Dons (singer)
{{Short description|Latvian singer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Dons
| image = Dons 2024 (cropped) 3.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Dons performing at a 2024 Eurovision preparty
| image_size =
| birth_name = Artūrs Šingirejs
| alias = Art Green, Art Singer
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|4|10|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Brocēni, Latvia
| origin =
| death_date = {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}}
| death_place =
| genre = Pop, pop rock
| occupation = {{Flatlist|
- Singer
- songwriter}}
| instrument = Vocals, guitar, piano
| years_active = 2003–present
| label = Platforma Records, DonsMusic, Universal Music
| associated_acts = Dons & Lily
| website =
}}
Artūrs Šingirejs (born 10 April 1984), better known as Dons, is a Latvian singer and songwriter. He is one of the most popular singers in Latvia, having won the Latvian Music Recording Awards' Top Radio Hit award eight times for most played song.{{cite web | author=Publicitātes foto | title=Vai viegli būt radiohitam | website=Neatkarīgā | url=https://neatkariga.nra.lv/lasamgabali/343073-vai-viegli-but-radiohitam | language=lv | access-date=2 April 2021 | archive-date=28 March 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328112250/https://neatkariga.nra.lv/lasamgabali/343073-vai-viegli-but-radiohitam | url-status=live }} He represented {{esccnty|Latvia|y=2024}} in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with "Hollow".
He has released nine solo albums and has won numerous awards including Latvijas Radio's Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}) Song of the Year five times.{{cite web| title=«Muzikālajā bankā 2019» triumfē Dona dziesma «Es nāktu mājās» / Raksts / LSM.lv | website=LSM.lv | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/muzikalaja-banka-2019-triumfe-dona-dziesma-es-naktu-majas.a346923/ | language=lv | access-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-date=28 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928132845/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/muzikalaja-banka-2019-triumfe-dona-dziesma-es-naktu-majas.a346923/ | url-status=live}} At the Latvian Music Recording Awards, he has won Best Pop Album twice from five nominations for Varanasi (2014) and Tūrists (2020). He has won Best Rock Album once from two nominations with Lelle (2008) and has been nominated once for Best Pop-Rock Album with Signāls (2013). In 2024, he won the Supernova song competition with his English-language single "Hollow" to represent Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest. Previously, he attempted to represent Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest twice with the songs "My Religion is Freedom" (2010) and "Pēdējā Vēstule" (2014), finishing second both times in the Latvian national finals.
Born in Saldus, Latvia, Dons began his career on the Latvian reality show Talantu Fabrika ({{literal translation|Talent Factory}}) in 2003. He released a duet album, Viens Otram (2004), with fellow contestant Lily (real name Linda Kalniņa, m. 2009; div. 2013). His first solo album Lights On (2006) was mostly in English. He found success releasing his next eight albums in the Latvian language: Lelle (2008), Signāls (2013), Varanasi (2014), Sibīrija (2015), Tepat (2016), Namiņš. Kaste. Vārdi (2018), and Tūrists (2020). In 2021, he signed with Universal Music and released his ninth album Laiks on the label in August 2024.
Early life
Artūrs Šingirejs was born on 10 April 1984 in Brocēni, Saldus district,{{cite web | title=Mūziķis Dons: "Kad latvietī pamostas emocijas, tad gan ir pa īstam" | website=Jauns.lv | date=23 July 2023 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/9viri/569522-muzikis-dons-kad-latvieti-pamostas-emocijas-tad-gan-ir-pa-istam | language=lv | access-date=3 August 2023 | archive-date=24 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724101137/https://jauns.lv/raksts/9viri/569522-muzikis-dons-kad-latvieti-pamostas-emocijas-tad-gan-ir-pa-istam | url-status=live }} Latvia to a Belarusian father{{cite web | title=Neizaicina likteni • IR.lv | website=IR.lv Magazine | date=26 February 2014 | url=https://ir.lv/2014/02/26/neizaicina-likteni-2/ | access-date=2 April 2021 | archive-date=4 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404154709/https://ir.lv/2014/02/26/neizaicina-likteni-2/ | url-status=live }} and a Latvian mother, who performed professionally as a soloist in the Liepāja group Santa, led by Zigmars Liepiņš.{{cite web | title=Artūram Šingerejam jeb Donam- 30! | website=LR2 / Latvijas Radio | url=https://lr2.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/akcijas/arturam-singerejam-jeb-donam-30.a38450/ | language=lv | access-date=April 2, 2021 | archive-date=4 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404154707/https://lr2.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/akcijas/arturam-singerejam-jeb-donam-30.a38450/ | url-status=live }} His father was also an amateur singer who performed on the guitar; he credits his parents as being his main teachers.{{cite web | last=Leimane | first=Dace | title=Dziedātāja Dona muzikālā ģimene, drosme sapņot un šaurais ceļš šovbiznesā | website=LSM.lv | date=6 April 2024 | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/izklaide/06.04.2024-dziedataja-dona-muzikala-gimene-drosme-sapnot-un-saurais-cels-sovbiznesa.a549356/ | language=lv | access-date=15 April 2024 | archive-date=9 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409072529/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/izklaide/06.04.2024-dziedataja-dona-muzikala-gimene-drosme-sapnot-un-saurais-cels-sovbiznesa.a549356/ | url-status=live }} He has one brother and three sisters, one of whom was the first to encourage him to perform on stage at the age of four. He said about being the fourth child, "...gave me freedom: I was the fourth child in the family and I got it even more than the others. Freedom gave me the courage to dream". His mother taught him English from the age of six and he credits Freddie Mercury as one of his first musical idols.{{cite web | title=Mūzika - Dons | website=draugiem.lv | date=2 April 2021 | url=https://www.draugiem.lv/dons/news/post/Dons-atklaj-savu-veiksmes-formulu_975373 | language=lv | access-date=2 April 2021 | archive-date=4 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404154706/https://www.draugiem.lv/dons/news/post/Dons-atklaj-savu-veiksmes-formulu_975373 | url-status=live}} He studied piano at the Saldus Music School. He had his first solo performance at age 16 and stated, "My first performance was at school, and I realized that I wanted to do this - there is something here that binds me".{{cite web | title=Par jaunības maksimālismu, vienatni un skatuvi. Saruna ar mīlas dziesmu barontēvu | website=Klik | date=30 June 2022 | url=https://klik.tvnet.lv/7552729/par-jaunibas-maksimalismu-vienatni-un-skatuvi-saruna-ar-milas-dziesmu-barontevu | language=lv | access-date=11 July 2022 | archive-date=20 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720123752/https://klik.tvnet.lv/7552729/par-jaunibas-maksimalismu-vienatni-un-skatuvi-saruna-ar-milas-dziesmu-barontevu | url-status=live }} He later studied culinary arts before returning to music as a profession. He learned to play the guitar and sing through self-study.
