We filmed the postcard video which will be shown before our performance on the Eurovision stage in Rotterdam. We can say that last year’s journey finally continues, because it was right before the postcard shooting when everything was cancelled. It’s good to be back on track!
We won again!
THE ROOP won National Eurovision Selection! One more time! Next stop - Rotterdam!
Trophies reached our hands
ESC Radio’s “Best Group” and “Best Song” (ON FIRE) trophies reached our hands. Thank you for these awards. We are happy and we invite you to our discoteque!
Record-breaking week
THE ROOP beat the Lithuanian stream record on “Spotify” with their latest song, Eurovision entry “Discoteque”, released last Friday.
The single became the most streamed song in one week in Lithuania, as announced by music magazine REVIU.
The record was captured after revising all data of “Spotify” tops since it became popular in Lithuania. On top of that, THE ROOP beat their own record, previously achieved with “On Fire”.
The amount of streams generated by “Discoteque” in Lithuania has never been reached by any international artist, such as worldwide hit creators Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Drake, Tone and I or Ed Sheeran, who are really popular in our country and at some point have been in top positions.
This week’s number one song “Discoteque” is in the first position not only among Lithuanian artists, but also among international. Such an event is particularly rare in Lithuania. By the way, “On Fire” also returned to this week’s top.
“Discoteque” is #1 on Lithuanian digital and Radios Airplay chart!
We will confess - we were really nervous before releasing “Discoteque” to the public. We didn’t know what would happen or how it would go. We, however, trusted only ourselves - we really loved the song. And it paid off! “Discoteque” is #1 on Lithuanian digital and Radios Airplay chart!
Best things are born out of friendship!
“Discoteque” video director Saulius Baradinskas is an old friend of Vaidotas, who always supported the musical journey, especially when it was hard and better times weren't anywhere in sight. Before starting work, Saulius and Vaidotas, in pouring rain, climbed up the Hill of Three Cross to see the panorama of Vilnius from up high. Saulius said that big projects require seeing a wider horizon. Mutual trust and connection allowed the video to turn out unique. Thank you, Saulius, for your friendship and professionalism!
Creating a music video in quarantine conditions
Few pics from “Discoteque” behind the scenes. Creating a music video in quarantine conditions is really not easy. Around 50 people took part in the production! How do we ensure safety? Affidea Lietuva responded to our call for aid. No one could enter the set without a negative covid test. We are extremely thankful for this!
"Discoteque" is out now everywhere!
THE ROOP have already noticed with their previous hit ”On Fire” how music and dance affects people. Music and dance liberates everyone. There’s not a single person who cannot dance. This is innate. Dance is like a tool which can also heal scars.
This 80s styles and movies “Alice in Wonderland”, “Twin Peaks” inspired music video – directed by award-winning director Saulius Baradinskas.
THE ROOP’s leader Vaidotas says: “The new song “Discoteque” talks about personal inner liberation. Rather often we say that we are free and that we live in a free world. But most of our restraints come from the inside. So, this song and movement aims liberate our minds, which contains too much self-criticism, fear of appearing different, reluctance to accept your body, even limiting your attractiveness.”
The main melody line is reminiscent of old folk songs (if sung in legato, however the band presents it in staccato), so “The Roop” brings folk music sound to the dancefloor.
“Part C or so-called bridge of the song is full of mouth sounds which carries us back in time thousands of years ago. It’s a return to the very beginning of us, where we can start all over again,” says band’s drummer Robertas.
The song is called “Discoteque” - without the letter “h”, because it’s a different kind of discotheque.
“It’s not about showing yourself off. It’s more about being with yourself and accepting yourself the way you are,” says band’s guitarist Mantas.
The song comes together with an energetic dance which can allow you to escape and let loose. Some of the moves of the dance were taken from the childhood, some - inspired by legendary Lithuanian basketball player Arvydas Sabonis.
“Discoteque” will also enter 2021 Lithuanian National Eurovision Selection. The band who were fan favourites to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 with their song “On Fire” have been invited back to compete straight in the final show.
Not a copy
The new song "Discoteque" is not a copy of "On Fire". That's what we wanted the least. However, one thing that is in common (apart from band members) is that both sound somewhat unusual. And we love it! 3 days until release!
NEW SONG!
Single cover art for “Discoteque”. The song is out THIS FRIDAY! Let the countdown begin!
Anniversary
It has been one year since we released “On Fire”! It was a tough year, but it bore us the sweetest fruits. Thank you for finding out about us, for listening to our songs, thank you for your support, for your inspiring messages! Our journey is not over. It’s only the first step. Come along!
Ambassador of the Year
We won LRT Award of the Year! We received Ambassador of the Year award for being the ones who spread the name of Lithuania around the World the most. This great evaluation obligates us to carry the Lithuania flag as far as we can. We are extremely happy and thankful!
The A team is back!
Good news on the first day of the new year! The dancers (Miglė & Marijanas) will join us on the Eurovision stage once again! The A team is back on track! We are extremely excited!
The Year of 2020
The end of the year. We wanted to write about it, as usual. But. There were so many things, so many ups and downs, we faced sadness and happiness, gave and received so much love and built up our strength to survive, to bloom and to go forward. If we wrote about all of it, this post would be too long to read. But we know one thing for sure - we reached another level. So at the end of the day - 2020 was the most successful and wonderful year for us. Strange, but it's true.
5 nominees!
