Thank You LATGA!

Vaidotas: Let’s talk honestly — no filters. I’ll share 3 episodes when things were tough for us, but LATGA (the Lithuanian Copyright Protection Association, which collects royalties for the use of creative works) extended a helping hand.

🎵 2003 - I was in the pop group “Kosmo,” things were going up and down, I was studying directing in Klaipėda, and money was tight. Funny thing—I was making music but didn’t even have a tape recorder to listen to it myself. I simply couldn’t afford one. One day, the phone rings, I pick up, and I’m told that LATGA has collected royalties for me. It was the first time I ever heard about LATGA. The next day, I used my last money to take a bus to the capital, signed a membership agreement, and received the royalties. That same week, I bought a stereo system! Finally!

🎵 2015 - With THE ROOP, we wanted to release our debut album “To Whom It May Concern”, but we didn’t have the funds. Then an acquaintance told me that LATGA has a support fund and suggested we submit an application. LATGA’s support fund stepped in. Without it, the album might’ve never seen the light of day.

🎵 2017–2018. I quit my day job and voluntarily became unemployed. Why? Because I wanted to dedicate the most productive hours of the day to music. I wanted music to become my main job, not just a hobby. It was a very bold move (not one I highly recommend), because I only had enough savings for one month. At that time, THE ROOP’s popularity was microscopic. But I felt I couldn’t stay in other jobs—otherwise, the feeling of meaninglessness and depression might return. Still, the path I chose was no easier. Reality hit hard: no one needed the band, gigs were almost nonexistent, and I barely had money for food. So I can admit that during that time, the royalty payments from LATGA every three months (though not large) helped me survive.

Thank you, LATGA, for supporting artists when it truly matters.

In the photo are the albums that were supported by LATGA.

🎉 TOMORROW!!! On June 13, we’re celebrating LATGA’s 35th birthday with a THE ROOP concert at Vingrių skveras, during Culture Night in Vilnius. Come celebrate with us! 🖤🎶

Let Them Talk - I’ll Do Me

Hello, this is Vaidotas. How afraid are you of others’ opinions? How afraid are you to stand out from the crowd?

I began to understand that people’s opinions can shift quickly - and that if they admire you today, it might end tomorrow. At the same time, if they don’t understand you today, they might suddenly admire and praise you tomorrow. I’ve seen this my whole life.

How to be stronger? How to maintain a good opinion of yourself?

Today Is Vaidotas's Birthday

Vaidotas: Today is my birthday. I made myself some coffee and sat down to quietly reflect on the past year. I remember that last year it felt like I didn’t know what to do with my life next. After being drained by illness in the spring of 2024, losing the band’s financial stability, and feeling a deep sense of meaninglessness, I was still in recovery. Although by my last birthday, positive changes were already visible — I had met and started spending time with Ieva, who was healing my wounds just by being there.

I remember thinking that the coming year would be one of the worst, and as I lay in bed, I was just talking to the Universe - “I don’t know what to do. I surrender to your flow. Show me the way.” Maybe I was heard, because somehow, the year turned out to be one of the best! Our summer concert schedule filled up, Ed Sheeran’s team chose us to open for his two stadium shows, I regained my health and strengthened my body, we consistently worked on and finished songs, toured Europe and even Australia in the fall with “Eurovision on Tour,” released a new album called “Momentum”, and stepped onto the grand Eurovision stage in Basel as honored guests.

I’m deeply grateful to my loved ones, my bandmates, friends, and fans who support me. It means a lot. Even though I may sometimes seem closed off or distant from everyone, inside I feel very warm knowing that I’m not alone in this life I’ve been given. Thank you for being a part of it.

Open Thoughts On Eurovision

Excerpt from our Roopsletter.
Hi, this is Vaidotas. This time I want to speak honestly about Eurovision. For many people, it’s just a TV show to watch with friends. But for artists, this event means much more.

When you’re chosen to represent your country at Eurovision, from that moment on you’re not just representing yourself – you’re representing your voters, the Lithuanians (in our case). We took that seriously. We didn’t complain about being tired – we simply tried to enjoy the moment and constantly asked ourselves, “What more can we do?”

Eurovision’s Traps - like everything else, Eurovision has another side, one in which some artists get stuck and end up just lingering. What do I mean?

