Instrumenti

Instrumenti
Background information
Origin	Rīga, Latvia
Genres	Indie pop
Years active	2007-present
Labels	Instrumenti
Associated acts	Cosmos, Sigur Ros, M83, Mike Oldfield, Muse
Website	instrumenti.in
Members	Jānis Šipkēvics Reinis Sējāns Gatis Zaķis

Instrumenti are an Electronic Indie Pop music band from Latvia, Riga, formed by two academically educated musicians Shipsi (Jānis Šipkēvics) and Reynsi (Reinis Sējāns).

During the years various musicians and visual artists from Latvia, Sweden, Finland, France and Iceland at some point have called themselves Instrumenti members.^[1]

Instrumenti, a two piece electro indie pop band, has proven to be amongst the best Baltic live acts of the decade.

The band published their first single "Life Jacket Under Your Seat" in summer 2008, which immediately caught attention of Latvian radio stations.^[2] However, the group was officially formed only in 2009.^[3] Shipsi (vocals/keyboards) has one of the most impressive falsettos today's music has to offer while Reynsi (drums/ keyboards/vocals) has a genuine talent of creating incredibly rich and warm sound backed up with beautiful harmonies. Instrumenti sound has been described as a mix of Muse, Sigur Rós and Michael Jackson.

In August 2011 Instrumenti released their debut album TRU recorded at the Greenhouse studios in Reykjavik, collaborating with producers and arrangers who've worked on most of Sigur Rós, Björk and Jónsi's records.

Being one of the most sought-after Baltic acts, Instrumenti have played the biggest venues in the Baltic states and have taken part in numerous festivals and showcases all over Europe (Germany, Austria, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Poland, UK, France, Belgium, Czech Republic etc.) - SXSW, The Great Escape Festival, Eurosonic Noorderslag, Heineken Opener, Positivus Festival, Rock For People, Waves Vienna, Tallinn Music Week among others.

What makes Instrumenti captivating is the duo’s natural wit, charisma, creativity and skills that allow them to delicately blend different styles and genres, creating an enjoyable aural and visual adventure.

In 2013, Instrumenti participated in a number of European festivals, playing alongside Friendly Fires, Keane, The Vaccines, Hurts and Skrillex among others.

Awards

Instrumenti received two Music Awards at Annual Latvian Music Awards 2010 – Best Song for "Apēst Tevi" and Best Debut for "Pandemiya" EP.^[4]

Live shows

Instrumenti have performed in Germany, Austria, Iceland, Norway, Poland, UK, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Sweden, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, USA, UK.

Discography

Albums

EPs

• Containing singles "Life Jacket Under Your Seat", "Kvik Myndir", "(Back of Your) Drawer", "Peace (There Must Be)", and the official video for "Kvik Myndir".

DVDs

Airplay singles

Videos

References

1. ↑ Dryburgh, Jay. "Instrumenti Interview: SXSW 2010", Spinner.com, 8 March 2010. Retrieved on 2010-09-23.
2. ↑ http://www.tvnet.lv/muzika/videoaudio/13222-instrumenti_life_jacket_under_your_seat_audio
3. ↑ http://www.instrumenti.in/
4. ↑ Straumanis, Andris. "Instrumenti wins best song honor in Latvian music awards", Latvians Online, 24 February 2010. Retrieved on 2010-09-23.

External links

• Official Instrumenti Website
• Instrumenti on Facebook
• Instrumenti on Sonicbids