Latvian band Sub Scriptum is making waves with the release of their new single, “tev, tev, tev, tev,” and a strikingly cinematic music video.The visual accompaniment, intentionally styled after early 20th-century gangster films, demonstrates the group’s aspiring creative direction and commitment to immersive storytelling-a departure from typical contemporary music videos. Filmed at Cinevilla Studio, the project showcases a collaborative effort between musicians, filmmakers and costume designers, solidifying Sub Scriptum’s position as a rising force in the Latvian music scene.
Latvian Band Sub Scriptum Takes Viewers Back in Time with New Music Video for “tev, tev, tev, tev”
Latvian music group Sub Scriptum has released its latest single, “tev, tev, tev, tev,” accompanied by a visually striking music video that immediately transports audiences to another era. The new release evokes the style of early 20th-century gangster films, offering a unique aesthetic for contemporary music fans.
A Retro Vibe and a Glimpse into a Criminal World
The video is crafted as a short film, embracing a retro cinematic aesthetic through its costumes, locations, and filming techniques. The creators intentionally channel the look and feel of classic gangster movies, resulting in a visually authentic and compelling narrative. The band encourages viewers to watch the video through to the very end to fully experience the unfolding story.
Improvisation and a Thoughtful Message
Filmed at Cinevilla Studio, the music video’s director, Ritvars Bluka, and Jānis Skābs employed a creative, improvisational approach. This allowed the story and visual ideas to develop organically during filming, with experimentation playing a key role in shaping the final product. Kristers Rudzītis, the band’s vocalist and lyricist, shared a profound reflection on time and existence: “Tāda īstā laika un vietas nav, viss, kas mums pieder, ir tagad un tepat.” (“There is no real time and place, all that we have is now and here.”) This theme resonates throughout both the song’s lyrics and the video’s visual storytelling, urging listeners to focus on the present moment.
A Collaborative Effort with a Professional Finish
Arnis Račinskis produced and mixed the music, giving it a polished, professional sound. Actress Ausma Anna Celmarauga stars as the central figure – a fortune teller – in the video. Director Ritvars Bluka, who also served as the cinematographer, praised the collaboration with the band, stating, “Paldies grupai par uzticēšanos un kopīgo improvizāciju. Klips tapa, eksperimentējot un meklējot risinājumus uz vietas. Kadri paši par sevi stāsta, un izmantots skaidrs vizuālais vēstījums, kas ir viegli uztverams, bet vienlaikus atmiņā paliekošs un iespaidīgs.” (“Thank you to the band for their trust and joint improvisation. The clip was made by experimenting and finding solutions on the spot. The shots tell a story themselves, and a clear visual message was used, which is easy to understand, but at the same time memorable and impressive.”)
A Defining Moment for Sub Scriptum
The new single and music video for “tev, tev, tev, tev” are being hailed as a significant milestone in Sub Scriptum’s creative journey. The release demonstrates the band’s ability to combine powerful musical messages with visually captivating storytelling, inspiring reflection on the value of life’s fleeting moments. Sub Scriptum consists of Kristers Rudzītis (vocals), Maikls Drobins (bass guitar), Alvis Kozuls (solo guitar), and Armands Runcis (drums).
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
The music video’s creation involved the support of several individuals and organizations, to whom the band expressed its gratitude. These include Cinevilla Studio and Andrejs Ēķis, the theater costume rental service “Sers” for providing the stunning costumes, photographer Rūdolfs Tutiņš for behind-the-scenes photography, and Keita Nikola Rasa for her support on set. This collaborative effort has resulted in a rich and impactful work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
