The album connects not only different musical worlds but also several generations – from the youth of our grandparents to today’s listeners.
Secrets searched abroad, but found in Lithuania
“Los Secretos de Pablo” has been exploring Latin American musical heritage for many years – salsa, cumbia, reggae, ska, and other musical worlds. However, over time, the musicians realized that an equally intriguing treasure trove had always been much closer.
“The word Secretos – secrets – is in our name. We searched for them far across the seas until we understood that we have many of them right here. The old Lithuanian pop scene hides incredibly strong melodies, lyrics, and stories. This is music that certainly does not deserve to be left in the past,” says “Los Secretos de Pablo” musician Aurimas Rimeikis.
Thus began the journey through Lithuania’s musical memory and the birth of “Los Secretos de Monika Liu.” Monika Liu, who joined the group, became not only the voice of the project but also an equal part of its creative story and the album.
“We definitely did not come with the idea that we would now make these songs better. That is simply impossible. When you start to delve deeper, you realize the incredible richness of both their music and lyrics. We wanted to approach them with respect but also allow them to live today,” adds Monika Liu.
The young generation sounds in the album
“Šešėliai lange” (Shadows in the Window) looks back at a generation that is gradually leaving and the music that accompanied its youth. Cinematic, sometimes mystical, poetic Lithuanian pop songs in the album are not simply reproduced – they become a starting point for a new sound.
New arrangements were created by today’s talents Liutauras Janušaitis and Jievaras Jasinskis. The album features trumpets, trombones, saxophones, flute, harp, sousaphone, percussion, drums, guitars, and keyboards, with Monika Liu’s vocals at the forefront. You will also hear the youth-favorite “Šventinis Bankuchenas.” The album’s visual identity was created by Aneta Urbonaitė.
“If people who have never heard the originals discover these songs today, the musical story continues,” says Monika Liu.
Another example that the theme of generations in the album is not just a metaphor is “Gulbių šauksmas” (The Call of the Swans). The lyrics were written by one of Lithuania’s most important poets, Vytautas P. Bložė. Decades later, in the new version of the song, his grandson, also named Vytautas Bložė, plays the trumpet.
Recorded in one of Vilnius’s oldest studios, produced at Abbey Road Studios in London
The album’s story connected not only different generations but also different musical world geographies.
“Šešėliai lange” was recorded in the historic Vilnius record studio near Sereikiškės Park – a space closely linked to Lithuania’s music recording history. The final sound of the album traveled from Vilnius to London – its mastering was done at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.
The album involved Abbey Road Studios sound engineer Sean Magee, whose credits include projects with music legends such as The Beatles, Nina Simone, and Gorillaz.
“We wanted to make this album as good as possible. Not because old songs need to prove anything, but precisely because they deserve the greatest respect – both creatively and technically,” says Monika Liu.
The album is already released, live performance in September
The new “Los Secretos de Monika Liu” album “Šešėliai lange” is available on all music platforms today. On September 3, the official album launch concert will take place at the “Vasaros terasa” in Vilnius.
On stage will be Monika Liu and more than fifteen “Los Secretos de Pablo” musicians, who will perform the newly revived Lithuanian pop songs live. The vinyl record of the album “Šešėliai lange” will also be available for purchase.
Listen to the album “Šešėliai lange”:
