As you would have read a little while ago in our feature on the 11 best things every music fan should do in Tallinn, Estonia, the Baltic states is a cultural cache that is only starting to be unlocked by international visitors.
Both Tallinn and Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, have the same European Old Town beauty that charms the heavily populous tourist destinations in Paris, Budapest, Rome and Barcelona.
Given this areas trouble with the Soviet Union – Lithuania only announced its secession in 1990 – its taken some time for the city to find its own independent feet.
Now that it well and truly has the city of just over half a million people is still unfairly overlooked by many.
Witnessing the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Vilnius’ Old Town is reason enough to visit. Although the city is more than just beautiful old buildings, there’s plenty for music fans to soak up here too.
Local musicians responded to the independence of Lithuania over twenty years ago in the only way appropriate.
The rebellious and feisty snarl of rock n roll and punk was born as bands like Antis, BIX and Hiperbolė helped forge an underground alternative music scene.
While the city’s rock music scene still remains underground today other genres like electronica and metal have cropped up beside it.
Classical and folk music might have a greater mainstream awareness in the country, but on the plus side Vilnious’ underground music scene is still incredibly vibrant as a consequence.
There’s no denying there’s still a way to go for Vilnius’ music scene. But the foundations are there for the capital to be the home to even greater music prospects in the future.
Head To Vilnius Culture Night To See The City’s Art In The Dark
The best time to enjoy art, music and culture “is when it is dark” testifies the organisers of this event, which is held during the night from the 20th to the 21st of June. From 6pm to 2am music, dance theatre, cinema, photography and art installations colour the most unexpected spaces in Vilnius. Whether that be in squares, streets, parks or elsewhere local artists transform the city just for one night.
Witness The Best Of Vilnius’ Arts Scene At Propaganda Club
V. Mykolaicio-Putino Gatve 5
At the centre of the capital on the Taurus mountain is where this arts establishment opened and it’s little wonder it represents the heart of some of the city’s best creative minds. Propaganda prides itself on providing a space for contemporary art and subculture as a well as film, drama, dance, visual arts, gigs, exhibitions, workshops and formal events. There are two spaces within where live music can be heard, although primarily the Great Hall is one of the few large gig spaces in the city.
The Abandoned Factory Loftas, Has The City’s Best Gigs
Svitrigailos g. 29
Describing itself as the only “art factory in Vilnius now” Loftas is a cultural centre which host everything from visual arts to music, theatre, fashion events, dance, educational seminars, interactive art and even alternative types of sports. For music fans this is the place to catch some of the city’s best indie artists while also maybe enjoying some of the other cultural events that Vilnius has to offer.
Head To Vinilo Studija For The City’s Best Vinyl
Pylimo g. 41/1
Opened from Monday to Friday this establishment is one of the very few record shops that is dedicated to selling vinyl above any other medium. It’s a quaint space, but for vinyl hunters all that really matters is that it’s home to a selection of records which ranges from new to vintage releases. As the owner passionately says in Lithuanian on his Facebook page the vinyl here will “enrich the human spiritual world”.
Catch Lithuanian Grunge Band, Electric Lady, Live
The 90s hey day of Grunge might well and truly be over but its left enough of a mark to allow bands the world over to carry this genre on. Electric Lady sound more Pearl Jam than they do Nirvana though, thanks much in part to the lead singers’ striking vocal resemblance to Eddie Vedder.
Experience Live Music Seven Days A Week At Brodvejus Pub
Vokieciu g. / Mesiniu g. 4
All the best music pubs have a couple of things in common. 1. They serve beer as frequently as they do music, that’s every night of the week and 2. They don’t have a particular bent towards just one style. Brodvejus plays host to bands that operate in vintage disco to rock and punk. They even let ordinary punters get up on stage if you’re feeling brave or probably just heavily intoxicated.
You’ll find Vinyl, Zines & Books At Rudninku Knygynas
Rudninkuþ g. 20
Although more a bookstore than a record store this establishment still has music enthusiasts at the core of their client base. Music merchandise, music magazines (written in English), CDs, LPs and band biographies, you name it. If it’s music related they probably sell it here. What’s better though is you can’t miss it, located in Old Town you’ll probably be heading in its direction anyway. A large selection of new and used vinyl including 12 inch records is on offer, while exhibitions and small in store gigs are held from time to time too.
Hear 96wrld’s Beats Live In The Flesh
This young producer already as a Soundcloud bursting full of mean beats that are worth checking out. He is almost certainly at the forefront of not only Vilnius’ next crop of emerging artists, but also the city’s fast growing underground electronic community. Check him out!
See Local Indie Acts At Tamsta
Subaciaus g. 11a./ Strazdelio g. 1
Both small independent bands and acts as well as the occasional tribute band fill the dancefloor regularly at Tamsta with cheap drinks only wetting the appetite of punters. A diverse range of bands are booked ensuring that the capacity 350 room is always having fun. On the last weekend of every July the venue also hosts its own music festival in Varėna.
Get Your Second-Hand Goods At Theonlious
Stikliu g. 12
If you’re looking for hand-me-down stock that’s a little loved and yet still in good condition Thelonious is the place to visit. They stock CDs, DVDs, vinyl as well audio and video players. With a focus on Russian and Lithuanian rock and folk music as well as jazz the store provides a good opportunity to take home some local produce. Literature is also sold here.
See The Beautiful mmpsuf Live In Their Hometown
This trio comprised of Eglė Sirvydytė (keys, guitar, electronic), Alius Bareckas (sound engineering) and Aivaras Ruzgas (electronics) are responsible for creating some of the most genuinely beautiful tunes to come out of Vilnius. While Sirvydytė is primarily responsible with her angelic voice Bareckas and Ruzgas provide the electro-acoustic background for them to flourish in.