Career
=2003–2007: Early work=
Dons gained popularity in 2003 by participating in the Latvian reality show Talantu Fabrika ({{literal translation|Talent Factory}}).{{cite web | title=Music export Latvia | website=Music export Latvia | date=29 December 2020 | url=https://musiclatvia.lv/makslinieks/?id=10638 | access-date= 15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215100501/https://musiclatvia.lv/makslinieks/?id=10638 | url-status=live }} During the show, he met and dated fellow contestant Lily (real name Linda Kalniņa). He joined Radio SWH Rock as a DJ host after winning the reality show, which he says was much more stressful than performing on stage.{{cite web | title="Skatuves stress ir pavisam kaut kas cits." Mūziķis Dons par darbu radio un stresa sviedriem pirmajā dienā | website=Slavenības | date=3 May 2023 | url=https://www.apollo.lv/7766459/skatuves-stress-ir-pavisam-kaut-kas-cits-muzikis-dons-par-darbu-radio-un-stresa-sviedriem-pirmaja-diena | language=lv | access-date=9 May 2023 | archive-date=9 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509043907/https://www.apollo.lv/7766459/skatuves-stress-ir-pavisam-kaut-kas-cits-muzikis-dons-par-darbu-radio-un-stresa-sviedriem-pirmaja-diena | url-status=live }} Dons and Lily released an English language duet album in 2004, Viens Otram ({{literal translation|To Each Other}}).{{cite web | title=Dons un Lily slepus apprecējušies | website=Jauns.lv | date=August 10, 2010 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/210854-dons-un-lily-slepus-apprecejusies | language=lv | access-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-date=16 October 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016120336/http://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/210854-dons-un-lily-slepus-apprecejusies | url-status=live }} The album became a best seller in Latvia and they earned a nomination for Top Radio Hit with "Just For You" at the 2003 Latvian Music Recording Awards.{{cite web | title=2003 | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=11 November 2019 | url=http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/apbalvosanas-ceremonijas-2020-2/2003-2/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=2 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002204749/http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/apbalvosanas-ceremonijas-2020-2/2003-2/ | url-status=live}} In 2004, his song "Ja es būtu vējš" ({{literal translation|If I Were The Wind}}) was nominated for Top Radio Hit at the Latvian Music Recording Awards. After the success of the duet album, Dons focused on a solo career, releasing his first solo album (mostly in English) Lights On in 2006. The album was nominated for Best Rock Album and his single, "Lights Out" was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 2006 Latvian Music Recording Awards.
Afterwards, he moved between London and Los Angeles with Lily, saying in interviews at the time that she was his muse and source of inspiration; they married in 2009. While living abroad, he adopted and subsequently abandoned several stage names; first he used Art Green and later went by Art Singer while in the United States.{{cite web | last=Melne | first=Kristīne | title=Dons | website=delfi.lv | date=September 11, 2012 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/popmuzika/melomanija/latviesu-muziku-manipulacijas-ar-skatuves-vardiem.d?id=42661240&page=3 | language=lv | access-date=March 29, 2021 | quote=Original quote: Sauc, kā gribi. Vārdu man ir daudz. Art Singer, ko lietoju Anglijā, ir saīsināts vārds un uzvārds. Art Green bija Art Singer priekštecis, bet es kaut kā nejutos ar to vārdu... Latvijā mani vairāk zina kā Donu. (..) Pats jau vien izvēlējos, šī iesauka iegājās un velkas līdzi. Sadzīvoju ar to labi. | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061806/https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/popmuzika/melomanija/latviesu-muziku-manipulacijas-ar-skatuves-vardiem.d?id=42661240&page=3 | url-status=live }} Dons later commented on his numerous names, "Call me whatever you want. I have a lot of names. The name Art Singer I use in England is an abbreviated name. Art Green was the predecessor of Art Singer, but I somehow didn't feel that name... In Latvia I'm known more as Dons, which I chose myself. That nickname came in and dragged me along and I get along with it well". While in Los Angeles, he received four offers to be the lead singer in various rock bands.{{cite web | title=Dons drīzumā atkal dosies uz Holivudu | website=Jauns.lv | date=November 3, 2009 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/225802-dons-drizuma-atkal-dosies-uz-holivudu | language=lv | access-date=March 31, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061759/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/225802-dons-drizuma-atkal-dosies-uz-holivudu | url-status=live }}
In 2007, he performed in Zigmars Liepiņš' popular musical theatre Adata with the song "Ja Tu Man Esi" ("{{literal translation|If I Have You}}").{{cite web | title=Arhīva foto: Neraudi, susuriņ – Donam 30 | website=delfi.lv | date=April 10, 2014 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/arhiva-foto-neraudi-susurin-donam-30.d?id=44386985 | language=lv | access-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-date=16 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916171703/https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/arhiva-foto-neraudi-susurin-donam-30.d?id=44386985 | url-status=live }} The song was nominated for Top Radio Hit at the Latvian Music Recording Awards that year.
