, Kaskade, and Eurovision, plus nods from Forbes 30 Under 30, Zelta Mikrofons, and GAMMA. Both humble and larger-than-life, Urbanstep continues to shape the electronic scene with bold creativity and unstoppable energy.
Vona Vella
United Kingdom
00:00 – 00:40 / Nov 5 / ConTakts White stage curated by I Love You Records
Nottingham's Vona Vella are on the cusp of album two (out in 2026 via Strap Originals) and with it the seed of their signature sound – wistful indie-pop harmonies, exquisitely blended male/female vocals – has not so much grown as erupted through the dream-pop meadow into a towering, flowering beanstalk. Their singles have caught the adoration of BBC 6 Music and the title-track ‘Carnival’ is featured on the hugely successful NBA2K 26 video game. Vona Vella are constantly touring and have supported the likes of the Libertines, Peter Doherty and Morcheeba.
Melina Malone
IRELAND
19:20 – 20:00 / Nov 5 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Still Figure
Dublin-born Irish-Greek singer Melina Malone is one of neo-soul’s brightest new voices. Her 2023 debut Aphrodite won acclaim for fusing jazz, soul, and R&B, drawing praise alongside Erykah Badu and Lianne La Havas. A magnetic performer, she’s shared stages with Gregory Porter, Macy Gray, and Morcheeba. Her latest single If I Have to Change spotlights her rich vocals and heartfelt writing, earning major UK/Irish radio play, Spotify editorial support, and the coveted Riffs & Runs cover.
Erki Pärnoja
Estonia
19:40 – 20:20 / Nov 5 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
Erki Pärnoja is an Estonian guitarist and composer crafting cinematic, nostalgia-tinged soundscapes. Merging dream-pop, ambient, post-rock, and psychedelia, he offers a Nordic twist on Morricone, pairing ’70s guitars with modern atmospheres. A three-time Estonian Music Award winner, he’s released eight albums, produced and performed on many projects, and writes original scores for Estonian and international films.
Elizabete Gaile
Latvia
21:00 – 21:40 / Nov 5 / Ezītis miglā stage curated by Radio SWH
Elizabete Gaile is a Latvian indie-pop singer-songwriter whose piano-based songs carry a lyrical, nostalgic touch. Her 2023 single “Miera iela” became one of Latvia’s most-played tracks, paving the way for acclaimed new releases. With a distinctive vocal timbre and magnetic stage presence, she’s now preparing her eagerly awaited debut album, due this October.
Bel Tempo
Latvia
22:20 – 23:00 / Nov 6 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
Bel Tempo is the duo of Jūlijs and Andis, genre-fluid, electronic explorers shaping songs around emotion and the human experience. Jūlijs scores for Latvian theatres, while Andis has two decades in music and production. Their inventive sound has taken them to Eurosonic, BuSH, MENT, What’s Next in Music, and Tallinn Music Week. Winners of GAMMA’s 2024 Electronic/Dance Artist of the Year, they were also Zelta Mikrofons nominees for Best Electronic/Dance and Debut Album.
Alonette
Estonia
19:00 – 19:40 / Nov 6 / Ezītis Miglā stage curated by Tallinn Music Week
Alonette, the alter ego of Estonian singer Anett Tamm, charms with tender, confessional folk-pop infused with 70s nostalgia and modern experimentation. Her songs flow with childlike ease yet hold bittersweet depth, weaving bold melodies and vibrant arrangements. Her debut album Compass (March 2025) features top Estonian musicians, earning critical acclaim and leading to performances at Reeperbahn, BUSH, and major Estonian festivals. At Riga Music Week, Alonette performs Compass with guitarist Erki Pärnoja.
Andreas
ESTONIA
19:40 – 20:20 / Nov 6 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
Andreas is a 21-year-old Estonian singer-songwriter who grew up in Durham, England. Since 14, he’s released singles and an EP, performed on Estonia’s biggest stages, and co-written for Jüri Pootsmann, Eleryn Tiit, and Oliver Eriksson. His song “Why Do You Love Me” placed 8th at Eesti Laul 2023. Signed to Elements Music OY, Andreas crafts heartfelt, guitar-based songs with a distinctive voice and is currently writing his debut album while studying music production.
Plié
Lithuania
21:40 – 22:20 / Nov 6 / Ezītis Miglā stage curated by Tallinn Music Week
Plié is an explosive reaction to 21st-century chaos. Their sound is noisy, neurotic, and charged with animalistic energy, turning live shows into hypnotic rituals of digital mysticism. Having played ESNS, Ireland Music Week, Europavox, Linecheck Milan, MENT Ljubljana, and Tallinn Music Week, and opened for Xiu Xiu and Deaf Club, Plié was nominated as Rock Band of the Year at the M.A.M.A. Awards. Their latest album We Know Exactly What We're Doing affirmed their growing European impact.
