Niklāss Releases “Mākoņu Skrējējs” – New Single Inspired by Aspazija’s Poetry

Niklāss, the singer-songwriter who gained recognition through Latvian television shows like “X Faktors” and “Koru kari,” and ultimately won “Ghetto Faktors” last year, has released a recent pop single, “Mākoņu skrējējs” (Cloud Runner). What sets this release apart is its foundation in the poetry of Aspazija, one of Latvia’s most celebrated poets. The single arrives during Aspazija’s birthday week, adding a layer of cultural significance to the project.

The genesis of “Mākoņu skrējējs” was, as Niklāss describes it, serendipitous. He initially composed a musical idea without lyrics, and days later, even as revisiting Aspazija’s work, discovered the poem of the same name. He found the poem’s text fit the existing melody with remarkable precision, requiring no alterations to structure or phrasing. A lyric video for the song is available on YouTube. Watch “Mākoņu Skrējējs” here.

A Personal Resonance with Aspazija

For Niklāss, the connection to Aspazija’s work runs deeper than a fortunate musical match. He explains that he was experiencing a period of uncertainty when he encountered the poem. “It was a confusing time in my life, and Aspazija in this poem precisely demonstrated my feelings at that moment,” he shared. “Reading these lines brought an indescribable peace – as if she herself was smiling down from above and telling me that everything would be alright.” He vividly remembers the night he began singing the poem’s words to his melody while sitting by the Riga Canal, feeling a sense of inevitability about the collaboration.

Aspazija (Elza Pliekšāne, 1865-1943) remains a towering figure in Latvian literature, known for her feminist views and powerful poetry exploring themes of love, nature, and social justice. Learn more about Aspazija’s life and work on Wikipedia. Her work continues to resonate with audiences today, and Niklāss’s interpretation offers a contemporary entry point for a new generation.

Collaboration Across Continents

The production of “Mākoņu skrējējs” involved a transatlantic creative process. Niklāss recorded his vocals and instrumental parts in Riga, while producer Edgars Vilcāns worked remotely from Asia. This is the second collaboration between Niklāss and Vilcāns, following their work on the song “A Boy.” Vilcāns described their initial meeting as accidental, occurring at a gas station near his studio.

Vilcāns emphasized the unique challenges and rewards of remote collaboration. “Despite the distance, we managed to create a whole musical network of cooperation,” he explained. “Vocals, guitars, and drum parts were recorded in Riga, and together we found the sound for this song.” He praised Niklāss’s creative direction, highlighting his blend of live instruments and electronic sounds, which allows for experimentation. Read the full interview with Niklāss and Edgars Vilcāns on NRA.lv (in Latvian).

Niklāss: From Reality TV to Poetic Pop

Niklāss’s journey to releasing original music has been marked by a series of appearances on Latvian reality television. He first gained attention on “X Faktors,” followed by participation in “Koru kari” (Choir Wars). His win in the 2023 edition of “Ghetto Faktors,” a vocal competition, provided a significant boost to his profile. This trajectory is not uncommon for Latvian artists, with televised competitions serving as a launchpad for emerging talent. His ability to transition from competitive singing to crafting a song rooted in classic Latvian poetry demonstrates a clear artistic vision.

The choice to set Aspazija’s poem to music is a notable one, signaling a desire to engage with Latvia’s cultural heritage. It also positions Niklāss within a tradition of Latvian musicians who draw inspiration from the nation’s rich literary history. Latvian Radio featured the song on their program “Muzikālā Banka,” further amplifying its reach. Listen to the song and read more on Latvijas Radio’s website.

What’s Next for Niklāss and Vilcāns?

Both Niklāss and Vilcāns have expressed enthusiasm for continuing their collaboration. Vilcāns indicated a hope for future projects, suggesting that the creative synergy between them is strong. While no specific plans have been announced, the success of “Mākoņu skrējējs” and the positive experience of remote collaboration suggest that further releases are likely. The focus, for now, appears to be on building momentum around this single and exploring potential opportunities for live performances.