=2008–2014: Return to Latvia, Eurovision attempts=
In 2008, Dons released his second solo album, Lelle ({{literal translation|Doll}}), which was his first Latvian language album.{{cite web | title=Digitālā formātā klajā nāk Dona albums "Lelle" | website=Apollo.lv | date=April 25, 2008 | url=https://www.apollo.lv/5332190/digitala-formata-klaja-nak-dona-albums-lelle | language=lv | access-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-date=3 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003095332/https://www.apollo.lv/5332190/digitala-formata-klaja-nak-dona-albums-lelle | url-status=live }} The album was the first of many where he collaborated with lyricist Ingus Bērziņš. It won the Best Rock Album in the Latvian Music Recording Awards that year. The success of the album proved his audience preferred his music performed in Latvian over his English language music. He represented Latvia at the New Wave 2008,{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnet.lv/izklaide/notikumi/52342-latviju_konkursa_jaunais_vilnis_parstaves_dons|title=Latviju konkursā "Jaunais vilnis" pārstāvēs Dons|date=21 April 2008 |publisher=Tvnet.lv|language=Latvian|accessdate=22 February 2014|archive-date=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119214547/http://www.tvnet.lv/izklaide/notikumi/52342-latviju_konkursa_jaunais_vilnis_parstaves_dons|url-status=live}} where he got 4th place.
In 2009, Dons participated in the television series 1000 Jūdzes Indijā ({{literal translation|1000 miles in India}}) presented by Latvijas Televīzija with fellow travelers radio DJ Egon Reiter, comedian Jānis Skutelis, Edgars Zaķis and rapper Gustavo. After the series ended, he stayed in India for a month longer as a creative means of self-searching and meditation, which later reflected in his music.{{cite web | title=Mūziķi Dons un Gustavo piedalīsies jaunā piedzīvojumu ekspedīcijā "1000 jūdzes Indijā" | website=Jauns.lv | date=5 March 2009 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/235311-muziki-dons-un-gustavo-piedalisies-jauna-piedzivojumu-ekspedicija-1000-judzes-indija | language=lv | access-date=2 April 2021}} Still living abroad, he briefly returned to Latvia for a month to compete in the 2010 Latvian Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in second with his song "My Religion Is Freedom".{{cite web | title=Dons uz mēnesi atgriezies Latvijā | website=delfi.lv | date=February 9, 2010 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/dons-uz-menesi-atgriezies-latvija.d?id=29795497 | language=lv | access-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061824/https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/dons-uz-menesi-atgriezies-latvija.d?id=29795497 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Eirodziesma 2010: Dons | website=Eurovisionworld | date=February 27, 2010 | url=https://eurovisionworld.com/national/latvia/eirodziesma-2010/dons-my-religion-is-freedom | access-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061758/https://eurovisionworld.com/national/latvia/eirodziesma-2010/dons-my-religion-is-freedom | url-status=live }}
Other than sharing the songs he wrote, Dons has remained private about his activities while living abroad. In 2012, Dons returned again to Latvia, for a longer period to revive his career with a new album with songs written while in London.{{cite web | title=Dons atkal atgriežas Latvijas mūzikas apritē | website=delfi.lv | date=June 14, 2012 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/popmuzika/melomanija/dons-atkal-atgriezas-latvijas-muzikas-aprite.d?id=42432702 | language=lv | access-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061825/https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/popmuzika/melomanija/dons-atkal-atgriezas-latvijas-muzikas-aprite.d?id=42432702 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Dons atgriežas Latvijā bez Lily | website=Jauns.lv | date=May 28, 2012 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/155625-dons-atgriezas-latvija-bez-lily | language=lv | access-date=March 31, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061812/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/155625-dons-atgriezas-latvija-bez-lily | url-status=live }} Writing the album's music, he worked with song lyricist Ingus Bērziņš to produce his third solo album, Signāls.{{cite web | title=Dons, rakstot jauno albumu, aizrāvies ar šahu. FOTO | website=Jauns.lv | date=May 21, 2013 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/120434-dons-rakstot-jauno-albumu-aizravies-ar-sahu-foto | language=lv | access-date=March 31, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061802/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/120434-dons-rakstot-jauno-albumu-aizravies-ar-sahu-foto | url-status=live }} He won Best Radio Hit at the 2012 and 2013 Latvian Music Recording Awards for his single "Signāls", which also won song of the year at Latvijas Radio's 2012 Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}).{{cite web | title="Muzikālajā bankā 2012" uzvar Dons ar "Signālu" | website=Jauns.lv | date=January 26, 2013 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/131328-muzikalaja-banka-2012-uzvar-dons-ar-signalu | language=lv | access-date=March 31, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061807/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/131328-muzikalaja-banka-2012-uzvar-dons-ar-signalu | url-status=live }} The album was nominated for Best Pop and Rock Album at the 2013 Latvian Music Recording Awards and his video for "Darling, Darling" was nominated for Best Video.
