Interview with The Sound Poets: New Album, Documentary and Roots in Latgale

On July 16, the band The Sound Poets performed at Lūznava Manor in Rēzekne district, unveiling their new album “Katram kuģim savs ceļš” (Every Ship Has Its Own Path) and screening a documentary about its creation. In an interview with the Latgalian portal lakuga.lv, lead singer Jānis Aišpurs and bassist Kārlis Josts shared insights into the album and their ties to Latgale.

Both musicians described the concert format as intimate—no lights or effects, just music and people. Josts explained that the idea to present the album in various locations came from their manager Zanda, instead of a single Riga event. Initially the band was reluctant to film a documentary, but director Madara Lote gathered so much footage during the Tallinn recording sessions that they decided to use it to provide deeper context to the album's emotional journey.

The album took two years to produce, partly with Estonian producer Erki Pärnoja, as the band sought a fresh approach. Pärnoja, who does not understand Latvian, could objectively evaluate the music and vocals. The title track is a tribute to Aišpurs' late mother; when the producer learned this—having recently lost his own mother—he became emotionally moved and later played the song every night before sleep.

Discussing their Latgalian roots, Aišpurs noted his mother is from the Bolvi area and his father from near Dagda. Though he spent summers in Borisova as a child, he only started speaking Latgalian consciously after age 35. Josts, from Varakļāni, emphasized that Latgalian identity is not just language but mentality—a unique connection felt when meeting other Latgalians.

Both acknowledged that Soviet ideology once made people ashamed of speaking Latgalian, but attitudes are changing. Josts believes the survival of the language depends on families speaking it to their children.

When asked for a must-visit place in Latgale, Aišpurs immediately mentioned Lūznava, while Josts recommended Dagda with its lake and architecture festival. They agreed that entering Latgale feels like entering another country—hills, valleys, lakes create a distinct atmosphere.

For aspiring musicians from Latgale, they advised authenticity: “Think global, act local.” Josts noted that identity in a small country is a strength, and the Latgalian language can intrigue international audiences.