Where did your musical story begin?
From the first grade. I was born in Vilnius. From the first grade, I attended the Balys Dvarionas Music School. At first, I learned violin, later guitar. But I loved singing the most. I still remember one concert. I don’t remember what I played then, but I remember the faces of the people very well. They applauded, smiled, were happy. Later, I saw the same feeling while singing in the school choir. Only today do I understand that it was then that I realized that music can make a person at least temporarily happier. Apparently, I have been searching for that feeling all my life.
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How did you meet and start collaborating with the soul of the band “Hiperbolė,” Igoris Berinas?
In 2009, the phone rang. I was offered to join a project where “Hiperbolė” composer Igoris Berinas was working. I agreed. That day, I did not yet know that this call would change my entire musical world. For about two years, we worked every day in the same studio. Another like-minded person, Arūnas, joined us, with whom I am still on the musical path.
During those two years with my colleagues, I understood more than in many previous years. Until then, I thought I understood music. After them, I realized I was just beginning to get to know it.
Speaking about Igoris, he changed my understanding of arrangement, rhythm, and sound. It was a true school of mastery.
What happened next?
Life happened. Our paths with Igoris diverged. But the songs did not disappear. They stayed within me. The more time passed, the clearer I understood that I could not just put them on a shelf and forget. I started thinking about why they were so rarely played live. And one day, we just started rehearsing. Without rushing. Without big plans.
For two years, we searched daily for our sound, created arrangements, corrected every detail.
In 2013, the band was born. At first, it was called “Hiperbolės Tribute.” Later, due to the trademark, we had to change the name. That’s how HIPERBAND came about.
Have you ever wanted to become part of the band “Hiperbolė”?
Never. It’s impossible. And it was never my goal. “Hiperbolė” has long been a part of Lithuanian music history. It is impossible and unnecessary to compete with it. We just wanted these songs to continue to be played live. People usually first hear the melody. I always hear the words too. These songs live not only because of the music. They contain texts by Lithuanian poets. The more you delve into them, the more you understand that you are holding not just a song. You are holding a work.
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After so many years, are you still not tired of them?
I don’t know. I can sit alone in the studio, listen to the same recordings, look for one guitar sound, one nuance. After hundreds of concerts, I am still not tired of them. And I can’t explain why myself.
Still, people understand: these are not your songs. What would you say to skeptics who called you a pretender or an imitator?
They are right about the music. The songs are not mine. I never said otherwise. But no one questions why the world’s orchestras still play Mozart or Bach today. No one says they appropriated their music. On the contrary – we are glad that it is alive.
I think it’s similar with popular music. If a work lives for decades, it means it has long belonged to culture. And the greatest respect to the creator is not silence. The greatest respect is when their works continue to be played. With respect. Not with the desire to appropriate them.
How do the listeners themselves react when you cover “Hiperbolė” songs?
Some ask for a photo. Others just shake hands. Some say nothing. They just hug and say we reminded them of their youth.
What surprises me even more is that young people sing along. They did not live in those times. That means good songs have no age.
But why do you dedicate so many years to songs you did not create yourself?
God did not give me the talent of a composer. He gave it to Igoris Berinas. And He gave me the opportunity to sing those songs. And I am grateful for that.
If Igoris Berinas were sitting in front of you today, what would you say to him?
I would say just one sentence: “Igori, you changed my life. And for that, I am grateful to you. I am not ashamed in front of you.”
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