Latvian musician MADARA has embarked on a new solo venture, releasing her debut single “Šai Pasaulē” (In This World) alongside a visually rich music video this week. The release marks a turning point for the classically-trained cellist and songwriter, transitioning from collaborative projects to a dedicated solo career following years performing wiht other groups. The single and accompanying visuals explore themes of self-finding and resilience, and serve as a preview of a forthcoming full-length album from the Jelgava-born artist.
MADARA Launches Solo Career with New Single “Šai Pasaulē” and Visually Striking Music Video
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Latvian singer, cellist, and songwriter Madara Fogelmane, known professionally as MADARA, has marked a significant moment in her career with the release of her debut solo single, “Šai pasaulē” (In This World). The release signals a new chapter for the artist, following years of performing with various musical groups. The single is accompanied by the premiere of a beautifully crafted music video, showcasing a strong visual component to the project.
Song’s Message and Emotional Depth
“Šai pasaulē” is designed to deliver an energetic and uplifting experience for listeners, offering a sense of hope and deeply personal emotion. The song addresses the challenges faced by modern individuals, particularly those moments when feeling lost or overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. It’s an invitation to recognize that, despite difficulties, the world can still be a good place, and encourages a search for clarity and light. This message reflects MADARA’s ability to create music that resonates on a profound level, going beyond just sound to truly inspire.
Music Video: A Dance of Light and Shadow
The music video for “Šai pasaulē” is a visually compelling collaboration between MADARA and director Lāsma Neulāne. It’s a journey built around light, shadow, and raw emotion, directly mirroring the song’s central themes. The video’s narrative symbolically depicts a person’s path from darkness to clarity, where everything finds its rightful place. The clip also features dancers from Agra Daņiļeviča’s dance school “Dzirnas,” adding dynamic movement and artistic depth. “Kadru pēc kadra gaismas stari šķeļ telpu kā jaunas atklāsmes, izgaismojot gan trauslumu, gan spēku,” MADARA says of the video’s creation – “Frame by frame, rays of light cut through space like new discoveries, illuminating both fragility and strength.” She adds that the shifting silhouette between shadow and brightness symbolizes the everyday struggles where we often lose ourselves, only to rediscover ourselves again. The video captures everything that felt important to MADARA during the song’s creation: patience, honesty, unspoken words, and a desire to share what makes her heart beat faster.
MADARA’s Musical Journey and Education
MADARA is not only a talented vocalist but also a skilled cellist and songwriter. Born and raised in Jelgava, Latvia, her talent was nurtured from a young age, beginning with poetry and evolving into songwriting and cello performance. She honed her instrumental skills at prestigious institutions including the Amsterdam Conservatory and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, studying with renowned cello professors Jeroen Reuling, Olsi Leka, Jeroen den Herder, and Gavriel Lipkind. Despite her studies abroad, MADARA has always identified as a Latvian patriot and returned to her homeland to pursue her career. She previously gained recognition for her participation in Latvia’s national Eurovision selections, “Supernova,” where her song “Esamība” placed third. Her latest single, “Šai pasaulē,” serves as a preview of her upcoming album, hinting at the stylistic direction of her future work.
MADARA’s Activities and Contribution to Music
MADARA is also dedicated to music education, teaching cello at the Saldus Music School and running her private “Čella skola” (Cello School) for adults and children in Riga. Beyond her solo work, she was part of the project “Sinerģija,” collaborating with kokle player Marta Līce to create unique concert meditations. Her debut solo album, “Vienā apziņā” (In One Consciousness), was released in 2024 and received a nomination for a “Zelta mikrofons” (Golden Microphone) award as the best album in the intergenre or instrumental music category. MADARA’s creative range spans diverse genres, from classical music and post-rock to pop, folk, and even experimental sounds, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to explore the world of sound. The release of a debut album and a solo single underscores a growing trend of Latvian artists gaining international recognition.