Outside of producing and touring his album that year, he worked as a voice actor and reality show judge. He voiced and sang as the character of Olaf in the Latvian adaptation of Disney's Frozen (2013).{{cite web | title=Skat, kā Dons debitē Disneja multenē! VIDEO | website=Jauns.lv | date=December 20, 2013 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/99210-skat-ka-dons-debite-disneja-multene-video | language=lv | access-date=March 31, 2021 | archive-date=20 July 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720201831/http://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/99210-skat-ka-dons-debite-disneja-multene-video | url-status=live }} He returned to his origins on the Latvian reality show Jaunā Talantu Fabrikā ({{literal translation|New Talent Factory}}) as a judge, where he tutored winner Aminata Savadogo and later helped produce her songs.{{cite web | title=Dons nosponsorē Aminatai darbu ierakstu studijā | website=Jauns.lv | date=November 13, 2013 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/103102-dons-nosponsore-aminatai-darbu-ierakstu-studija | language=lv | access-date=March 31, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061802/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/103102-dons-nosponsore-aminatai-darbu-ierakstu-studija | url-status=live }}
During this period, his marriage to Lily dissolved and officially ended in 2013.{{cite web | title=Oficiāli izšķīrušies mūziķi Dons un Lily | website=delfi.lv | date=June 25, 2013 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/oficiali-izskirusies-muziki-dons-un-lily.d?id=43431075 | language=lv | access-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-date=16 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916171741/https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/oficiali-izskirusies-muziki-dons-un-lily.d?id=43431075 | url-status=live }} His divorce became the inspiration for his first single "Pēdējā Vēstule" ("{{literal translation|Last Letter}}") off his next studio album, Varanasi (2014).{{cite web | title=Novērtē, kas labāk! Dons pārstrādās Eirovīzijas dziesmu, Olga nemainīs neko | website=Jauns.lv | date=February 19, 2014 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/93336-noverte-kas-labak-dons-parstradas-eirovizijas-dziesmu-olga-nemainis-neko | language=lv | access-date=March 31, 2021}} He considers the album a continuation of his previous album Signāls, stating, "On a sensory level, the album Varanasi is full of relationships, everyday life and cognition. Musically from choir and strings to electronics and rock. I'm happy for the producers' courage not to be afraid to experiment with innovative things".{{cite web | title=Dons laiž klajā pirmo jaunā albuma "Varanasi" vēstnesi "Pēdējā vēstule". VIDEO | website=Jauns.lv | date=October 7, 2013 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/106890-dons-laiz-klaja-pirmo-jauna-albuma-varanasi-vestnesi-pedeja-vestule-video | language=lv | access-date=March 31, 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061802/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/106890-dons-laiz-klaja-pirmo-jauna-albuma-varanasi-vestnesi-pedeja-vestule-video | url-status=live }}
{{quotebox |width=310px |quoted = 1 |align=right |quote=The song is very biographical, Ingus Bērziņš has once again written lyrics about my life. Varanasi, mentioned in the song, is the oldest city in India, a shrine, a mecca. I believe we each have our own Varanasi. Another finds it in church, another at work, another on TV, in agriculture or poetry. It is not even a place, it is a state of the soul. Every person at some point in their lives gets on this train and leaves for Varanasi, gets out of their comfort zone, makes drastic decisions and then starts learning how to read life|salign=right|source=Dons on "Pēdējā Vēstule" ({{literal translation|Last Letter}}) off the album Varanasi (2014).{{cite web | title=Dons laiž klajā pirmo jaunā albuma "Varanasi" vēstnesi "Pēdējā vēstule". VIDEO | website=Jauns.lv | date=7 October 2013 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/106890-dons-laiz-klaja-pirmo-jauna-albuma-varanasi-vestnesi-pedeja-vestule-video | language=lv | quote=Original quote: "Dziesma ir pat ļoti biogrāfiska, Ingus Bērziņš atkal ir uzrakstījis tekstu par manu dzīvi. Varanasi, kas pieminēta dziesmā, ir vecākā pilsēta Indijā, svētvieta, meka. Es ticu, ka mums katram ir savs Varanasi. Cits to rod baznīcā, cits darbā, cits TV, lauksaimniecībā vai dzejā. Tā pat nav vieta, tas ir dvēseles stāvoklis. Katrs cilvēks kaut kādā dzīves posmā iekāpj šajā vilcienā un aizbrauc uz Varanasi, izrāpjas no savas komforta zonas, pieņem drastiskus lēmumus un tad sāk mācīties kā dzīvi lasīt" | access-date=3 April 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061827/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/106890-dons-laiz-klaja-pirmo-jauna-albuma-varanasi-vestnesi-pedeja-vestule-video | url-status=live }}}}
In 2014, he participated in Dziesma ({{literal translation|Song}}) with "Pēdējā Vēstule" in an attempt to represent Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest". While the song in Latvian is dedicated to his ex-wife, he stated if he had won, he would have sung a version he wrote himself in English and re-dedicate that version to his father who died in 2007. However, he finished in second place behind Aarzemnieki, losing by 97 votes, much to the surprise of many.{{cite web | title=Donu no uzvaras 'Eirovīzijā' šķīrušas 97 balsis | website=delfi.lv | date=February 24, 2014 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/popmuzika/melomanija/donu-no-uzvaras-eirovizija-skirusas-97-balsis.d?id=44243913 | language=lv | access-date=April 2, 2021 | archive-date=18 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918192154/https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/popmuzika/melomanija/donu-no-uzvaras-eirovizija-skirusas-97-balsis.d?id=44243913 | url-status=live }} Despite the loss at the Dziema 2014, the song won Song of the Year at both the 2013 Muzikālās Banka (Musical Bank) and the Latvian Music Recording Awards. Due to his popularity, his tour for the album had to be extended, including going from one show at Palladium Riga to six sold out nights.{{cite web | title=Noskaties Dona dziesmas 'Pēdējā vēstule' video! | website=delfi.lv | date=February 14, 2014 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/news/music/noskaties-dona-dziesmas-pedeja-vestule-video.d?id=44215933 | language=lv | access-date=April 2, 2021 | archive-date=16 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916175537/https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/news/music/noskaties-dona-dziesmas-pedeja-vestule-video.d?id=44215933 | url-status=live }} The album reached gold status in Latvia in less than two months after being released.{{cite web | title=Dons dzimšanas dienā saņem "Zelta disku" | website=Apollo.lv | date=April 11, 2014 | url=https://www.apollo.lv/5866665/dons-dzimsanas-diena-sanem-zelta-disku | language=lv | access-date=April 2, 2021 | archive-date=3 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003095341/https://www.apollo.lv/5866665/dons-dzimsanas-diena-sanem-zelta-disku | url-status=live }} He had major success at the 2014 Latvian Music Recording Awards, with Varanasi winning Pop Album of the Year and winning Song of the Year with his single "Tev Piedzims Bērns" ({{literal translation|Child Born to You}}) and Top Radio Hit with "Pāriet Bailes" ({{literal translation|Fear Goes Away}}),{{cite web | title="Zelta mikrofonā 2014» triumfē Dons un «Instrumenti" | website=LSM.lv | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/zelta-mikrofona-2014-triumfe-dons-un-instrumenti.a118947/ | language=lv | access-date=April 2, 2021 | archive-date=14 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814205044/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/zelta-mikrofona-2014-triumfe-dons-un-instrumenti.a118947/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Baņģiere | first=Asnate | title="Zelta mikrofonu" trīs kategorijās saņem Dons un grupa "Instrumenti" | website=Jauns.lv | date=24 February 2015 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/58818-zelta-mikrofonu-tris-kategorijas-sanem-dons-un-grupa-instrumenti | language=lv | access-date=2 April 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061803/https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/58818-zelta-mikrofonu-tris-kategorijas-sanem-dons-un-grupa-instrumenti | url-status=live }} which also won Song of the Year at the 2014 Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}) awards.
