Hiya Domas, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Music has always been the thing that interested me the most. I was born and grew up in a musical environment, so I naturally chose my path.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
I formally studied music graduating from music school as a piano and saxophone player, before studying sound engineering and electronic music composition. During this period of time I had the opportunity to work on various commercial and independent projects, composing music for advertising, films, fashion shows, and live performances. As a Rushkeys, I try to combine electronic, organic and world elements in my music. My style can be described as something between downtempo and organic houses. Or just as melodic electronic music.
Name me your 3 favorite Albums.
This list is constantly changing and it’s hard to choose just 3, but:
Jazzanova – In Between
Burial – Untrue
Bonobo – The North Borders
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
It’s hard to remember one specific song, but I listened to a lot of 80’s electronic music when I was a kid. The first cassette tape I got as a gift from my mother was Depeche Mode singles. I also really liked the Latvian space disco band Zodiac, which was popular in our country at that time. They were very different from other records we had and sounded like something I had never heard before, so I think they contributed to my musical direction too.
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, how do you feel you are doing?
I agree with the fact that it’s really hard to break through in the music industry these days and to create music is just one of the many things you need to do in order to be successful. Everything I do is real and sincere, so the main goal for me is not numbers or fame. I want to express myself in truth and enjoy the process so the biggest appreciation is when I see people’s interest in what I do.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you?
I won the National Wind Instruments Competition.
I have traveled all over Europe by motorcycle.
I was the creator of the first MMA website in Lithuania.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
Although I don’t give in to them, I’m secretly interested. Sometimes conspiracy theories present such incredible ideas that I try to look at them more as a fantasy genre, which can help creatively.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I got sober 3 years ago. I also practice Wim Hof Method and love ice baths.
What makes you stand out as an artist?
I try to fuse together electronic, organic, and world elements that are typically distinct and find a balance between electronic and live sound. I’ve recently started using the digital wind instrument Roland Aerophone in my music, giving a unique instrumental speech.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
My new mini-album “Outlook” will be released on the Stereofox label on March 3rd. It is like a summary of the changes that happened in both my musical and personal life during the creation of this EP. I tried to combine childhood memories with the perspective of the future and extract from them something dreamy and positive, which is lacking in the world at the moment.
Talk me through the thought process of the new tunes.
I wanted to capture and convey the feeling of childhood nostalgia and go back to my precious memories while creating this release. For this, I used foley and organic textures from a diverse variety of places derived from nature itself. They have a spontaneous tone, which truly brings personal moments to my music.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Perhaps the most difficult thing was to decide when the track is finished and it was time to move on.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
The process of creating Outlook took quite a long time, so I think I’ve reached a point where I’m satisfied with how it sounds and I don’t want to change anything. Of course, it’s hard to say how it will sound to me after a year or more.
What are your plans for the year ahead?
I think I’m starting to find my own sound and voice as an artist, so I’ll keep developing and expanding it.
PRE SAVE HERE