In this interview, the band shares how they chose their name, what inspires them, their pre-performance rituals, and their most unforgettable concerts. You’ll also learn about their future plans and advice for aspiring musicians. What makes Cool Collective so special? Discover how diversity creates a unique and unified sound!
How was the band's name chosen? Is there a special story behind it?
Choosing the name wasn’t an easy process, as we wanted it to truly reflect our essence. After long discussions and brainstorming, we landed on the name Cool Collective. The word “COOL” represents both our band's character and our unique song arrangements and music style, while “COLLECTIVE” highlights the team spirit and collaborative creative process.
Which three words best describe the band?
Three words that best describe the band are COOL, Adaptability, and Diversity. COOL embodies enthusiasm for creating new ideas and projects, which perfectly describes us. Adaptability reflects how we’ve faced challenges on our musical journey and always managed to adjust successfully. Diversity highlights the distinct musical tastes and personalities of our band members, ensuring dynamic energy, preventing monotony, and helping us create interesting and varied music.
Do you perform songs of different genres, and what music do you listen to personally? Are there any artists who inspire you?
As mentioned earlier, we are very diverse, and this is reflected in our musical tastes. Band members listen to a wide range of genres—pop, rock, metal, indie, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and more. However, it’s safe to say that, for instance, death metal isn’t a genre we all listen to daily. We’re inspired by a variety of artists, including D’Angelo, Mk.gee, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Frank Sinatra, Jessie J, Måneskin, Jacob Collier, Raimonds Pauls, and Chet Baker.
Do you have any specific pre-performance rituals?
Our main pre-performance ritual will remain a secret, but there are a few others that have become traditions. Before every performance, we do reaction and rhythm exercises and symbolically join our hands together while shouting in unison: "COOOOOOOOOL Collective!" Additionally, our vocalist always encourages us to do something unexpected on stage—a surprise that hasn’t been done before. This adds a unique energy to every performance.
Is there a particular song that always gets the audience moving, and how do you choose your repertoire?
We’ll keep our primary pre-performance ritual secret, but as mentioned, we prepare with group energy exercises and spontaneous elements. When it comes to songs, we choose tracks that reflect our diversity while staying cohesive as a group, ensuring every setlist has an engaging flow and caters to our audience.
Is there a concert that stands out as especially emotionally significant?
Every performance gives us emotional fulfillment—the energy from the audience, the applause, and kind words inspire us to keep making music and bringing joy to others. However, some concerts stand out as extraordinary experiences. One such event was when we performed in complete darkness due to a technical failure. We had to rely solely on inner rhythm and mutual trust, creating a surprisingly emotional and unique atmosphere for both us and the audience. Other memorable moments include outdoor events where unexpected weather, like rain, presented challenges, such as wet equipment. These unpredictable moments have become unique stories that shape our band’s identity and will always be remembered as unforgettable experiences.
How important do you think social media is for a musician's career today? Do you feel pressured to be active on social platforms?
Social media plays a massive role in a musician's career today. It’s one of the main ways to reach listeners and maintain a connection with supporters. Social platforms allow us to share not just our creative processes and daily activities but also to inform our followers about upcoming concerts and projects. They’re also excellent for promoting our music and attracting new listeners. Of course, being active on social media has become an essential part of a musician's life, and it can sometimes feel like pressure to stay creative and consistent. However, we also see it as an opportunity. Social media provides a great platform to collaborate with other artists, develop new projects, and expand our audience, so we strive to use it effectively.
What leisure activities do you enjoy and why?
Music is an inseparable part of our lives, but we also value opportunities to disconnect from routine and enjoy different forms of entertainment. For example, spending time in nature gives us peace and a chance to recharge. These moments often become a source of inspiration—helping us write songs or lyrics. We also enjoy cultural events such as opera, ballet performances, and concerts that provide new emotions and broaden our creative horizons. Occasionally, we indulge in more active leisure activities like bowling, which is a great way to relax and have fun together. These diverse experiences enrich our daily lives and creative process.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians planning to form a band?
For aspiring musicians forming a band, remember that a good team and mutual understanding among members are key—your unity and communication will be the foundation of your group. Secondly, never lose enthusiasm and passion—love for music will keep you motivated even during tough times. Lastly, don’t fear challenges and difficulties—they are an inevitable part of the path to success.
Can you share your future plans with our readers?
Is a new single, album, or special concert coming soon?
With the release of our first single, it’s safe to say that “the ball is rolling”! Our future plans are full of excitement and opportunities—we’re planning to participate in thrilling concerts and pursue new collaborative projects. To stay updated on our activities and upcoming events, we invite you to follow our social media accounts, where we regularly share updates. A new single or even an album might be coming soon—stay tuned and be the first to know!
Listen to the band's debut single “Apstājies”!