Inspired by the success of Varanasi, Dons embarked on a {{convert|25000|km|mi|adj=on}} journey via the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok, Siberia, and later flying to Delhi, India, and traveling by train to Varanasi in 2014.{{cite web | title=Viens pats pasaulē. Dons drosmīgi dodas uz Sibīriju | website=Jauns.lv | date=10 September 2014 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/74210-viens-pats-pasaule-dons-drosmigi-dodas-uz-sibiriju | language=lv | quote=Original quote: "Lai arī dziesmā Varanasi ir metafora dvēseles mieram, ko mēs varam atrast arī biešu vagā, uz skatuves, pie auto stūres - kur nu kuram vieta, zinu, ka jebkurā gadījumā arī fiziska nokļūšana šai pilsētā būs emocionāla" | access-date=3 April 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061803/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/74210-viens-pats-pasaule-dons-drosmigi-dodas-uz-sibiriju | url-status=live }} About his motivation, Dons said, "Although in the song ('Pēdējā Vēstule'), Varanasi is a metaphor for peace of mind, which we can also find in the beet fields, on the stage, at the wheel of a car - wherever there is a place. I know that in any case, getting to this city will be emotional". Traveling alone, he brought only the necessities and his guitar in a creative search for materials for his next album.
=2015–2020: Rise in popularity=
File:Summer Sound 17 Kristsll-249 (36284322316).jpg
With his material from his Trans-Siberian Railway journey, Dons released his fifth solo album Sibīrija ({{literal translation|Siberia}}) in 2015 with lyrics again by Ignus Bērziņš.{{cite web | title=Dons – Medus pods | website=Latvijas Mūzikas menedžmenta aģentūra | url=http://www.lmma.lv/jaunumi/dons-medus-pods | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021}} The first single "Medus Pods" ({{literal translation|Honey Pot}}) was written while stationed near Lake Baikal during his Siberian trip. Dons noted about his ongoing songwriting relationship with the lyricist Bērziņš: "My songs are about myself, my pain and my joys, my dreams and my disappointments, otherwise I can't write. This is exactly the case with 'Medus Pods'. After music and our conversations, Ingus can read the state of my soul very well..." His next two singles from Sibīrija were "Pašā Ielas Galā" ({{literal translation|At the Very End of the Street}}) and "Dieviņš" ({{literal translation|God}}).{{cite web | title=Noklausies | website=delfi.lv | date=9 April 2015 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/news/music/noklausies-dons-laidis-klaja-jaunu-singlu-dievins.d?id=45795477 | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=17 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217144423/http://www.delfi.lv/kultura/news/music/noklausies-dons-laidis-klaja-jaunu-singlu-dievins.d?id=45795477 | url-status=live }} "Medus Pods" ({{literal translation|Honey Pot}}) was nominated for Best Song and Best Video at the 2014 Latvian Music Recording Awards. Sibīrija was nominated for Best Album, "Pašā Ielas Galā" ({{literal translation|At the Very End of the Street}}) won Best Video and "Dieviņš" ({{literal translation|God}}) won Top Radio Hit and was nominated for Alfa's Song of the Year at the 2015 Latvian Music Recording Awards.
In 2015, he was a judge in the first season of the Latvian television show Supernova, used to select songs to represent Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest.{{cite web | last=Groot | first=Evert | title=Tonight: Supernova final in Latvia | website=Eurovision.tv | date=22 February 2015 | url=https://eurovision.tv/story/tonight-supernova-final-in-latvia | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=8 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808013706/https://eurovision.tv/story/tonight-supernova-final-in-latvia | url-status=live }} He reprised the same role at the Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017.{{cite web | title=Supernova 2017 kicks off in Latvia today – ESCplus | website=esc-plus.com | date=5 February 2017 | url=https://www.esc-plus.com/supernova-2017-kicks-off-latvia-today/ | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=5 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205170746/http://www.esc-plus.com/supernova-2017-kicks-off-latvia-today/ | url-status=live }}
Dons released his sixth solo album Tepat ({{literal translation|Here}}) in October 2016 which was the first album where he wrote the lyrics along with the music.{{cite web | title=Dons ar lielkoncertu "Tepat" pulcē pilnu "Arēnu Rīga" | website=TVNET | date=15 February 2017 | url=https://www.tvnet.lv/4588508/dons-ar-lielkoncertu-tepat-pulce-pilnu-arenu-riga | language=lv | access-date=3 April 2021 | archive-date=3 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003095338/https://www.tvnet.lv/4588508/dons-ar-lielkoncertu-tepat-pulce-pilnu-arenu-riga | url-status=live }} The album was stylistically different from his previous albums, featuring a simpler instrumentation but "emotionally richer".{{cite web | title=Dons laiž klajā jaunu albumu "Tepat" un izziņo papildkoncertu "Arēnā Rīga" | website=LA.LV | date=18 October 2016 | url=https://www.la.lv/dons-laiz-klaja-jaunu-albumu-tepat-un-izzino-papildkoncertu-arena-riga/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=22 October 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022081733/http://www.la.lv/dons-laiz-klaja-jaunu-albumu-tepat-un-izzino-papildkoncertu-arena-riga/ | url-status=live }} The tour featured two nights at Latvia's Arēna Rīga, making Dons one of the few domestic groups capable of bringing in a crowd large enough for that arena. The single "Tepat" ({{literal translation|Here}}) was nominated for Alfa's Song of the Year and Top Radio Hits at the 2017 Latvian Music Recording Awards.
