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! 🖤🎶
