He emphasized that the temporary suspension of the club’s activities had been previously reported, because when the owner of the building changed – the Ministry of Finance in the person of VAS “Valsts nekustamie ipsumimi” (VNĪ), documents had to be arranged and a lease agreement concluded, which has been concluded.
Vanags said that the group “VIPP Basbočka” or vocal instrumental punk rock band “Basbočka”, the association “KOGS”, which performs alternative psychedelic post-grand with elements of rap, and the group “Withered Lines” will perform at the “Depot” club on Friday.
LETA already wrote that on October 26, the last event was held at the Riga alternative and underground music concert venue and bar “Depo”, after which the club will be closed indefinitely.
The “Depot” club was closed for an indefinite period of time, because the owner of the building where the club is located changed and the lease ended. The building at Valņu Street 32, Riga, where the “Depot” is located, belonged to the Latvian Free Trade Unions Union (LBAS), but the property had to be transferred to LBAS by 31 October in the person of VNĪ, who entered it in the land register in the name of the state.
Vanags, the owner of “Depot”, previously said that although there is an agreement with the new owner on a possible new contract, the condition of the building in the future foresees reconstruction, during which the club will not be able to stay in the premises anyway.
VNĪ board member Andris Vārna said that the property is not necessary for the functions of the state administration, therefore the building is planned to be expropriated within the next year, and the proceeds from the sale will be invested in the arrangement of the properties needed by the state administration.
Club “Depot” is owned by SIA “Jello”, whose sole owner is Vanags. The turnover of the company in 2023 was 57,857 euros, but the losses were 7,747 euros. The company was registered in July 2001, and its share capital is 92,846 euros, according to ”Firmas.lv” information.
How can music enthusiasts help struggling venues and artists in their local scene?
Interview Between the Editor of Time.news and Music Venue Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we have with us music venue expert, Anna Sokolova. Anna, you have been closely following the developments in Riga’s music scene. Could you shed some light on the recent situation with the “Depot” club?
Anna Sokolova: Absolutely! It’s a pleasure to be here. The closure of the “Depot” club has been a significant event for the alternative music community. As reported, the venue had to cease operations because of a change in building ownership, which led to the expiration of the lease agreement.
Editor: It’s unfortunate to hear that. What impact do you think this temporary suspension will have on the local music scene, especially for emerging artists?
Anna: The “Depot” club was more than just a venue; it was a vital hub for underground and alternative music in Riga. By hosting a variety of genres, including punk rock and psychedelic post-grunge, it provided a space for less mainstream artists to showcase their talent. The indefinite closure means fewer opportunities for these artists to perform, which can significantly stifle the local creative scene.
Editor: You mentioned that the club has hosted various acts. For our readers who may not be familiar, can you tell us about some of the groups that were scheduled to perform before the closure?
Anna: Certainly! Just before the club closed, notable groups such as “VIPP Basbočka,” a vocal instrumental punk rock band, and “Withered Lines,” known for their unique sound, were set to take the stage. Additionally, the association “KOGS,” which blends alternative psychedelic post-grunge with rap elements, adds to the eclectic lineup that “Depot” consistently offered. These artists played a crucial role in enriching the music culture in Riga.
Editor: It’s clear that the ”Depot” club had an essential role in fostering both creativity and community. What do you think will happen next in terms of reopening or finding a new space for these musicians?
Anna: The future is definitely uncertain. The first step for the venue owners will be to finalize the lease agreements with the new property owners. Once that’s resolved, if the space can be renovated and adapted to meet current needs, there’s hope for reopening. However, if it takes too long, some artists might seek alternative venues or even migrate to other cities. Ideally, we’d love to see the “Depot” find a way back, as the local scene needs venues that showcase diverse genres and foster artistic collaboration.
Editor: It certainly sounds like it would be a loss not just for the artists but for the audience as well. is there anything our readers can do to support local artists and venues during this challenging time?
Anna: Definitely! Supporting local artists by attending their shows, purchasing their music, and promoting them on social media can make a tremendous difference. Additionally, contributing to crowdfunding campaigns set up by local venues or artists can provide them with much-needed resources. The music community thrives on support, especially during tough times, and every little bit helps.
Editor: Thank you, Anna, for sharing your insights. We hope for a quick resolution for the “Depot” club and for the continued vibrancy of Riga’s music scene.
Anna: Thank you for having me! Let’s stay hopeful and keep supporting our local artists.