Markus Riva Talked About His Latest Single "QUIZ"

This is my second interview with Markus Riva about the release of his latest single QUIZ. I felt delightful to have another opportunity to interview him and I'd love to share the story with you all.

Tell me about the concepts of your latest single Quiz? The messages you try to tell to your listener?

The song QUIZ is the 2nd single of my soon-to-be-released CD "Songs from NYC" and it is electro pop song with also Latvian version "Kā Tevi Sauc". The song, like all the 12 other tracks from new CD, is inspired by the New York and QUIZ tells a quite simple story about being rich and being lonely. If you have brand clothes, latest MacBook and VIP status everywhere you go (just to have a status, all-eyes-on-you, brilliants etc.) that doesn't mean that you are happy - "no one to share, no one to wake up with - morning is like a quiz, you loose - you win". And this song definitely is not about one-night stands.

Where did you film the clip? Are you doing all the editing process or you have any team with you?

We filmed the video during my stay in NYC last summer with fashion photographer Lars Weber from Germany. I had the industrial vision of the video so Brooklyn was a perfect location to shoot. But the editing process was made in Riga with my production company. We also came up with the idea to make a 3D version of this video so it is also now the first Latvian 3D music video. There are so many 3D movies now so we thought, it would be great to make a 3D music video.

You've changed your hair cut Markus, what kind of style is that?

I changed the hair style with "Strogonovs" company which is one of the most prominent hair saloon in Riga. I am a face of the saloon and face of their marketing campaign. At first it was crazy idea to go blonde, but now I am fine with that and satisfied. Being one of the most fashionable artists in Latvia I have to do more and more crazy things so the hair color probably is just a good start. I have also been nominated for the Most Stylish musician in Latvia for OE TV Music Video awards (also for best song and best video (both for "Love to you"), in total 4 nominations) and was nominated for the Latvian Style and Fashion award this February. So I should keep going!

In the video you changed your outfit from white to black, any meaning for that?

In the video I had more ideas but we were short of time to do all that crazy ideas so we actually sticked to quite simple things. Black and white thing was to symbolize 2 contrasts like loose - win, good - bad, black - white and so on. Life is like that - sometimes there is gray too but in general we are happy - we are sad, we smile - we cry. And we tried to do some old-school stuff with the video effects. And the song in general is inspired by the classical electro pop music.

In which album we can find this single?

This song will be featured my second studio album "Songs From NYC".
 

Big thanks to Markus Riva for the share with us.

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Interview With Markus Riva

Multitalented singer, songwriter, producer, actor, model Award winning pop singer, composer, host of tv shows and contests, actor and model Markus Riva share his story to me. Following his career really fascinating and inspiring me, and I hope he could inspire you too. Check out our conversation...

 

You’re multitalented guy.. How did you start all of your successful career?

Thank you! I started my career when I was 4. Of course, professionally it started when I was around 16 and finally realized what I want to do in my life. I have studied music since 6 and there haven’t been any other options to be considered. Music is my life. Music is my wife. I wake up with music and I have sex with that.


Beside Riga Fashion Week, you have another show in different country?

I like to do modeling but it is kind of secondary thing in my life. I started my fashion career when I was 18 and had a long hair. One of Latvian designers looked for that type of models and she contacted me. It was very interesting and not hard at all. So I have been involved in countless fashion projects after that. Now I am signed with Models International in NY. 

 

Who’s your fave Latvian designer?

I have great experience with designer Indra Salcevica (Salt). We are close friends and she is so talented. She has a great view and ideas. We have worked together for almost three years. Also, I really enjoy works by Anita Altmane, and also London-based Latvian designer Keita. Her shows in Riga Fashion Week are outstanding.


People who really influence your life?

My friends. Definitely. I have great friends and their life inspires me a lot. Unknown people. I like to sit and watch them walking by. Then I can create my own stories about them, even they could be absolutely wrong. David Bowie, James Dean, Woody Allen, and old Hollywood are icons to me too.

Have you ever found fans yell at you on the streets because you are famous?

Sometimes. But I am listening my iPhone all the time on the streets so mostly I can hear Bjork yelling in my ears.


If you have a chance to turn back time, in which period you like to return to?

College years. I had the best college – the Choir School of Riga Dom Cathedral. We were 6 people in class so It was a private school and I really enjoyed to study all the music subjects. It was time when dreams were made. And still I am sticking to the same dreams. Blessing.

You really love music.. Ever conducting for choir or orchestra?

I studied choir conducting and even if it is not my choice of life it was great experience. We had a “practice” choir and I conducted that for 3 years. And also I sung in top choirs of Latvia for almost 6 years and traveled all around the world. It was fun and great experience to work with all these talented musicians. Choir music plays a big part in my life. Still. Maybe one day I will get back to my roots and mix electronic music with choir music.


From your track, which one is your most favorite song?

I think Love to you. I recorded this track on the second day after I returned in Riga from New York. I was so inspired by the city and life style there. I was hypnotized. And this style and concept is what I really feel right now so there is no doubt that LTY has a big impact in my life.

From all your jobs, which one you like the most, being actor, model, singer or something else?

Music. Always music. But all these professions are very related to each other. I like every experience. Being as a musical actor, being as a model.


What makes Markus Riva become so big right now? How did you get all of those talents?

Well, I have mountains to reach and wouldn’t clime myself as a big. But let’s talk after few years, ha ha. I work a lot. I don’t do weekend or weekdays. I rest when I can, but I have my dream glasses on all the time. So there is no time to wait or rest.

How does it feel for being famous at the young age?

I am 23 and on Oct. 2nd I will be 24. I still feel young and felt young when I was 16 and will fell young at age 40. Fame is not what I am looking for. I love to create, I love the process of making some kind of art. I love to live my dream.

Check out Markus Riva's Official Web @
 http://markusriva.com/ or www.myspace.com/markusriva

Link to Markus Riva's vids :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=359tx21qI4c&feature=recentu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMarlzUkPLI&feature=related

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