Kristine Praulina & The Soulful Crew
Latvia
19:40 – 20:20 / Nov 5 / Ezītis miglā stage curated by Radio SWH
The Soulful Crew is a soul and R&B band from Riga, led by singer-songwriter Kristīne Prauliņa. Joined by Toms Mikāls, Jānis Kalniņš, Kaspars Kurdeko, and Valters Sprūdžs, they craft heartfelt lyrics, blues-rock energy, gospel sparks, and tender singer-songwriter moments. Formed in 2018, they debuted with EP A Warmer October and released LP Textures in 2023. They’re now creating their first album in Latvian.
MUUD
Latvia
22:20 – 23:00 / Nov 5 / Ezītis miglā stage curated by Radio SWH
MUUD originated in the creative circle of the rap collective Kreisais Krasts, where Ingus Šusts, Mārtiņš Mednis, Jānis Krūmiņš, and creative mind Toms Rings first met. In 2023, Henrijs Mucenieks from the band Līvi joined the group. At the end of 2024, they released their debut album MUUD, which was nominated for Hip-Hop Album of the Year.
GI:MME
Latvia
00:40 – 01:20 / Nov 6 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
Gi:mme is a fast-rising Latvian DJ and artist exploring organic house, melodic techno, and beyond. Her debut EP Gimme Noise with Oculus Noise showcases bold soundscapes, fusing ethnotronica, acid house, and global influences. In two years she’s played themed soirées, beach parties, and residencies across Riga, sharing stages with Chet Faker, Victoria De Angelis, Thylacine, Arkadyan, and Baltra, leading crowds on immersive, groove-driven journeys.
Very Cool People
Latvia
23:20 – 00:00 / Nov 5 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Still Figure
Very Cool People is a Riga-based jazz-funk band formed in 2007, blending jazz, funk, and soul with surf, klezmer, rock, and hip-hop. Their mission is to bring jazz and funk back to the dance floor through modern, energetic grooves. Renowned for explosive live shows, they “blow the roof off” venues, electrifying audiences with a contagious energy that makes their complex, vibrant music accessible to all.
Marla Moya
GERMANY
18:40 – 19:20 / Nov 6 / Angārs stage curated by Every Little Thing
Marla Moya’s voice is raw yet warm, her songs honest and quietly intense, echoing Fleetwood Mac and Harry Nilsson while resonating with Angel Olsen or Weyes Blood. After 1,000+ shows worldwide as Marla & David Celia — including Glastonbury, Mariposa, and BBC sessions — she begins anew with debut solo album Sanguine Soul (Nov, Backseat), produced by Robert Francis. These tracks chart transformation, balancing intimacy and expansiveness with hope at their core.
dargana
LITHUANIA
18:20 – 19:00 / Nov 6 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
dargana is a five-piece indie soul band from Vilnius, weaving warmth, melancholy, and sunlit moments into tender soundscapes. Winners of Lithuania’s “Garažas” contest in 2022, they’ve played major festivals like Granatos Live and Loftas Fest. Their 2023 debut album Tiltai showcased songs such as “Miegok ramiai,” while 2025 singles “Niekas Nesupras” and “Žuvies Daina” hint at a rich new chapter in their evolving journey.
Kabloonak
LITHUANIA
21:20 – 22:00 / Nov 5 / ConTakts White stage curated by I Love You Records
A storyteller with a guitar, Kabloonak blends folk and alternative influences. With Cohen-esque vocals and narrative songwriting, his songs are like short films — vignettes of city life, fleeting romances, and quiet moments. True to his Inuit name, "foreigner," he invites listeners into his intimate world.
Ingaja
LITHUANIA
18:40 – 19:20 / Nov 6 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Sofar Sounds Riga
Discover the ethereal world of Ingaja, where dark indie meets ambient soundscapes. With a distinctive voice and a fusion of guitar and electronic textures, her music doesn’t just groove - it glides. Featured on BBC Radio, she recently opened for Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka in Vilnius, performing both in Lithuania and abroad with emotional, intimate, and immersive soundscapes.
Annika
Latvia
18:20 – 19:00 / Nov 5 / Ezītis miglā stage curated by Radio SWH
ANNIKA is a bold new voice in indie-pop, a Latvian artist whose music blends lyrical honesty with emotional richness. Having lived and created across Europe, she writes from an international perspective, occasionally weaving in her native Latvian to express what words alone can’t reach. Her songwriting seeks truth, and on stage she stands out with her easeful presence and instinctive connection with the audience - open, spontaneous, and real.
Petunija
Lithuania
21:00 – 21:40 / Nov 6 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
Petunija, an alternative artist from Lithuania, fuses rock, pop, ethnic and electronic elements into a rich, signature sound. Known for her unique voice and impactful lyrics, her live shows span from delicate dream-pop to high-energy ethno-rave. With a debut album (2019), two EPs, and acclaimed singles including Your Highness (2023), she earned Breakthrough of the Year at the 2024 M.A.M.A. Awards. A Eurovision national finalist, Petunija has performed at Europavox and What’s Next in Music.
