Ilona Balode and Abstinence Release Single Since 2021
After releasing their track “80-tie” in 2021, the music collective Abstinence has returned with a brand new single titled “Varavīksnes tilts” (Rainbow Bridge). The group’s latest release pairs Ilona Balode’s vocals with music composed by Gatis Gaugers. The collaboration builds on a creative partnership between Balode, who writes the lyrics, and Gaugers, who handles the composition.
The Creative Partnership Behind Rainbow Bridge
The newly released track features an electronic rock sound that resists strict genre categorization. Balode describes the song’s core message as quite depressive yet beautiful, centering on themes of mortality and loss. “What is the Rainbow Bridge?” Balode asked rhetorically, answering that it represents death, loss, and departure—inevitable parts of human existence. She noted that Tibetan texts like the “Book of the Dead” and Latvian folklore both treat passing as a natural process, making the traditional memento mori concept a compelling focal point for the band’s new music.
Kronbergs Produces Recording with Ensemble of Musicians
Recording sessions for “Varavīksnes tilts” brought together an ensemble of musicians. The track features Balode on vocals, Gaugers on keyboards, Egons Kronbergs on guitar, Ivars Ozols on bass, Vilnis Krieviņš on drums, and Dzintars Beitāns on violin. Kronbergs served as the producer, recording the single at his sound recording studio.
Who Created and Performed Varavīksnes Tilts?
When did the group Abstinence last release music before this single?
The collective’s previous release was the song “80-tie,” which came out in 2021 before their return with “Varavīksnes tilts.”
Who wrote the lyrics and composed the music for Varavīksnes tilts?
Ilona Balode wrote the lyrics, while Gatis Gaugers composed the music for the new single.
Which musicians participated in the studio recording session?
The track features vocalist Ilona Balode, keyboardist Gatis Gaugers, guitarist Egons Kronbergs, bassist Ivars Ozols, drummer Vilnis Krieviņš, and violinist Dzintars Beitāns.
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