Native Music 21

2026

23.10.2026

Native Music offers a snapshot of the current Latvian music scene. Over recent years, Latvian ethno-music has undergone a period of intense productivity and transformation, ushering a new phase of self-awareness on the international stage. In 2025 and 2026, ancient traditions are no longer viewed as relics of the past, but rather as vibrant, pulsating energy that finds its voice both on major stages and in the soundscapes of the Latvian countryside. Researchers are currently making great strides in the study of ancient melodies with the help of new technologies, while musicians, with their remarkable creative scope, are offering new interpretations of Latvian folk music through their increasingly distinctive artistic voices.

LMIC / SKANI 182

PHOTO: JĀNIS ZILVERS

DESIGN: VADIMS KOŽINS

MASTERING: KASPARS BĀRBALS

TEXT: LAUMA BĒRZA

Native Music 21 features two solo instrumental tracks from the album Sviests 11. In "Malti gāju" ("I Went to Grind"), kokle player Latvīte Cirse showcases virtuoso, rhythmic technique that reveals her distinctive style, hitherto known only to a small circle of connoisseurs. Next up is guitarist Reinis Jaunais, well-known in experimental pop circles, with his composition "Vest" ("To Bring"), where masterful guitar work intertwines with creative kokle playing, immersing listeners in a shimmering world of strings – a tranquil, transportive journey. The Baltic Sisters showcase the vocal harmonies of the Baltic region with "Cuckoo Song" – boldly intertwining three different songs from the three Baltic countries. The group's debut album Värav / Vārti / Vartai won the award for Best Latvian Folk Music Album in 2026. Next up is the single "Skrien ragana šķērsu gaisu" ("Fly, Witch, across the Sky") by the legendary male ensemble Vilki, recorded together with the group Vilcenes. The rich, cinematic sound embodies the Latvian connection to the wild and protective forces of nature; it reinforces the message of the folk song: protection against the evil forces is always at hand. Biruta Ozoliņa and her collaborators' album Daugavas Rāgas vividly illustrates the international dimension of Latgalian heritage, bringing Latgalian, an ancient Indo-European language, together with Indian music in a captivating, flowing dialogue in the song "Dzaguze" ("Cuckoo"). Meanwhile, the duo Stanislav Yudin & Asnate Rancane, together with other outstanding musicians, continue their subtle explorations of ethno-minimalism on their third album, Op. 3. Native Music 21 features their track "Kiukuoja zagiuze uobelī" ("Cuckoo Sang in an Apple Tree"). It is the third one on this compilation dedicated to the cuckoo – a bird whose evocative call has inspired people to reflect on the past and that which lies ahead.

Next, three tracks approach folk music, if not from the future, then through the prism of an as-yet uncharted, distinctly experimental sound. The mythically rhythmic "Saules zirgi" ("Sun Horses") comes from the folktronic duo Sun Horse, in which singer Eli Ellere joins forces with sound artist Jachin Pousson. Introducing an unprecedented style to the Latvian ethnomusic scene, the group Tell Your Birds makes its debut with the single "Pa saulei" ("With the Sun"); the Latvian core of the band is Vija Anna Moore, a recent graduate of the Sibelius Academy's Global Music programme. This set of creative works is rounded off by the experimental single "Timsā mani tautas veda" ("The Groom's Folk Led Me in the Dark"), in which the traditional vocal group Saucējas team up with DJ Monsta – well known in folk circles as one half of the duo ZeMe alongside kokle player Laima Jansone – in an experiment combining polyphonic singing with the pulsating rhythms of electronic music.

The ensemble Grodi brings a sense of tradition and emotional depth to the tracklist with "Kū tei muna laime dora" ("What is My Luck Doing?") from the album Sudrabu Smeldama (winner of the award for best Latvian album design in 2026). The band's authentic singing, with its rich, harmonious a cappella polyphony, tugs at the heartstrings, creating a viscerally moving, powerful wall of sound. The genre's leading name and last year's Eurovision entrant, the band Tautumeitas, as they prepare for their annual concert ritual in 2026, seek light through a powerful ethno-pop aesthetic on their album Līgojami, represented here by the track "Svīst gaismiņa" ("Dawn Breaks"). The bagpipe and drum group Auļi has created experimental fusions in recent years, blending its signature sound with vibrant singers from rich global vocal traditions. The latest of these, following Voices of the Ancestors and Voices of Ghana, is Voices of Amami Oshima, featuring the track "Watasha", where Auļi are joined by the shima-uta singer Chitose Hajime.

