How do you choose the themes for your songs and what are your main sources of inspiration?

I wouldn’t call it a “choice” because I always write about what naturally comes out of me. About what I feel, what makes me happy, or what bothers me. Most often, the songs are either about love or about mental experiences and challenges. Sometimes, they cover everything together. I’ve been to songwriting camps where there is a very specific task and theme to write about, but that often ends up being something forced. If you’re feeling frustrated today, it’s not the right day to write a love ballad, and vice versa.

Are there any specific artists or genres that are particularly important to you or have influenced your music?

Of course, but there are so many and they are so diverse that it would require a separate analysis. In my childhood, mainstream pop music was mixed with what my parents listened to (which ranged from Ramazzotti to Rammstein). Later, pop punk and nu-metal genres came along. By the end of high school, I was a serious Deftones and RATM fan, and hip-hop and major indie examples have always been there alongside. To avoid mentioning only rock, I also remember being a huge Ellie Goulding fan during her first and second album cycles and was very into Ariana Grande's Sweetener and thank u, next eras. I always get really into something and then live with it for a while. That’s why my Spotify Wrapped is usually very consistent within a year :) This year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see The Hives and Bring Me The Horizon in my Spotify Wrapped.

You’ve collaborated with artists like ZEĻĢIS and singer MARTA. Is there another Latvian or international artist you’d like to collaborate with, and why?

ZEĻĢIS, MARTA, and RAUM — the ALLCAPS crew

I really enjoy collaborating, especially writing songs together in the studio. It’s very interesting and valuable to see how colleagues with completely different experiences and ways of thinking approach it. At the moment, it seems interesting to try working with Sudden Lights in the studio. I really like their songs and live performances. From the hip-hop community, I’d like to collaborate with Rolands Če, perhaps even more as a producer, and try to write something heavy.

The Events in Riga team really likes your song “Plēsigi,” and we can safely say it is still a favorite on our Spotify playlist. Have there been any special feedback or reactions from listeners about the song “Plēsigi” that particularly stand out?

I’m glad to hear that! Without a doubt, it’s the song that has left the biggest impression on people so far. I remember that when the song came out, many people sent videos and stories of themselves singing the chorus at the top of their lungs wherever they were at the moment. That was very pleasant. Even more so because it was really just a song where I sat down and wrote how I felt, without any ambitions or plans. Just a song. It’s nice when something resonates so much with others. I hope “Plēsigi” also made someone feel a bit better about themselves.

Watch “Plēsigi” video

How involved are you in the process of creating your music videos? How does the process evolve from the idea of a music video to the final product?

Currently, I’m working on music videos with Roberts Āboltiņš and Elvis Lācis. Both are very creative, and we understand well what we want to see in the music video. It all starts with the song — we listen to it carefully, understand what feeling we want to convey in the music video, and then we look at the ideas and possibilities for realizing it.

What are your thoughts on the importance of music videos in promoting a song?

It really depends on two things. The first thing — what stage is the artist at? If you’re at a level where releasing a song is expected to reach a sufficiently high threshold of popularity, a video is necessary; it’s almost impolite not to make one. But if you’re more in a starting position, you need to seriously consider whether it’s the best use of the artist’s budget. I would say that at the very beginning, you shouldn’t get carried away with music videos unless you can create them under really favorable conditions. And even then, it’s important to consider the second thing.

Do you have something to say with that video? In my opinion, a video for the sake of having a video is not needed by anyone. A good song visualizer on YouTube will work better or at least as well as a zero-concept music video and leave more resources for other things. The main thing is to convey as accurate a feeling about yourself, who you are, and what your values are. Of course, that’s easier said than done.

If you really have something to say with your video and it’s reasonably priced, then it’s worth doing at all levels. A fantastic video undoubtedly elevates the value of the song, and there are good examples both abroad and right here in Latvia, but everything ultimately comes down to the song. For the Earth Hour, there wasn’t a video, and it probably did just fine.

What advice would you give to new musicians dreaming of a career in music? What is the best advice you could give them to succeed in this field?

Build your team from a relatively early stage and don’t just stay in your own bubble. The real magic happens through interaction.

What events do you most frequently attend?

I’m most drawn to concerts, but from time to time, I also go to a comedian’s stand-up show or a theater performance. It’s all a great way to gather inspiration, so I consciously try to attend at least a few events a month.

Musicians often have songs that are particularly close to them. Which of your songs do you most enjoy performing at concerts, and why?

Charlie Simpson from Fightstar once said in an interview years ago that as a songwriter, performer, and band, your songs should be your favorite songs. Because if you’re not making what you like the most, what are you even doing? So, it’s hard to answer this because each of my songs that I perform at concerts has something that makes it special for me.

But if I have to mention one, “Peldi tālāk” comes to mind, which hasn’t been released yet, even though I wrote it right before “Plēsigi.” At that time, I had a recent unpleasant but overall positive experience with drowning, which in itself stirred up reflections. I wove that together with the insecurity caused by the criminal war in Russia and the feelings of being in a huge disinformation whirlpool, but similarly to “Plēsigi,” it ended up with a positive note and advice to give to the listener.

What are your future plans? Is a new single, album, or special concert coming up soon?

I’m currently working on RAUM’s debut album — that’s my main focus. There will definitely be an opportunity to meet at a concert in the fall and winter; I’ll announce it on my Instagram account!

Follow RAUM’s updates here