YŪT
Latvia
20:00 – 20:40 / Nov 6 / Angārs stage curated by Every Little Thing
YŪT blends electronic beats with dreamy pop, crafting songs that feel light yet deeply emotive. Their 2024 debut single “Tuvu” quickly hit Latvian airwaves, earning a GAMMA nod for Radio Hit of the Year, while the band was up for New Artist of the Year. They’ve since opened for Artemas and Alec Benjamin, inviting listeners into a world of quiet reflection and vivid feeling.
OOPUS
ESTONIA
23:40 – 00:20 / Nov 5 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
OOPUS, an Estonian folktronica group, blends traditional instruments like the Estonian bagpipe with analog synths, live looping, and pulsating rhythms to craft hypnotic, ritualistic performances. Enhanced by custom visuals, their immersive shows have reached Eurosonic, Burning Man, Waves Vienna, and more. With albums Nõidus (2018) and Folk On Acid (2022) gaining acclaim, OOPUS is set to release their third record in 2025 while expanding their presence across Europe.
Vultura
Latvia
19:20 – 20:00 / Nov 6 / ConTakts White stage curated by Summer Sound Festival
Vultura is a Latvian singer, songwriter, and producer who’s been creating since 2015. Her 2022 debut album Not Your Typical Fairytale pushed Latvia’s electronic scene forward, mixing drum’n’bass, avant-pop, darkwave, synthpop, and hip-hop into a bold sonic manifesto. The record earned two Zelta Mikrofons awards in 2023 — Best Debut and Best Electronic/Dance — and was hailed as one of the scene’s freshest surprises.
Revolūcija un Dziedātāja Amanda
Latvia
22:00 – 22:40 / Nov 6 / ConTakts White stage curated by Summer Sound Festival
Emerging Latvian hip-hop voice, Revolūcija debuted with a single in autumn and recently dropped a first EP. Performing alongside collaborator Dziedātāja Amanda, they bring sharp lyrics and fresh beats to the stage. This summer includes shows at Straume, Burzma Birzē, Silraq Fest and more, marking a fast rise in Latvia’s new-wave rap scene.
Trīsas
Latvia
18:00 – 18:40 / Nov 6 / ConTakts White stage curated by Summer Sound Festival
Trīsas, three women with three synths, craft boundless soundscapes where life’s highs and lows find a voice. Formed in 2021, they’ve released two albums sharing honest stories, from quickened pulses to calm pauses, cakes and all. Their music rejects “right” or “wrong,” embracing inner voices and synth unity. They’ve played Latvian festivals, theatre and performance projects, and in 2024 marked their 3rd year with a debut solo concert.
Nika Ganga
LITHUANIA
18:00 – 18:40 / Nov 5 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Still Figure
This Lithuanian band blends R&B, neo-soul, and jazz into lush sonic journeys. Their shows conjure a timeless, dreamlike mood, where deep grooves stir emotions and invite full immersion. Fronted by the spellbinding Monika Juškevičiūtė, whose voice heals and energizes, the group features Matas Ričkus (guitar), Evaldas Mockus (bass), Artūras Daunys (keys), and Martynas Stoškus (drums), crafting music that resonates long after the final note.
Purple Negative
Latvia
18:40 – 19:20 / Nov 5 / ConTakts White stage curated by I Love You Records
‘Purple Negative’ is a female fronted alternative rock band from Latvia, which combines psychedelic punk, shoegaze and alternative rock influences into unique sounding songs.
In the beginning of the year 2024 Purple Negative released their debut album 'Megabee', which has been well recognized in the Latvian music scene, receiving a nomination for Latvian music award 'Austras Balva', as one of the 10 best albums of the past year, as well as nominations for other Latvian music awards - ‘Zelta Mikrofons’ and ‘Gamma’ in the category ‘best rock album’.
Idille
Latvia
18:20 – 19:00 / Nov 5 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
Idille is a musically diverse Latvian indie-rock band blending folk-pop, psychedelia, and other genres into dynamic songs with powerful emotional peaks. Their shows radiate energy, reflecting a bond rooted in friendship and creativity. Members include Rūdolfs Daņiļevičs (also with Aminata, Ozols, Kautkaili), Kristiāns Kosītits (Carnival Youth), plus Gunārs Gaumigs and Ralfs Brieze, all seasoned performers from varied musical projects.
Tipa
LATVIA
21:00 – 21:40 / Nov 5 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
TIPA is a Latvian singer, songwriter, cellist, and composer from Liepaja, based in Riga. Blending indie‑pop, rock, jazz, and classical elements, she is known for her emotional honesty and distinctive sound. She began music at 5, released her first single at 16, and gained prominence placing 4th on X Faktors (2023). Her 2025 debut album Esība features heartfelt tracks like “You” and “Plakstiņi.”
mariin k.
