Juris Kaukulis: From Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails to Mad Mix and Nakts Pilsoņi
Dzelzs Vilkss frontman discusses the music scene in Latvia during the 80s-90s, the influence of grunge and metal in Latvia; his musical journey and significance of music in his life.
Juris Kaukulis is currently on his solo tour with dates across Latvia and London; performing well known and new-unreleased music for the listeners. The lead singer, songwriter, guitarist is the founder of the Latvian rock band Dzelzs Vilks (Iron Wolf). The band was established in 1991, Mālpils, Latvia, alongside with band members Kaspars Tobis (synthesizer), Mārcis Judzis (drums) un Kārlis Alviķis (bass). They have released alternative rock, metal, and pop-rock albums, including albums in folk-rock genre. Juris Kaukulis is also active in the band Jauno Jāņu Orķestris, a folk-rock band incorporating Latvian Dainas poetry and traditional folk music.
They have won 7 awards across categories: Best Album, Best Song, Best Folk Album and many other awards. Dzelzs Vilks is one of the most prominent Latvian rock bands which has continued to shape music in Latvia. They have toured throughout The Baltic States, Poland, United Kingdom and rest of Europe. Their songs have won many awards and have carried cultural significance and importance, especially, within the underground and rock scenes. They have taken part in Dailes Theatre plays, such as "Tas trakais, trakais Harijs" (Theatre Director: Dž. Dž. Džilindžers), from which they released an album ‘’Dzelzs Vilks Teātris’’ (2009).
‘‘The 90s were divided…There were the early 90s and Latvia became free and there was a lot of confusion… uncertainty. Everyone had many dreams and hopes, and nobody knew what will happen-especially in music. I was not prepared for the new lifestyle…’’
Within this interview, Juris Kaukulis discusses the influence and presence of grunge in Latvia, particularly Kurt Cobain & Soundgarden. He mentions the significance of Nirvana, Pixies, The Sisters of Mercy, TOOL, Nine Inch Nails, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Anthrax for his music [UK vs US music].
Leading on to discuss the life of a teenager in the 90s; the importance of self-destruction ideology within music and visual presentation on stage. Mentioning their involvement in charity events such as Ziedot.lv for Ukraine.
In the interview, Juris Kaukulis explains the importance of music in his life, the importance he places on presenting the music to the audience and influence of genre of Grunge and Metal for his own music. This extends to the genre and US influence within Latvia in the 1990s and musical scene of the time. The singer gives insights on his journey through discovering music and his own musical influences…the changes from the 80s to the 90s music.
‘‘For metal and rock groups, one of the first clubs to play in was called
Mad Mix- a small club, small place. The stage made the band feel like they are in a crate….Similarly, there was a club Nakts Pilsoņi in Jūrmala…’’
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Hola , Enhorabuena Por Está Nueva Aventura , Y Gracias Por Seguir Informando Sobre La Cultura Musical Del Grunge. Un Saludo.