New Wave flows again to celebrate its 10th anniversary

  • 2011-07-20
  • By Sam Logger

RIGA - All people who have music in their souls speak in one language. This opinion possibly illustrates that music can easily cross borders, and will still be understood. Something similar can be said about the international competition of new singers, “New Wave,” which takes place in the Latvian resort town of Jurmala. This year, when the contest celebrates its 10th anniversary, from July 26 – 31, it has already become a well-known brand, not only in post-Soviet countries, but all over the world.

It was the year 2002 when two great composers, Igor Krutoy and Maestro Raimonds Pauls, decided to create a musical competition which would differ in structure from the other analog events, but which would still function as a new talent filter. Thus, the concept was made and soon-to-be musicians from Russia and its neighboring countries took the stage to battle for the major prize – the Crystal Wave trophy. In later years the number of participating countries rose, and so did the prize money, which now reaches 100,000 euros.

2011 as the anniversary year is expected to be magnificent. The contestants have grown in professionalism, and supposedly it is very difficult to determine if there are members which already stand out. This year’s contestant list is as follows:

•    A-Lau (Kazakhstan);
•    Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan);
•    LieneCandy (Latvia);
•    Koop Arponen & Flute Of Shame (Finland);
•    Andrey Grizz-Lee (Russia);
•    N.A.O.M.I. (Russia);
•    Jayden Felder (USA);
•    Jenna (Togo);
•    Donny Montell (Lithuania);
•    Masha Sobko (Ukraine);
•    Monika Vishnevska and Michael Bober (Poland);
•    Roger Ricco (Brazil);
•    Eric (Armenia);
•    Yuzary (Belarus);
•    The Kolja Serga (Ukraine);
•    Twins (Uzbekistan).

As usual, the contestants will perform three songs: a world hit, national hit and original hit – songs from the artist’s repertoire. They will be evaluated on an 11-point scale by the judges, which represent the music business, starting from established performers and ending with producers and songwriters. Traditionally, the most honorable members of the jury panel are the founders of the competition – Igor Krutoy and Raimonds Pauls. Still, the “New Wave” contest is not just a race for the major prize (the winner gets 50,000 euros). Every year this event gathers many superstars from the Russian entertainment industry as well as from the international stage. Through the years Dzintari Concert Hall has seen Enrique Iglesias, Chris de Burgh, Stevie Wonder and Alla Pugachova on stage, and these are just a few of the star names. This anniversary year will not be an exception. However, although surprise performances are promised, the names of foreign guest stars will not be revealed till later. 

The competition has fought for its place under the sun, yet it is always followed by various reactions, many of them strictly negative. It may be outlined that “New Wave” serves more like an ‘Old Wave,’ where another possibility to shine for Soviet music stars is given.  Additionally, the new generation of Russian popular music gets a chance to interact with the old one in the form of a ‘friendly party’ where singing live is a questionable action, if the ‘show’ is what the audience wants.

The fact that the competition is actually a Russian-made event in Latvia is another disturbing aspect. And that draws attention in both the political and social setting. Some might say that Jurmala turns into Russia’s suburb when the competition starts. Despite the fact that “New Wave” brings in an amazing profit for the town, and even the country, there might be people who would rather see this competition leaving the territory of Latvia for another place, than moving closer.

However, the central goal is to identify the winner of the singing competition, and this is where all rumor-mill talk is unnecessary. “New Wave” has proven that it has the skills to find the biggest potential future artists (no matter what place they end up in) and give them a lifetime experience in show business, as the Russian entertainment industry is still one of the leading environments around the world. Outside gossip increases the popularity, so does the price of tickets, but it is an important cultural, business and social forum. And if you can afford it, you probably don’t want to miss out on this one!

Tickets are still available at www.bilesuserviss.lv