Markus Riva Singer, songwriter, composer Date of Birth: 02.10.1986 Country: Latvia

1. Markus Riva
2. Early Life and Musical Roots
3. Transition to Modern Music
4. Success in Latvia
5. Breakthrough in Russia
6. Continued Success
7. Personal Life
8. Current Status and Future Plans

Markus Riva

Markus Riva is a renowned singer, songwriter, and composer who has achieved significant success in both his native Latvia and Russia.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born as Mikelis Lācis in Sabile, Latvia, Markus Riva's musical talent was evident from an early age. At the tender age of three, he joined the choir of the renowned Riga Cathedral. His years in the choir provided him with a solid foundation in classical music and vocal training.

Transition to Modern Music

As Riva grew older, he developed a passion for contemporary music and aspired to be a performer in his own right. He adopted the stage name Markus Riva at the age of 18 and began his career as a DJ. Gradually, he began incorporating his own compositions into his sets.

Success in Latvia

Riva gained recognition in Latvia as a popular DJ and club artist. He became a regular participant in prestigious projects such as the "Ligo Festival," "Cosmopolitan," and "Riga VEF." In 2009, he released his debut album, "TICU," and soon became the artistic director of the Riga club "Dstyle Black." His hit songs, including "Love to You" and "Can't Sleep," topped the charts in the Baltics.

Breakthrough in Russia

In 2014, Riva's career took a significant leap when he participated in the television show "I Want to Meladze." His performances impressed both the judges and viewers, earning him a loyal fan base in Russia and neighboring countries. Following the show, he released his first Russian-language song, "Tatu," which was also well-received.

Continued Success

In 2015, Riva collaborated with renowned Ukrainian director Alan Badoev to create the music video for his song "Krasiva Silno." The video became a hit on iTunes Latvia and the Ukrainian radio chart Europa Plus. Riva continued to release successful songs in both English and Russian, including "Take Me Down" and "Love Me Harder."

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Riva maintains a private personal life. He is currently single and has stated that his deepest love to date was a schoolmate from his Cathedral choir days.

Current Status and Future Plans

Riva continues to perform and record music, with plans for concerts in Kyiv, Minsk, Moscow, and Riga in spring 2016. He will also participate in the "Europa-Plus TV" non-stop concert in Vitebsk from July 17-18.