📸 Skirmantas Lisauskas / 15min

Steal Me Meaning?

It often seems like we’re living a perfect life: we’re fed, we have a roof over our heads, and maybe even things are going well at work, yet inside there’s a nagging feeling that we aren’t truly living our lives. The song “Steal Me” is about that.

It feels like we’re trapped in a cycle from which we can’t break free.

And sometimes, you meet someone who turns your entire story upside down - a person who brings so much color and emotion that suddenly you find yourself begging: “Steal me. Please, steal me from this bleak life of mine. Save me, call me to walk with you…”

Steal Me, Heal Me

The Song “Steal Me” brings out emotions. For many, it’s still a surprise that in the video, I, Vaidotas, appear shirtless in some scenes and that my physical appearance has changed. Yes, it has changed. A year ago, I started training more seriously and began to restore my health after the effects of Lyme disease.

With the help of a personal trainer, I’ve been rebuilding my body. I’ve been strengthening myself not only physically but also mentally. I’ve been developing the will to achieve goals.

The two main goals were: to finish recording the album and to strengthen my body. Both have been achieved.

We Are Not Always Serious

Thank You "Steal Me" Crew!

“Steal Me” music video was created by an incredible team. We want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts. These people truly deserve the highest praise and applause!

Director @laura_udra felt the song down to its tiniest vibrations and brought it to life perfectly.

Cinematographer @nikolasver_ captured the most stunning angles. MUA @vasketeria revealed our best sides. Stylist @eglebabunasvili helped us feel refreshed, yet completely ourselves.

@vaidas_jokubauskas caught all the backstage moments. Huge thanks to the entire crew who worked on lighting, set design, and kept everything in sharp focus.

And of course, thank you @gustelicious_ for your performance that leaves no one indifferent. Now let’s go and watch “Steal Me” one more time!

Question

Have you already listened to the new album “Momentum”? We’re receiving so many amazing reviews from you

**QUESTION FOR YOU**

Which songs are your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

From Basel with Fire: Eurovision Rehearsals Begin!

The first rehearsals for Eurovision have taken place! We’re preparing an energetic performance with dancers. We also met with other artists. At the same time, we had a few hours to walk around the beautiful Basel.

We Are Bringing ON FIRE to Eurovision 2025!

Unexpected news: THE ROOP to perform on the Eurovision 2025 stage!
We have received a surprise invitation from the Eurovision organizers to appear as guest performers at this year’s contest. The organizers want THE ROOP to finally have the opportunity to perform their hit “On Fire” on the grand stage. As is known, the 2020 contest was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, and their performance never happened.

“This is a wonderful recognition and joy for us, that we are being invited and that our music will once again resonate widely. At the same time, this invitation brings back memories of how close we were to a big victory,” said THE ROOP frontman Vaidotas Valiukevičius.

Currently, the band is working on a new album and a music video, both of which will be released on May 2. However, amid this work, the group is already flying to Basel today, where the first rehearsals on the big Eurovision stage will take place. Unforgettable dancers Miglė and Marijanas will be joining THE ROOP on stage, along with an additional dance group from Switzerland.

“I’m very happy that THE ROOP’s Eurovision journey isn’t over. In all my years with Eurovision, this is the first time that Lithuanian representatives have been invited as guests to perform in the main program. This news is exciting because it shows that our country’s music creators are being recognized and appreciated,” said Audrius Giržadas, LRT TV’s chief producer and head of Lithuania’s Eurovision delegation.

THE ROOP’s performance will take place on May 15, on the same night when this year’s Lithuanian representatives Katarsis will compete for a spot in the final.

Steal Me Brisbane

“Steal Me” in Brisbane, Australia. While traveling through different countries, we often listen to our new songs and observe how they sound in a different environment. Do they have a universal appeal, or are they too narrow in sound? Do they resonate with people from various cultures? We're very pleased with what we’re hearing. On May 2nd, we’ll be releasing the song, the music video, and even the entire new album!

A Short Break

I had a short break. Disconnecting from the city always helps with stress and overthinking. Being surrounded by nature grounds me and clears my thoughts.

This cabin - and the forest around it - are my creative and peaceful place.

Btw, I wrote a new Roopsletter! Check your email or Substack!