How was the band’s name chosen? Is there a special story behind it?

The band’s name is the Latvian version of the pop rock band “Mother of Pearl.” This is my first project, which was created three years ago. In this project, we create original music and content. After a while, I realized I was ready to play at parties and corporate events, so we adapted the name “Mother of Pearl” into the Latvian derivative – the party band “Perlamutrs.”

Do you have any special "pre-performance" rituals?

We don’t have any particularly special pre-performance rituals. We definitely encourage each other if someone is tired from a previous event or daily tasks. We entertain ourselves during the guitar solos – we introduce guitarist Armands Varslavāns for as long as possible. It goes something like this: “And now, ladies and gentlemen, performing for you none other than Armands Varslavāns – the magnificent, the royal. Our solo guitarist, solo coooook!” By the time we’ve finished introducing him, he’s already played half the solo. But it’s just a bit of fun – we enjoy it ourselves.

Is there a song that always “gets the crowd going” and how do you choose the band’s repertoire?

It depends on the audience at the event; the region is crucial. From experience, I can say that all listeners become +/- similarly minded when the clock strikes past midnight. So far, regardless of the region, everyone wants to hear “Kurtizāņu ugunskurs,” big hits always work. In Latgale, people appreciate “Somu pirti,” which we – the band – have transformed into a song combining “Somu pirts” with singer Raffaella Carrà’s “Pedro.” In Latgale, people also love the song Genoveva and other Latvian hits. Of course, everyone loves Dona’s songs and ballads. In the Madona region, the band Bruģis’s song “Kaija” is important. Each time we perform, we try to gauge what people would like to hear at that particular moment, what they need for the evening. This is, of course, if they haven’t previously described their wishes.

We recently saw the party band “Perlamutrs” perform at the 20th anniversary of B Bars and noticed that you performed some original music as well. Can you tell us what inspired the song “Tvaika ielā izlaidums”?

Actually, the song “Tvaika ielā izlaidums” and “Tavos matos” are songs from the musical project “Mother of Pearl.” Going forward, we will try not to mix the “Mother of Pearl” and the party band “Perlamutrs” repertoires. We want to keep these projects truly separate. With “Mother of Pearl,” we aim to develop our own music, hoping that someday a new album or hit will come out. We want to leave the creativity to the “Mother of Pearl” realm. With “Perlamutrs,” we play at parties and weddings, performing the best hits and most beautiful melodies of other artists. We will also try to visually distinguish these projects. The party band “Perlamutrs” has a classic “Titanic” lower-deck musician look with suspenders, white shirts, and hats. But the “Mother of Pearl” look is still a secret, a different story. So, the song “Tvaika ielā izlaidums”… This song was created on New Year’s Eve at a small round table with my friend Artūrs Bricis. When our group had sung all the familiar songs and other members went out to have a smoke, Artūrs and I came up with this song in a five-minute burst so we could continue singing later. I liked it so much that I decided to make it into a real song.

As you are known to have performed and gained extensive experience as a solo artist, do you prefer performing as a soloist or as part of a group?

I have performed in various vocal competitions and concerts as a solo artist, but I have always known I wanted to be part of a group, a collective, rather than alone. The solo artist world feels a bit lonely to me. I like to hide under a name, be with my community. I enjoy sharing experiences with others, working together towards a common goal. For example, having a period when we’ve worked hard to reach this point and then achieving it together. Those are different feelings, joy… truly enjoying the moment.

Do you remember your first concert when you were little? What song did you perform, and what was the occasion for that concert?

The first thing I remember, and I think this is common for many singers, is singing at the table, celebrating together. My first competition was the children’s singing contest “Cālis.” These were my first “competitions” in which I participated. I don’t recall the song’s name, but the lyrics were something like: “…oh, the trouble, Didzis’s trouble – a hole in the sock. He won’t go with a bare foot…” and that’s all I remember.

Which three words best describe the party band “Perlamutrs”?

Power, confidence, and four-part harmony.

You perform songs of various genres with the band, but what music do you listen to yourself and are there any artists who inspire you?

I listen to a very mixed range of genres. I seem to listen to almost everything. Why do I say that? Maybe not everything… But pop, rock, indie, and various alternatives are very close to my heart. Recently, I’ve started listening to electronic music. This world is increasingly interesting to me. It’s a mix of what has always intrigued me and new trends. It resonates.

Can you describe your ideal day off?

An ideal day off – all friends, family, everyone – relaxing in a great place with a party, of course. Then my phone beeps, I look at it – I’ve just received 13 million into my account. That would be a great day off.

You’ve performed at many events with the band, but do you find time to attend events where you’re not performing? If so, what types of events do you prefer?

I enjoy concerts, shows, movies, stand-up. I’m satisfied with almost anything – all quality events that add value. If I go to listen to someone sing, they need to be able to sing. Or if I go to see a band, I need to see that there’s substance behind it. Not all bands have the best vocalist in the world, but valuable content is what matters. I’m not interested in “mumbling.” I really like stand-up, but it’s also crucial to consume good content. From each category, I’m truly interested in the best and strongest. I want to see the top because the bottom is already known.

Imagine you had never discovered your musical talents. What do you think you would be doing?

It’s hard to say. I think if I hadn’t found myself in music, I would be a completely different person with different views. I would definitely work in a dynamic job. I’d want things to change quickly, to have constant calls, people changing, situations unfolding, having to navigate out of situations, manage them. In any case – dynamics. I like progress and movement.

What advice would you give to new musicians who are planning to form their own band?

For people forming a band, rather than solo artists, I recommend first finding people with whom you want to spend time outside of music. Because time spent together is significant. For example, I wouldn’t want to be in a band with people who are on a different wavelength. After several attempts to form a band, I’ve realized this aspect is really important. Everyone needs to find their own people.