I’m relentlessly fascinated by music journalism, although in Latvia it’s a low rated activity. If you manage to find your place, then more or less you’re connected with certain auditory, in my case – listeners of hard and heavy music. You can divide writing activity into – PR and critique. I have noticed the tendency that Latvian artists choose one person – journalist or radio DJ to work with. Therefore accepted the challenge: I spent two months together with Latvian heavy metal band ‘’SIA Radikal’’, collecting information, feelings and vibes to form them into a story. We already had our history. All of my creative channels were open, so I made seven articles, that’s quite enough to form a point of view and to entertain the readers who already have their attitude.
‘’SIA Radikal’’ are five individualities, with certain attitude and point of view about musical expression and life overall. ‘’SIA Radikal’’ has caused a lot of discussions and the band isn’t the cosset of main audience (but they still have their loyal fan basis). That was one of the main reasons for me to write about them, to let the readers discover the band from a different angle, without the stereotypes. I really don’t like superficial judgment and superficial articles. You need time to get acquainted with facts, opinions and real situation. You need to live it out.
I wanted to tell the story step by step, introducing the musicians one after another. The background of ‘’SIA Radikal’’ is very interesting. Rhythm guitarist Gustavs Terzens is well known journalist with great knowledge about media, music, people – both audience and artists. Vocalist Dainis Rijkuris is serious person and also businessman with creative thinking and work experience being in the team of ‘’Metallica’’. Bass player Matīss Elsbergs, drummer Artūrs Kupčs and solo guitarist Alvis Bernāns are educated, talented, creative and hardworking musicians. All of them share the same musical background. Musically you will recognize the influences of thrash metal grands, appreciate the preciseness in technique. The lyrics are in Latvian – social realistic and social political pointed: ‘’SIA Radikal’’ captured the moment of crisis five years ago – economical and also ethical, but the new songs are more about inner world, fights and hopes. And the performance is an outburst of energy.
The ‘’SIA Radikal’’ gave me good and interesting content (also new fact about the history of Latvian alternative music), my form was an interview enriched with my comments. I also asked the colleagues, friends and ex band members, what are their memories. Lack of critique, yes I agree. But the Internet is so full with negations and ‘’I know it better’’ attitude, and I’m fed up with it. I was caught by the promotion of Clutch’s newest record ‘’Earth Rocker’’ and I’m really excited about the story under QOTSA promising forthcoming record. Yes, that’s my kind of entertainment – purposefully developed story!
The result of my collaboration with ‘’SIA Radikal’’ will approve in the course of time. In my opinion, the organizing of publicity should be very systematic and regular, and then it makes sense. You create a sort of tradition that is open for interactions. Music journalism as publicity tool is still has to be developed in Latvia.
Although it was the silent Easter Saturday, the 5th Anniversary of ‘’SIA Radikal’’ expanded into intense evening. ‘’SIA Radikal’’ caught their audience into heavy metal loop and didn’t let them away for two hours. Topless fans rampaged near the stage. Close friends on the stage and heavy, replete set list. Debut of Alvis (it was his first ‘’SIA Radikal’’ concert) was observable – he has skills and he has charm. The most interesting part for me was the premier of new songs, which I have heard in the rehearsal in their creation phase. The celebration continues in Liepaja on 13th of April in club ‘’Fontaine Palace’’ together with the Italian band ‘’SNP’’ and me playing rock music disco. See you there, you, metal head!
Photo: Oskars Kupše
Aiga Leitholde
Muzikālas piezīmes 