In 2017, he performed with the Riga Dome Choir School on the song "Zelta Kamanas" ({{literal translation|Golden Sleigh}}).{{cite web | title=Dons kopā ar zēnu kori ierakstījis īpašu Ziemassvētku dziesmu | website=skaties.lv | date=7 April 2020 | url=https://skaties.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/dons-kopa-ar-zenu-kori-ierakstijis-ipasu-ziemassvetku-dziesmu/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021}}
In February 2018, Dons released his seventh solo album, Namiņš. Kaste. Vārdi ({{literal translation|Cottage. Box. Names}}). He featured a variety of lyricists including himself, Ingus Bērziņš, Arnis Račinskis, Ģirts Rozentāls and Kaspars Ansons.{{cite web | author=Publicitātes foto | title=RECENZIJA: Dons "Namiņš. Kaste. Vārdi" | website=nra.lv | url=https://nra.lv/izklaide/237491-recenzija-dons-namins-kaste-vardi.htm | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=19 February 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219155449/http://nra.lv/izklaide/237491-recenzija-dons-namins-kaste-vardi.htm | url-status=live }} The album featured some songs that were originally written in 2010 while in London.{{cite web | title=Noklausies! Izdots Dona jaunais albums "Namiņš.Kaste.Vārdi" | website=Jauns.lv | date=14 February 2018 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/269984-noklausies-izdots-dona-jaunais-albums-naminskastevardi | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=8 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108160632/http://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/269984-noklausies-izdots-dona-jaunais-albums-naminskastevardi | url-status=live }} The fourth single from the album was "Salauzta Sirds" ({{literal translation|A Broken Heart}}), which was a collaboration with Ozols.{{cite web | title=Tapis jauns duets – Dons un reperis Ozols | website=skaties.lv | date=28 March 2018 | url=https://skaties.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/dons-kopa-ar-reperi-ozolu-izdevis-nipru-hitu-salauzta-sirds/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=23 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223061809/https://skaties.lv/izklaide/slavenibas/muziki/dons-kopa-ar-reperi-ozolu-izdevis-nipru-hitu-salauzta-sirds/ | url-status=live }} That single won Top Radio Hit and Best Song at the 2019 Latvian Music Recording awards and the album was nominated for Best Pop Album.
In 2018, he played the lead role in the 30th-anniversary production of the rock opera, Lāčplēsis, based on the Latvian national epic of the same name.{{cite web | last=Orlovs | first=Edgars | title=Dons būs Lāčplēsis jubilejas izrādē | website=Jauns.lv | date=20 February 2018 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/270803-dons-bus-lacplesis-jubilejas-izrade | language=lv | access-date=2 April 2021 | archive-date=19 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119063023/http://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/270803-dons-bus-lacplesis-jubilejas-izrade | url-status=live }} Some people doubted his abilities to perform in the lead role, however, Igo who performed as lead in the original production noted after hearing his performance, "Dons has a very wide range of voices, he timbres his tone very masterfully. I have never had any doubts about him, because purely technically he is capable of very, very much. Probably even more than people know and can imagine. Therefore, I had no doubts and no question as to whether he could cope with this task."{{cite web | title=VAKARA ZIŅAS: Kurš labāks Lāčplēsis – Dons vai Igo? | website=nra.lv | url=https://nra.lv/vakara-zinas/264147-vakara-zinas-kurs-labaks-lacplesis-dons-vai-igo.htm | language=lv | quote=Original quote: "Dons pret savu uzdevumu izturējās ļoti atbildīgi un godīgi. Donam ir ļoti plašs balss diapazons, tembrāli viņš savu toni veido ļoti meistarīgi. Man nekad nav bijis par viņu šaubu, jo tīri tehniski viņš spēj ļoti, ļoti daudz. Iespējams, pat vairāk, nekā cilvēki zina un spēj iedomāties. Tādēļ man nebija šaubu un nebija arī nekādu jautājumu, vai viņš varētu tikt galā ar šo uzdevumu." | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=19 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119140225/https://nra.lv/vakara-zinas/264147-vakara-zinas-kurs-labaks-lacplesis-dons-vai-igo.htm | url-status=live }}
In 2020, he participated in a number of collaborations. He worked with 20 Latvian musicians to create the charity anthem, "Es zinu, Tu esi" to raise money for domestic violence victims.{{cite web | title="Dod pieci!" himna ir klāt! | website=Latvijas Radio 5 / Pieci.lv | url=https://pieci.lsm.lv/lv/lr5/raksts/aktuali-pieci/dod-pieci-himna-ir-klat.a136886/ | language=lv | access-date=2 April 2021}} He released another song "Mans Eņģelis" ({{literal translation|My Angel}}) for the charity Angels over Latvia, which raised money to benefit children in need of medical care.{{cite web | title=Dons piedāvā klausītājiem jaunu dziesmu – "Mans eņģelis" | website=skaties.lv | date=7 April 2020 | url=https://skaties.lv/izklaide/dons-piedava-klausitajiem-jaunu-dziesmu-mans-engelis/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=6 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206082058/https://skaties.lv/izklaide/dons-piedava-klausitajiem-jaunu-dziesmu-mans-engelis/ | url-status=live }} He co-wrote Aminata Savadogo's song "Nejauc man prātu" ({{literal translation|Do not confuse me}}).{{cite web | last=Landmanis | first=Uldis | title=jaunu dziesmu sadarbībā ar Donu klajā laiž Aminata | website=Jauns.lv | date=11 February 2020 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/370971-noklausies-jaunu-dziesmu-sadarbiba-ar-donu-klaja-laiz-aminata | language=lv | access-date=2 April 2021 | archive-date=12 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212143423/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/370971-noklausies-jaunu-dziesmu-sadarbiba-ar-donu-klaja-laiz-aminata | url-status=live }} In response to the Latvian government lack of support for the cultural sector during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia, Dons and other leading Latvian musicians expressed their criticism with a video composition called "Klusums" ({{literal translation|Silence}}).{{cite web | last=Landmanis | first=Uldis | title=Latvijas mūziķi, pieprasot valsts atbalstu, apvienojas skaņdarbā "Klusums" | website=Jauns.lv | date=11 May 2020 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/385168-latvijas-muziki-pieprasot-valsts-atbalstu-apvienojas-skandarba-klusums | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=18 May 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518215202/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/385168-latvijas-muziki-pieprasot-valsts-atbalstu-apvienojas-skandarba-klusums | url-status=live }}
On 24 November 2020, Dons released his eighth solo album, Tūrists ({{literal translation|Tourists}}), which featured 10 songs from a total of 27 he had written.{{cite web | title=Mūzikas albums kā stāsts: Dona "Tūrists" | website=LSM.lv | date=3 December 2020 | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/muzikas-albums-ka-stasts-dona-turists.a383958/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=18 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218042032/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/muzikas-albums-ka-stasts-dona-turists.a383958/ | url-status=live }} The lead single "Es Nāktu Mājās" ({{literal translation|I Would Come Home}}) became popular, winning Song of the Year at the 2019 Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}) and tying him for most ever with Prāta Vētra (Brainstorm). At the 2020 Latvian Music Recording Awards, it was nominated for Best Song and Song of the Year and won Best Video. His single "Tūrists" ("{{literal translation|Tourists}}") was nominated for most valuable song during the 2020 Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}). The album won Best Pop Album at the 2021 Latvian Music Recording Awards.