Estonia
20:00 – 20:40 / Nov 5 / ConTakts White stage curated by I Love You Records
mariin k. is the project of Estonian artist Mariin Kallikorm, now a full band weaving hazy soundscapes and melodic guitars into dreamy pop. Joined by Paul Sild (ex-Badass Yuki), Christofer Nõmm, and Art Ainsoo (Buzhold), they released debut EP in your mind after winning the ADM contest, followed by 2025’s album rose skin on Seksound. Blending shoegaze shimmer and introspective lyrics, it was produced by Kallikorm with drums by Rein Fuks (Pia Fraus).
Pacific K
Latvia
20:00 – 20:40 / Nov 6 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Sofar Sounds Riga
Pacific K is Latvian songwriter Kristaps Bedritis’ creative home, shaped by collaborations with friends and musicians. Blending indie, rock, ambient, and acoustic influences from artists like Fink and Sigur Rós, the project spans the EP Blue Fall (2017), album Light Between Oceans (2020) with Erik Truffaz, solo EP Light Variations (2021), and later collabs with Ingaja and Luna Keller. Pacific K has toured widely across Europe, including shows with Fink.
Bēdu brāļi
Latvia
22:40 – 23:20 / Nov 5 / ConTakts White stage curated by I Love You Records
Bēdu Brāļi is one of Latvia’s leading alternative bands, blending shoegaze, post-punk, and psychedelic rock into a dark, immersive wall of sound. Known for thrilling live shows, a strong DIY spirit, and their self-built studio, the trio crafts fuzz-heavy basslines, propulsive drums, and effects-laden guitars beneath hypnotic Latvian vocals. Formed in Riga in 2020, they draw inspiration from Latvia’s mid-00s indie scene, channeling raw emotion and intensity into every performance.
Eklektika
Latvia
22:40 – 23:20 / Nov 6 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Sofar Sounds Riga
EKLEKTIKA is an instrumental trio from Riga — Kārlis Roberts Kalējs (drums), Rūdolfs Pēteris Rubenis (sax), and Artūrs Bariss (clarinet). Calling themselves “drums with two horns,” they fuse styles through pedals and tonal experiments, adding bass or flute for extra depth. Their debut album Encounters paints vivid, open soundscapes and earned a Latvian Public Media “Kilograms kultūras” STARTS nomination.
Āres
Latvia
21:20 – 22:00 / Nov 6 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Sofar Sounds Riga
Āres is an instrumental music band from Salacgrīva, originally started by two classmates in primary school and now grown into a three-piece. Their sound blends post-rock, electronic, and indie elements — combining synthesizer sequences, smooth pads, guitar riffs, and atmospheric loops with energetic live drums. Though live shows are rare, Āres is always working — exploring, recording, and reshaping their musical language. Each track reflects a moment in their evolving journey.
Monica and The Explosion
Sweden
20:40 – 21:20 / Nov6 / ConTakts White stage curated by Summer Sound Festival
Monica and The Explosion is Swedish singer-songwriter Monica Welander with an acoustic guitar, delivering high-energy, punk-flavored songs about life. Dubbed “jukebox punk,” her sound blends acoustic rock’n’roll and attitude. Since 2005 she’s toured worldwide, solo or with musicians like Rob Baylis and Paul Slack. Her debut dropped in 2007, and her latest album Go Out! (2021) features Baylis, Ian Stapleton, and Tom Savage, recorded at Jigsaw Studios, UK.
Hania Derej Trio
POLAND
20:40 – 21:20 / Nov 5 / ConTakts Black stage curated by Still Figure
Hania Derej is a composer, pianist, arranger, and conductor, studying jazz composition at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and symphonic conducting in Kraków. Author of 130+ works spanning jazz, chamber, film, and electronic music, she has won multiple awards. Her 2024 album Evacuation was released with ZenneZ Records; her Hania Derej Trio explores delicate jazz with neo-classical and cinematic elements. She has performed at Music Week Poland, Next Fest, and is booked for Poland Rock, OFF Festival, and Męskie Granie.
Gatis Zaķis
LATVIA
01:00 – 01:40 / Nov 5 / Angārs Atmosphere stage curated by BOBE
Gatis Zaķis is a Latvian producer known for work with Instrumenti, Carnival Youth, The Sound Poets, Sudden Lights, Dzelzs Vilks, and others. In his solo live shows, he explores a contrasting path: emotional, mechanically fractured soundscapes that blur friendly and unsettling tones. His music balances structure and chaos, dissonance and harmony, pulse and arrhythmia, creating immersive experiences that move listeners through ever-shifting sonic landscapes.