The youth ensemble Banga, with their song "Divas laivas" ("Two Boats"), introduces a sparkling maritime theme and the sound of the accordion to the 2026 selection, featuring the characteristic Latvian communal singing of beloved, sentimental songs cherished across generations. Latvian folk metal legend Skyforger brings to life the mythological pages of Latvian folklore and history on their album Teikas (Best Latvian Rock or Metal Album of 2026). The folk song featured in the track "Pelīte" ("Little Mouse") tells about a creature dwelling both above and below ground. Their tracks have also been accompanied by spectacular music videos. The band Daba San presents original music with their song "Zem karoga" ("Beneath the Banner"), blending indie with post-folk styling.

Traditional dance music is represented in this selection by the duo Kaktu Balles Muzikanti, whose latest album is dedicated to the historical, yet little-documented, interplay between the violin and the local Vidzeme accordion – captured here on their track "Dubultreinlenders" ("Double Eilender"). The young and vibrant group Bille was awarded Best Authentic Music Recording at the 12th International Folk Music Recording Competition Svetozár Stračina Grand Prix 2026 in Bratislava. This compilation features their newest arrangement of a Latgalian folk song "Vokors īt" ("Evening Falls"). The young women's vocals and the acoustic instrumentation conjure a lyrical, sentimental mood of longing and homecoming. The band Ogas and electric guitar legend Armands Alksnis have joined forces to explore common themes in the folklore documented around Liepāja – Latvia's rock capital – represented here by a wedding tale and ballad "Pūt, Ziemeli" ("Blow, North Wind"). The single by the band JŌRA, a rendition of the summer solstice song "Vusa loba Juoņa zuole" ("All Flowers Are Good for Midsummer"), pairs serene, poetic female voices along with acoustic instruments. And this impressive survey of releases from the past two years is topped off by the group RAHU ("Rahu the Fool"), sweeping the listener into a whirlwind of bush dance music with a traditional song from the finest Australian sheep-shearing community, the "Lachlan Tigers", which band member Ben Goldsmith learned from his father.

The selection of songs on this compilation demonstrates the ability of Latvian folk music to be both deeply local and globally resonant, ensuring that the achievements of 2025 and 2026 leave an indelible mark on every folk music lover.

This dynamic period is shaped not only by musicians releasing new works, but also by landmark events that serve as a platform for artistic exploration and collaboration. They bring together those who delight in experiencing this art form and those who are happy to share the treasures they have picked up over the years. Latvia is not known for large-scale music festivals; rather, these tend to be local, niche gatherings organised and attended by passionate professionals and enthusiasts with an international outlook. By integrating workshops and lectures into their programmes, these events become platforms for learning – from the European Folklore Day concert "Upes Pērles" (Riga) and the International Drone Singing Festival (Kurzeme) to the Ieviņas Accordion Gathering (Vidzeme). Particularly noteworthy are the Dabā Festival at Sāviena Hillfort and the "Echoes of the Ancient" project, which in 2026 explored nature as a unique concert hall and sound studio, bringing together specialists from Latvia, Finland and Portugal. People also favour events where enjoying the music is combined with dancing. These include the traditional dance festivals Ģikši Dance Night, Rija Ball, balTfolk events, the Quadrille Ball at Lūznava Manor, Ļipa Kust Festival, the International Mask Traditions Festival and others. For 25 years now, the World Music Festival Porta has been offering world music connoisseurs the chance to experience top-class performers, surprising, inspiring and opening up new horizons right here in Latvia. At the height of summer, lovers of ethnic music gather at the Valmiermuiža Brewery for the Valmiermuiža Ethno Music Festival – an international open-air event for the whole family featuring a wide-ranging programme, from traditional crafts workshops for children to the festival's blazing centrepiece: the burning of a bespoke fire sculpture.