=2021–2023: Universal Music signing and subsequent singles=
In March 2021, Dons participated in an open letter to the government that was signed by leading Latvian musicians, artists, writers and other creatives. In it, they criticized the government's ongoing lack of support for copyright and compensation laws for their works when it came to data carriers.{{cite web | last=Egliena | first=Karīna | title=Atklāta autoru vēstule par datu nesēju atlīdzību | website=Jauns.lv | date=25 March 2021 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/435086-atklata-autoru-vestule-par-datu-neseju-atlidzibu | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=22 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522040516/https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/435086-atklata-autoru-vestule-par-datu-neseju-atlidzibu | url-status=live }} A few days later, he released the single "Piedošana" ({{literal translation|Forgiveness}}), teaming up with Intars Busulis and Prāta Vētra (Brainstorm) to perform it.{{cite web | title=Noklausies! 'Prāta vētra', Dons un Busulis radījuši himnu mīlestībai – 'Piedošana' | website=delfi.lv | date=30 March 2021 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/a/53064057 | language=lv | quote=Original quote: "Piedošana ir māksla, kuru mēs mācāmies visu dzīvi. Reizēm šķiet, ka nupat jau būsim iemācījušies, bet nāk jauni pārbaudījumi un atkal jāsāk viss no jauna." | access-date=2 April 2021 | archive-date=22 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522040513/https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/news/music/noklausies-prata-vetra-dons-un-busulis-radijusi-himnu-milestibai-piedosana.d?id=53064057 | url-status=live }} Dons summarized the song as, "Forgiveness is an art we learn all our lives. Sometimes it seems like we've learned it, but new challenges come and we have to start all over again". On 18 April 2021, he performed as a guest singer on Balss Maskā ({{literal translation|Voice in a Mask}}) as the Evening Star, singing "The Best" by Bonnie Tyler.{{cite web | title=Šovā 'Balss maskā' atmasko gan Taureni, gan Vakara zvaigzni | website=delfi.lv | date=19 April 2021 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/a/53119039 | language=lv | access-date=27 April 2021 | archive-date=22 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522040513/https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/televizija/sova-balss-maska-atmasko-gan-taureni-gan-vakara-zvaigzni.d?id=53119039 | url-status=live }}
In August 2021, Dons announced he had signed with Universal Music.{{cite web | title=Dziedātājs Dons pievienojas kompānijas "Universal Music Latvia" saimei | website=TVNET | date=25 August 2021 | url=https://www.tvnet.lv/7323304/dziedatajs-dons-pievienojas-kompanijas-universal-music-latvia-saimei | language=lv | access-date=27 August 2021 | archive-date=27 August 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827074251/https://www.tvnet.lv/7323304/dziedatajs-dons-pievienojas-kompanijas-universal-music-latvia-saimei | url-status=live }} His first single with the new label was released on 16 September 2021 titled "Tas rakstīts debesīs (Piena ceļš)" ({{literal translation|It's Written in the Heavens (Milky Way)}}).{{cite web | title=Mūziķis Dons izdod jaunu singlu | website=TVNET | date=16 September 2021 | url=https://www.tvnet.lv/7339334/muzikis-dons-izdod-jaunu-singlu | language=lv | access-date=16 September 2021 | archive-date=16 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916091230/https://www.tvnet.lv/7339334/muzikis-dons-izdod-jaunu-singlu | url-status=live }} The song was cowritten with DJ Rudd (Rūdolfs Budze) and Aminata Savadogo about an admiration "of space, of infinity, of stars, about possibilities and probabilities". It was nominated for three 2022 Latvian Music Recording Awards for Top Radio Hit, song of the year and ELVI song of the year{{cite web | title=NOMINANTI 2022 | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=8 January 2020 | url=http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/nominanti2021/ | language=lv | access-date=25 January 2022 | archive-date=11 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411042906/http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/nominanti2021/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | title=Paziņoti pērnā gada radio hiti, kas pretendēs uz "Zelta mikrofonu" | website=LSM.lv | date=31 January 2022 | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/pazinoti-perna-gada-radio-hiti-kas-pretendes-uz-zelta-mikrofonu.a441303/ | language=lv | access-date=11 February 2022 | archive-date=11 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211033821/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/pazinoti-perna-gada-radio-hiti-kas-pretendes-uz-zelta-mikrofonu.a441303/ | url-status=live }} and along with "Piedošana" ({{literal translation|Forgiveness}}), his collaboration with Prata Vetra and Intars Busulis, made the final 15 for most valuable song of the 2021 Muzikālā Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}).{{cite web | last=Joffe | first=Danies | title=Markus Riva un Lauris Reiniks netiek "Muzikālās bankas" Top 15 | website=nra.lv | url=https://nra.lv/izklaide/muzika/369556-markus-riva-un-lauris-reiniks-netiek-muzikalas-bankas-top-15.htm | language=lv | access-date=25 January 2022 | archive-date=25 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125114033/https://nra.lv/izklaide/muzika/369556-markus-riva-un-lauris-reiniks-netiek-muzikalas-bankas-top-15.htm | url-status=live }} "Tas rakstīts debesīs (Piena ceļš)" ({{literal translation|It's Written in the Heavens (Milky Way)}}) finished in third place and "Piedošana" ({{literal translation|Forgiveness}}) finished in seventh place during the 2021 Muzikālā Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}) finals.