Lithuanian singer Nijolė has released her new song, “Forest Scent,” today, following numerous requests from fans eager for its official debut. the track, penned by Akvilė Gelžinytė and composed by Andrius Bernatonis-Zaza, draws inspiration from the singer’s deep connection with nature and her frequent performances in Lithuania’s forested regions, especially Dzūkija. Nijolė will perform the song, alongside other hits from her album “69 Skies,” this Saturday at the “Events Combine” in Klaipėda.
“I really love singing this song. It has a beautiful harmony, beautiful lyrics. I believe that listeners who hear ‘Forest Scent’ for the first time will also feel the beauty of this piece,” says Nijolė.
The song, written to lyrics by Akvilė Gelžinytė, was composed by Andrius Bernatonis-Zaza, whose studio N. Pareigytė-Rukaitienė has visited many times. “Initially, this song had a different title – ‘Varena Nights,’ and I liked that! I immediately picture a beautiful forest in Dzūkija, smelling of mushrooms and berries – the imagination works along with the song. And the people of Dzūkija love me; I often perform concerts in that region. But after recording the song, we decided to give listeners the freedom to use their imagination – after all, that forest could be in Kunigiškės or anywhere else in the world,” Nijolė reflects.
Being in the forest is vital for her personally. “The forest recharges my energy; I feel complete peace there. You never experience that kind of harmony with yourself, with your thoughts, in the city as you do in the forest. There’s a lot of that forest peace and magic in the song, and it’s very close to my heart. I walk, I stroke the trees, I hug them, but I always ask if I can hug them first,” the singer says with a smile. “I even have my own tree on the Vilnius-Kaunas road, a solitary oak. Česlovas Gabalis told me that this oak even saw Napoleon, who supposedly sat under it to rest. I always wave to that oak as I pass, paying my respects.”
According to the star, the song “Forest Scent,” released today, is a summery track – a feeling she’s held onto since it first came to her. “Some of my listeners have already heard this song, many times over. People kept asking, ‘When will you officially release it?’ Well, the day has come! We’ve recorded it, and now it’s yours to listen to!” Nijolė laughs.
On Saturday, she will perform with a live music group and backing vocalists at the “Events Combine” in Klaipėda. “Forest Scent” will be featured alongside Nijolė’s biggest hits from “69 Skies.”