We have been noticed and we are happy! Lithuanian M.A.M.A. music awards nominated us in 5 categories:
1. Song of the year "On Fire"
2. Pop band of the year
3. Video of the year "On Fire"
4. Band of the year
5. Breakthrough of the year
The heat is getting higher!
Regarding Eurovision 2021
The question we were hearing since spring will be answered now - we decided to take part in the National Eurovision selection. We have a song and we have a vision. Let's hope it will become Euro-vision.
6 years old!
Today THE ROOP turns 6 years old! Let’s be honest - our journey to this point was not straightforward and easy. We thought it would be a sprint, and it turns out it was a marathon. Here, endurance and motivation are paramount. We have repeatedly heard others saying that we will achieve nothing. Some managers did not want to work with us because they said we were too old and we are not in our twenties anymore. Some people shook their heads when Vaidotas quit all his day jobs and was left with music only, with his savings one month ahead. We had to cross the rivers of sadness, climb the mountains of self disappointment, and had to experience depression. But whatever happened, the desire to create and sing arose like a phoenix from the ashes. Our advice to you is: don't be afraid of long distances towards your dream, there will always be those who want to stop you, because they stand still. Don't listen to them. Listen to those who are also running.
THE ROOP stride forward: first recording session in “Warner Music Finland”
THE ROOP band have just returned from Helsinki following an invitation from one of the top three music record companies in the world - “Warner Music”. New songs were born in the studio of this leviathan of record labels. The result is already intriguing.
“This trip was important, because it was a solid step forward. It marks the beginning of the practical international collaboration. We started recordings in a world class studio, had discussions with music producers and marketing professionals. THE ROOP got to know “Warner Music” company, which works with major music names ranging from Madonna or Dua Lipa to „Red Hot Chili Peppers“, up close. Getting into such a music pool is a historical event”, - said band’s producer Lauras Lučiūnas.
In the professional studio in Finland THE ROOP worked for four days. According to the band, Finns take the pandemic very seriously, so there were no handshakes or other direct contact, but the studio activities were organized just perfectly.
“We are happy with this experience. Working with high level professionals in another country is extremely beneficial. We can already hear good results even though the songs are not completely finished yet.” - spoke Vaidotas Valiukevičius, leader of THE ROOP.
Such business trips will happen more frequently in the future. Parallelly, a lot of work is being done remotely, so possible quarantine or travel restrictions will not stop THE ROOP activities. Currently the band is concentrating on 15 new songs, out of which 9 will be included into the upcoming record. Release is planned for next year.
It’s official! THE ROOP have signed a deal with one of the biggest labels in the world - “Warner Music Group”
Vaidotas Valiukeviučius, THE ROOP vocalist: “This is the result of long and purposeful work. We are happy. Once more we say all countries who feel they are too small - the music world has no borders. We want to inspire others not to let their hands down, not to forsake their creativity, keep on working, and we believe that many more talents will be discovered on a worldwide level”.
Warner Music Group is to strengthen its operations in the Baltics with the opening of an office in Tallinn, Estonia. It’s the first time that Warner Music Baltics , which operates as part of Warner Music Finland, has had a physical base in the region. The label is also building a local roster of artists for the first time.
The label has signed a deal with NOËP, one of Estonia’s most well-known international artists and the Lithuanian band THE ROOP, who are one of the country’s most streamed artists this year and who are also enjoying international success. The band was selected to represent Lithuania at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest and went on to win Eurovision 2020 – Das Deutsche Finale, the German alternative TV final aired after the overall competition was cancelled.
Mikko Manninen, Warner Music Baltics’ Director of Operations says: “For the past few years, we’ve been following the music industry’s growth and development in the Baltics closely, as well as recognizing the international potential of artists from the region. There are many extraordinary talented artists, producers and songwriters in the Baltics. Finding new talent and developing artists will be our main focus. I’m sure our artist friendly approach will produce music that can also travel outside the region.”
Mark Fry, President of Warner Music Nordics adds: “As an international music group, we want to play our part in supporting the development and globalization of the Baltics as a growing music market.”
MATTO RESURRECTED THE ROOP’S “KEISTA DRAUGYSTE”
While the summer tour is coming to an end, THE ROOP introduce a remix of their Lithuanian song “Keista Draugystė” (Strange Friendship), made by DJ and music producer Laisvūnas Černovas, better known as Matto.
“I took on remixing “Keista Draugystė” because the original song is a great piece of work which is worth being heard and revived again. The initial idea was to adapt the song to the taste of dance music lovers, to make a remix which is not too far from the original sound, but with some electronic music taste, stronger rhythm”, - told Matto.
THE ROOP band members trusted Matto’s decisions, since they already had a chance to work with him on their hit “On Fire”, which spread beyond Europe.
“It is easy and exciting with Matto. Currently we are finishing ten new THE ROOP songs which will form the upcoming album. Shortly we will introduce one of them to the public”, - intrigued THE ROOP lead singer Vaidotas Valiukevičius.
Video for “Keista Draugystė” remix was made using material from the original video where Vaidotas and his girlfriend Deimantė filmed each other at home. The couple has been together for 13 years.
“The song itself carries a very beautiful message which almost everyone can relate to, because we are all unique and different, our friendships with others are also unique and sometimes even strange. Probably one of the reasons why I had the idea to remix this song was my personal close connection to it and its message”, - confessed Matto.