Lithuanian band 'ba.' releases fifth album, 'MIXTAPE VOL. 1,' experimenting with new sounds and collaborations

Lithuanian band "ba." has released their fifth album, "MIXTAPE VOL. 1," marking a creative departure with experimental sounds and a host of guest artists. Band leader Benas Aleksandravičius stated the desire to explore new paths rather than repeat familiar territory.

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We wanted not to repeat what we already know, but to look for new paths.

The album, named "MIXTAPE VOL. 1" to signify experimental and freer creation, was surprisingly completed in just four months. Aleksandravičius described an intense period of inspiration where the band lived and breathed the album daily. He also took on a producer role, collaborating with bandmate Dominykas Babikas to craft the musical foundation, which blends diverse genres and unexpected arrangements.

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We did everything in four months. There was crazy inspiration – we lived this album from morning to evening every day.

Breaking from their history, "ba." has included numerous guest musicians on this album. Previously, external contributions were rare, with only Andrius Mamontovas having a notable past collaboration. Aleksandravičius, now 30 and with the band approaching its 15th anniversary, felt it was time to change this approach. The album features vocalists Beata from "Mėlyna" and Jessica and Milėja from "Lietuvos balso," along with instrumentalists Vytautas Leistrumas of "Solo Ansamblis," Alanas Brasas of "Katarsio," Domas Strupinskas, DJ Mamania, and Aurimas Rimeikis of "Los Secretos de Pablo," among others. Notably, these collaborators heard the tracks for the first time in the studio, contributing their parts and ideas organically.

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In the past, I wanted albums to be created and recorded only by us. I was quite closed off about it. But I turned thirty, the band is approaching fifteen years, and this is our fifth album. I thought, it's time to try differently.

A phrase from the play "Išvarymas," spoken by actor Kęstutis Cicėnas as Benas – "I am Benas, one day I will return" – deeply resonated with Aleksandravičius and inspired the album's core theme. The actor later voiced this line in the song "Vieną dieną." Aleksandravičius believes this phrase unlocked the album's essence, which explores recent life experiences, travels, cities, and self-discovery in a changing world. Accompanying the album's release is a music video for the single "JDS," depicting Vilnius's nightlife.

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I am Benas, one day I will return.