Markus Riva releases new mini album "Rudens" (Autumn)
Singer Markus Riva released his mini album "Rudens" (Autumn) on September 1, featuring four new songs. The record continues a seasonal musical story he began in summer, this time with a more melancholic sound.
Latvian singer, songwriter and producer Markus Riva released a new mini album titled "Rudens" (Autumn) on September 1, bringing together four new tracks: "Vēlreiz" ("Once Again"), "Atceros" ("I Remember"), "Tu zini mani labāk" ("You Know Me Better") and "Dzimšanas diena" ("Birthday").
The release continues a seasonal musical concept the artist began on June 1 with the mini album "Vasara" (Summer). While that earlier record reflected the freedom and carefree spirit of summer, "Rudens" brings a deeper, more serious and at times rougher sound, marking the change of season musically as well.
The artist, whose real name is Miķelis Ļaksa, says it is important for him that his songs feel personal and reflect genuinely experienced emotions rather than calculated ones. He describes "Rudens" as a more open and melancholic record for that reason.
The songs
The lead single is "Vēlreiz," a blend of pop, R&B and electronic music featuring string arrangements. The album also includes the duet "Tu zini mani labāk" with singer Lily, telling the story of a shared past between two people who once were very close. "Atceros" explores memories and feelings that unexpectedly resurface, while the album closes with "Dzimšanas diena."
That final track carries special personal meaning this year, as Riva will turn 40 on October 2. He says a milestone birthday naturally invites reflection on what has been achieved, but that looking ahead and continuing to create matters more to him.
Markus Riva wrote the music and lyrics for all four songs and produced the record himself, with Roman Nero, a past collaborator, serving as co-producer.
