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Riga to host festival of experimental music

By Howard Jarvis. 25.09.2014

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Skaņu Mežs “adventurous music” festival announces 2014 program

A festival for “adventurous music and related arts” returns to Riga in October, bringing in from the outer limits cult artists such as Blixa Bargeld, Monolake, Andy Stott and Keith Fullerton Whitman to perform in the Latvian capital.

The annual Skaņu Mežs (“sound forest”) festival will take place at the Daile concert hall (Kr. Barona 31) on October 10 and 11. This 12th edition is a part of the official European Capital of Culture 2014 program and is “characterized by a subtle balance between the electronic and the acoustic, the improvised and the tightly woven, the obvious and the abstract,” the organizers say. 

These contrasts will be reflected in festival program as well as within the particular performances. Such a perspective is designed to defend the idea that innovation in music depends on bold ideas and flexible language, not just technology. Expect experimental techno, audiovisual performances, synth-pop, solo vocal performances, solos for drums and cello, and more. There'll also be educational events, plus master-classes in free improv and composing for analogue electronic instruments.

Skaņu Mežs is a founding member of the European network of festivals ECAS – it means European Cities of Advanced Sound – as well as ICAS, its international version. Whatever, it's definitely the biggest and best-known event for experimental and adventurous music in the Baltics. Tickets can be bought at ticketservice.lv, costing €20 per day or €30 for both days.

October 11

Blixa Bargeld 

Robert Henke/Monolake

Andy Stott

Gas of Latvia Katrīna Neiburga

Innode

Xeno & Oaklander

Martinez Gonzalez

October 10

Marissa Nadler

Wadada Leo Smith, John Edwards, Mark Sanders

Keith Fullerton Whitman

If, Bwana

Okkyung Lee

Insect Ark

Phil Minton & Audrey Chen