"X Factor" Winner Emilija and Reiks Release a Duet "Only with You"

The winner of the fifth season of "X Factor," Emilija (Emilija Bērziņa), and rapper Reiks (Arvis Šķirus) have released their first collaboration. The song carries autumn vibes — the carefree summer has ended, and like migrating birds, someone feels the urge to escape and explore the wide world.

A special date was chosen for the song's release — September 19, which is Emilija's birthday. "It's the time between spring and autumn — Reiks and I met in March at the 'Golden Microphone' afterparty, and we had a really great conversation! I couldn’t believe that less than two weeks later, I received a demo of the song with an invitation to perform it together. We spent about six months polishing the final version of the song," says Emilija.

The song's message resonates with many — we all have someone who makes us better, no matter the challenges life throws our way. Both musicians have spent time living abroad — Emilija in Norway and Reiks in the U.S. — and they understand the bittersweet feelings of being away, missing home and loved ones.

Watch the video for "Only with You"

"I kept the demo version of the song and sent it to Emilija with the title 'I Would Leave,' even though those words didn’t actually appear in the song at first — it was just a placeholder file name. Emilija then added these words to her lines, as well as emphasized the phrase 'Only if you're with me,' which eventually became the song’s title, 'Only with You,'" explains Reiks.

"These are facts — in terms of emigration, Latvia ranked 16th and 10th among the 27 European Union countries in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The song is definitely a personal message to listeners, encouraging them to reflect on the reasons we consider leaving. We're here, in Latvia, with the people who make it great to be here! We’re not going anywhere!" both musicians say about the song.
The song was recorded in a Latvian studio with the involvement of Kaspars Ansons and produced by Swedish producer Povel Olsson. The visuals for "Only with You" were filmed at Jaunciems Port airfield by photographer Zakhars Subotins.

With the release of the new song, Emilija also announces another exciting event coming up in a month — on October 19, Emilija and her band will perform at the opening of Aija Andrejeva’s large concert at the Liepāja Olympic Center.

EventsinRiga.com is owned by:

Mint Entertainment Group SIA
Reg. #40203323316
+371 28797871
Aspazijas bulvaris 20
Riga, Latvia LV-1050

Follow Us