A rare glimpse into Latvian electro-funk history is arriving this month with the vinyl release of recordings from the band Odis. The collection, compiled from previously unreleased tracks recorded in 1987 and 1988, is being launched with an event at the jazz venue M/Darbnīca in mid-February.
The release is a collaborative effort, involving the band’s association with “Rīgas Modes” and their label “Moderno Mīlnieku Ieraksti” – a name that, as one source wryly notes, is quite something – and distribution handled by the jazz label Jersika Records.
The story of Odis, an acronym for Ogres Dārzkopības izmēģinājumu stacija (Ogre Horticulture Experiment Station), is a fascinating one. While Arnis Mednis has long been considered the band’s leader, vocalist, and defining figure, some historical accounts suggest that the ensemble was actually founded by Ēriks Vegners, who served as the initial lead vocalist. Mednis, according to these accounts, was initially “just” a keyboardist who took over vocal duties after Vegners’ departure. Other key members included bassist Andris Lūkins and drummer Indris Orubs (father of Arta Oruba), with Raimonds Macats joining the lineup later on. Musician Daiga Mazvērsīte has documented these details in an entry on Odis in the National Encyclopedia.
Regardless of the precise origins, Arnis Mednis undeniably became the driving force behind Odis. The band initially honed their skills playing covers of popular songs at various events, but simultaneously began composing their own material in Latvian, exploring a musical landscape of electro-funk, R&B, and soul that was largely uncharted territory in the region. Odis is considered the first group to pursue this musical direction in the Baltic states, and potentially throughout Eastern Europe.
Mednis himself describes their sound as “something very exotic” for the time and place, likening Odis’s position in Latvian music to “an pineapple in a potato field.”
The new vinyl release features ten tracks recorded between 1987 and 1988, including well-known singles like “Šodien ārā saulains laiks” (Today is a Sunny Day), “Radio,” and “Hei, mazā” (Hey, Little One). However, the collection also includes rarer, previously obscure songs that have been carefully preserved, offering a window into a little-known period of Latvian pop music history.
It’s these lesser-known tracks that are likely to be of greatest interest to record collectors and music enthusiasts. While songs like “Šodien ārā saulains laiks” and “Radio” are widely recognized – to the point where a schoolchild might hum along – tracks like “Kā tevi sauc?” (What’s Your Name?), “Pienāk autobuss” (The Bus is Coming), “Smaidu ēnā” (Smile in the Shadow), and “Pagaidām” (For Now) present a more challenging listening experience. Fragments of these songs can be found on YouTube, but often in poor quality and through questionable links. This release offers a definitive, high-quality collection on vinyl.
“We waited, waited, and waited, and now it’s here. Almost 40 years isn’t that long compared to the Egyptian pyramids,” Mednis remarked, in his characteristic style, regarding the release of the new record.
The release of this vinyl record isn’t just a nostalgic trip for fans of 80s Latvian music; it’s a rediscovery of a pioneering sound. Odis’s blend of funk, soul, and electronic elements was ahead of its time, and this collection offers a chance to appreciate their unique contribution to the musical landscape of the Baltic region and beyond. The collaboration between “Moderno Mīlnieku Ieraksti” and Jersika Records highlights a growing interest in preserving and re-releasing Latvian musical heritage, making it accessible to a new generation of listeners and collectors.
