Latvian music life is very versatile and interesting. Below are some recommendations by LiveRīga experts. If you notice any of the bands postered, you won't regret seeing their performances. None of these bands give concerts too often so don't hesistate if you have a chance. The bands are listed according to the average number of given performances in Latvia - from the most rare to the most frequent.

Brain Storm

The band is very popular in Latvia. Their concerts in bigger premises see even bigger audiences than those of world-known bands. Thanks to perfect arrangements and a charismatic leader, Brain Storm's concerts are equated to the Latvian Song Festival where thousands of choirs give performances.

Skyforger

The internationally best-known Latvian metal band uses traditional rock music instruments and authentic Latvian music instruments, copies of ancient garment and stories about Latvian battles with invaders from the 13th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Wherever they are, Skyfoger sing in Latvian; their records also feature songs translated into English. The band's last album, "Kurbads", was released by Metal Blade (USA).

Instrumenti

Latvians' love of any music that comes from Iceland led two singers from popular Latvian vocal bands create a duet, featuring panda masks and made-up legends. This has worked out perfectly and Instrumenti has become a respectable Latvian pop music band that is not afraid to display some serious knowledge of classical music.

Goran Gora

Goran Gora caught public attention with his first two radio singles and supporting Kings Of Convenience and Nouvelle Vague at their concerts in Riga. Now Goran Gora gives full performances with accompanying staff and can be labelled as singer-songwriter, often incorporating electronic dance rhythms in his compositions.

Iļģi

Established nearly thirty years ago, with special arrangements of Latvian folk music (now dubbed post folk) selected by Ilga Reizniece. Over the years Iļģi music acquired some features of the so called world-music features, and the band's performances feature bagpipes, kokle, violin, rock guitar, viola, and drums.

Auļi

A wide range of bagpipes and percussion are so loud that there is no need for amplifiers. The basic staff consists of two guys from Iļģi and Skyfoger who have gathered a group of like-minded musucians interested in creating music using just bagpipes and drums like ancient Latvians probably did centuries ago. On their repertory: instrumental music and arranged folk songs.

Soundarcade

For the most part, their performances are psychodelic and astonishing. The stage is dark with surreal video projections and the musicians in the background, making the audience motionless. Don't worry! The concert is over before you even start thinking about having some beer. To those who love performances by Tool and Mogway, Soundarcade is a must-see band.

STandART

The synthpop band still prefers performing on heaps of old synthesisers at their concerts. Their songs are mostly melodic and quite addicting, yet also rather dark and cold. The band's style has been inspired by Depeche Mode, Joy Division and The Cure in the early stages.

Voiceks Voiska

Representatives from several Riga underground indie and punk groups once came together and decided to create something funnier. Wind instruments were also involved and the first Latvian ska band was born. The underground experience is still there. The band's songs feature social themes and self-irony about the post-Soviet generation, which is often touched upon in the songs.

Oranžās brīvdienas

The ten-year-old band from Latvian town of Kuldīga has already performed all over Europe. Their passionate music style resembles Serbian turbo-folk genre and is loved by people from any country. However, Oranžās brīvdienas has only ten musicians. The main focus is laid on guitars, some wind instruments and singing, while larger premises also see acrobatic performances and fire shows.

Inokentijs Mārpls

The oldest Latvian pank rock band still actively performing. Their style features ska, reggae and psychedelic rhythms. Its permanent member Dambis, songwriter and the designer of the band's trademark, also actively promotes Latvian independent music. The only Latvian band, which has released all its records on vinyl.

Dzelzs vilks

The former metal band completely turned to pop-music with electronic instruments and lighter melodies ten years ago. Yet their compositions and live performances still feature dialogue about the eternal passion and the pain of separation.

Recommended by Uldis Rudaks, independent expert, music journalist and DJ