The Latvian music industry honored the legacy of recently deceased composer Raimonds Pauls at the annual “Music bank” awards, commencing the event with a moving rendition of his signature song, “White Sun.” Fifteen nominated artists are now competing for the coveted title of “Song of the Year,” with the public vote carrying significant weight alongside evaluations from a distinguished panel of industry experts[[1]]. The awards, a cornerstone of the Latvian music scene, recognize both established performers and emerging talent[[1]], and will culminate in a grand final later this year.
A heartfelt tribute to the late maestro Raimonds Pauls kicked off the “Music Bank” awards, with a performance of his iconic song, “White Sun.”
Fifteen songs are vying for the title of “Song of the Year” in the Latvian pop and rock scene, with the winner determined by public vote. The finalists include Yūt with “Eyes,” Luize Burmistrova with “Tears Are No Longer Worth It,” Fiņķis with “Enjoying It!”, Medību lauki with “In Other Hunting Grounds,” and Viktors Buntovskis with “The Gardener.”
Also competing for the top prize are Atvars with “Life Throws Us Around,” Ivo Fomins with “Lake Sonata,” Prāta Vētra with “I Wanted to Be a Rockstar,” Miks Galvanovskis with “When the Flame Goes Out,” and Carnival Youth with Evija Vēbere on “Best Thought in the World.”
Rounding out the finalists are Sudden Lights with “Let Your Sadness Fade,” Emilija with “To Be Myself,” Antra Stafecka with “Call Out,” Dons with “Closeness,” and Kautkaili with “One More Time.”
An independent and professional jury will also weigh in on the songs during the grand final of “Music Bank 2025.” This year’s jury includes conductor Gints Ceplenieks, opera singer Edgars Ošleja, pianist, composer, and arranger Matīss Žilinskis, musician and member of the group Tautumeitas, Asnate Rancāne, musician and Latvijas Radio 5 personality Bruno Jānis Skrastiņš, composer Anna Fišere, musician Atis Zviedris, saxophonist and composer Kārlis Auziņš, actress Agnese Budovska, and music critic Aiga Leitholde.
The “Music Bank” awards are a significant event in the Latvian music industry, showcasing the country’s vibrant musical talent and offering a platform for both established artists and rising stars.
