Sitting on the edge of Europe, the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are home to some truly unique and beautiful music that is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Their wild spirits and nordic roots will take you on a journey that you won’t forget anytime soon.
1. MICK PEDAJA – SEIS | SOFAR TALLINN
One of Estonia’s best kept secrets, Mick Pedaja creates truly beautiful and atmospheric musical landscapes, be it with his full band or in an intimate setting by himself. Mixing acoustics, minimal electronics and lush band sounds, his music will take you places you didn’t know you needed to discover. And his solo performance of the song “Seis” at Sofar Tallinn is simply stunning.
2. DUO RUUT – VÄLJAD KARJA KÄIA | SOFAR TALLINN
The power of tradition is wonderfully reflected in Duo Ruut’s music where two vocals and a single traditional Estonian zither are combined to create truly unique and mesmerizing sounds you won’t hear anywhere else. You can hear their Estonian heritage, as well as influences from different cultures mixed into the music that is all brought together with their own unique musical signature and contemporary outlook.
3. KRISTĪNE PRAULIŅA – HEAVY SOUL | SOFAR RIGA
Kristīne Prauliņa and the Soulful Crew are a true powerhouse of soul music that will lift your spirits on a whole new level. Extraordinary voice and masterful musicianship took everyone’s breath away when they performed “Heavy Soul” during Earth Hour at Sofar Riga in Latvia.
4. CHRIS NOAH – FALL THROUGH | SOFAR RIGA
One of the most prominent Baltic indie artists hailing from Latvia, Chris Noah is on the rise with his amazing indie-pop songs that speak volumes about love and heartbreak. His distinct and powerful voice combined with catchy melodies will make you spin the songs on repeat for days. He performed a stripped down rendition of his song “Fall Through”.
5. INGAJA – RIVERS | SOFAR VILNIUS
Tucked away on the wild shores of the Baltic sea, this singer-songwriter from Klaipeda, Lithuania is not afraid of digging deeper into her emotions and experiences that she’s managed to translate into captivating songs and stories. Ingaja has a soothing presence and an amazing voice that will simply blow you away. Dive into her performance of “Rivers”.
6. KABLOONAK – SHE IS BORED | SOFAR VILNIUS
Lithuanian singer-songwriter Kabloonak has managed to create a perfect mix of melancholy and those feel-good vibes. It’s like Kings of Convenience meets Mac DeMarco. Add a few more unique layers from his amazing band and you’ve got yourself an afternoon that’s guaranteed to make you wind down and forget your troubles.
Words by Kristaps Bedritis
Photo credit: Ingaja performing Sofar Vilnius, image via YouTube
