Aivars Birzmalis: From “Talent Factory” to Country Roads and Imants Ziedonis’ Poetry
Latvian musician Aivars Birzmalis has traversed a diverse musical path, from his early days on the show “Talent Factory” to embracing country music and, most recently, setting the poetry of Imants Ziedonis to song. Birzmalis is set to perform a concert featuring these new works on March 23rd, coinciding with his birthday, at the “Hamlets” theater.
Early Beginnings and “Talent Factory”
Born in Ance, Latvia, Birzmalis currently resides in Iecava, though he identifies strongly with Ventspils. His musical journey began with his father teaching him to play the guitar. He initially worked as an animator, entertaining audiences with songs while dressed in masks, before gaining recognition on the second season of “Talent Factory” in 2003, performing Helvi Stengrevitz’s song “If you wish.” While he doesn’t dwell on this period, he acknowledges the experience alongside fellow contestants Snake, Anmary, and Detlef, who continued their musical careers.
From Salesman to Country Music
After his time on “Talent Factory,” Birzmalis worked as a salesman and bicycle courier in Riga, maintaining a passion for sports. He gradually transitioned into show business, drawing on his experience in entertainment. His foray into country music began with the song “My country house,” sparked by a melody he recorded on his phone. He collaborated with Jānis Misiņš, guitarist of the group “6. Jūdze,” to develop his country sound, often performing with Misiņš and drummer Artis Orubs.
The “Viņa” Album and Lyrical Focus
In 2016, Birzmalis released the album “Viņa” with Jānis Misiņš, featuring lyrics written by Kristina Kalniņa, his then-girlfriend and now wife. He emphasizes his preference for simple, direct lyrics that tell a story, a hallmark of country music. He has created around fifty songs to date, with a portion to be featured in his upcoming concert.
Collaboration with “Apvedceļš” and Festival Appearances
Birzmalis has also collaborated with the group “Apvedceļš” on the song “Viena diena,” which will premiere at his March 23rd concert. He frequently performs at social events and has been a long-time participant in the cantor music festival. His connection to the country music scene deepened through his acquaintance with Mārtiņš Ruža, organizer of country music festivals, leading to an invitation to perform at the Bauska country music festival.
Imants Ziedonis’ Poetry and a New Creative Direction
In a surprising turn, Birzmalis has found inspiration in the poetry of Imants Ziedonis. Despite not being a dedicated poetry enthusiast, he discovered five songs emerged while exploring Ziedonis’s work. He has since developed a full program of songs based on Ziedonis’s poetry, including a home recording of “Pabrīdi mani.”
Upcoming Performance and Steampunk Country Festival
Birzmalis will perform at the “Hamlets” theater on March 23rd, featuring songs set to the poetry of Imants Ziedonis. He is also scheduled to perform at the Steampunk Country festival in Saulkrasti on July 11th, an event organized by Mārtiņš Ruža, which will feature a lineup of both established and emerging country music artists. Artis Orubs, who describes Birzmalis’s music as positive yet poignant, will likely join him on stage, accompanied by bassist Norberts Skraucis.
“It’s perfect for me – I do what I like and I earn money from it!” Birzmalis states.