PeR

PeR, a Latvian pop and beatbox band consisting of Ralfs Eilands and Edmunds Rasmanis, interpret their name as “Please Explain the Rhythm”.

Originating from a 2007 performance at the Dziesma manai paaudzei (A Song for my Generation), their musical journey took a turn when they competed in Moscow’s talent show Minuta Slavy (A Minute of Fame), clinching the 4th spot. Back in Latvia, their involvement in the annual Bildes 2007 marked the end of their original lineup, with Emīls Vegners being replaced by Edmunds Rasmanis. Their reputation grew as finalists in the LNT’s Latvian Golden Talents Season 1 and various performances, one notable one being at the 2009 Musical Bank. That same year, despite Ralfs Eilands’ age barring his participation, they joined Sabine Berezina in the national final for the Eurovision contest, rendering Markus Riva’s “Bye, Bye” and landing in 9th place. They also collaborated with Mārtiņš Freimanis for the single “Bums”.

In the subsequent years, PeR made multiple attempts at Latvia’s Eurovision selections. Their 2010 entry, “Like A Mouse”, reached the top 10, while 2012’s “Disco Superfly” made it to the top 5. Closing 2012 with a bang, their debut album “PeR” got nominated as the “Best Pop Album” for the Latvian Music Record of the Year.

By 2013, they stood out in Latvia’s Eurovision selection “Dziesma 2013”, triumphing with “Here We Go” and earning the honor of representing Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. However, their journey was cut short in the semi-finals, ending in the 17th position. They also performed at the New Wave festival that year. With “Here We Go” they represented Latvia at the Top Of The Pops Sopot Festival. The song also won the Radio SWH Song Of The Year Award. The follow up single was in Latvian, callled “Jauns Sākums”. It became a new #1 hit. 

In 2014, PeR teamed up with Jurga for a new single, “Dancing Knights”. Meanwhile, Ralfs took part in Eirodziesma along with Valters Pūce. Their song “Revelation” reached a 4th place. The single “Smile” became a top-10 hit. In the summer of 2016 the duo performed in the Netherlands. 

In 2017 PeR had their last performance together in Roja.