{{cite web | title="Bez asarām nav iespējams skatīties": dziedātāja Aija Andrejeva "Muzikālajā bankā" nodzied tēta izpildīto dziesmu | website=Kokteilis.lv | date=20 January 2022 | url=https://www.la.lv/bez-asaram-nav-iespejams-skatities-dziedataja-aija-andrejeva-muzikalaja-banka-nodzied-teta-izpildito-dziesmu | language=lv | access-date=30 January 2022 | archive-date=30 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130093536/https://www.la.lv/bez-asaram-nav-iespejams-skatities-dziedataja-aija-andrejeva-muzikalaja-banka-nodzied-teta-izpildito-dziesmu | url-status=live }}
In February 2022, Dons released a new single, "Tavs pieskāriens" ({{literal translation|Your touch}}). He also announced a summer concert at the ruins of the Sigulda Castle.{{cite web | title=Dons releases new song and announces summer concert | website=Best of Baltic Entertainment Ltd. | url=http://www.bobe.me/events/dons-releases-new-song-and-announces-summer-concert | access-date=11 February 2022 | archive-date=10 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210234625/https://bobe.me/events/dons-releases-new-song-and-announces-summer-concert | url-status=live }} In May 2022, Dons collaborated with Latvian rapper {{interlanguage link|rolands če|lv}} on his next single, "Brīnišķīga diena" ({{literal translation|Wonderful Day}}).{{cite web | title=mūziķis Dons kopā ar rolandu če izdod dziesmu "Brīnišķīga diena" | website=Jauns.lv | date=12 May 2022 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/501804-noklausies-muzikis-dons-kopa-ar-rolandu-ce-izdod-dziesmu-briniskiga-diena | language=lv | access-date=22 May 2022 | archive-date=14 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514205322/https://jauns.lv/raksts/izklaide/501804-noklausies-muzikis-dons-kopa-ar-rolandu-ce-izdod-dziesmu-briniskiga-diena | url-status=live }} At the 2022 Muzikālā Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}) finals, "Tavs pieskāriens" ({{literal translation|Your touch}}) finished in 7th place.{{cite web | title=Rezultāti 2022 / Latvijas Radio | website=Latvijas Radio / Latvijas Radio | url=https://latvijasradio.lsm.lv/lv/lr2/raidijumi/muzikala-banka/rezultati/ | language=rw | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=8 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208223011/https://latvijasradio.lsm.lv/lv/lr2/raidijumi/muzikala-banka/rezultati/ | url-status=live }} At the 2023 Latvian Music Recording Awards known as the Zelta Mikrofons ({{literal translation|Golden Microphones}}), his single "Tavs pieskāriens" ({{literal translation|Your touch}}) was nominated for song of the year, video of the year, top radio hit and people's choice for (ELVI) song of the year.{{cite web | last=Silabriedis | first=Orests | title=Fokusā – "Zelta mikrofons 2023": žūrijas darbs un skaņu ieraksti | website=Latvijas Radio 3 / Latvijas Radio | url=https://klasika.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/orfeja-auss/fokusa--zelta-mikrofons-2023-zurijas-darbs-un-skanu-ieraksti.a171822/ | language=lv | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=24 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124175158/https://klasika.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/orfeja-auss/fokusa--zelta-mikrofons-2023-zurijas-darbs-un-skanu-ieraksti.a171822/ | url-status=live }} His duet "Brīnišķīga diena" ({{literal translation|Wonderful Day}}) with rolands če was also nominated for top radio hit. "Tavs pieskāriens" ({{literal translation|Your touch}}) won song of the year and Top Radio Hit.
In anticipation of his next album, Dons released the single, "Divatā" ({{literal translation|In Two}}) in May 2023.{{cite web | title=Noklausies! Dons izdod jaunu dziesmu 'Divatā' un izziņo albumu | website=DELFI | date=8 May 2023 | url=https://kultura.delfi.lv/news/music/noklausies-dons-izdod-jaunu-dziesmu-divata-un-izzino-albumu.d?id=55495420 | language=lv | access-date=9 May 2023 | archive-date=3 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803025619/https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/55495420/noklausies-dons-izdod-jaunu-dziesmu-divata-un-izzino-albumu | url-status=live }} The lyrics are by Latvian poet {{interlanguage link|Marts Pujāts|lv}}, who says, "There have always been forces of attraction and repulsion in relationships. The song 'Divatā' holds the hope that attraction will prevail, and two loving people will eventually be able to find their way to each other". The single was nominated for ELVI Song of the Year and won Top Radio Hit at the 2024 Latvian Music Recording Awards. On 17 and 18 July 2023, Dons performed as Quasimodo in Zigmars Liepiņš' operatic melodrama Parīzes Dievmātes katedrāle ({{literal translation|Notre-Dame de Paris}}) as part of the Jūrmala Festival.{{cite web | title=Uz skatuves atgriezīsies opera 'Parīzes Dievmātes katedrāle'; Kvazimodo lomā – Dons | website=DELFI | date=16 July 2023 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/55509414/uz-skatuves-atgriezisies-opera-parizes-dievmates-katedrale-kvazimodo-loma-dons | language=lv | access-date=3 August 2023 | archive-date=3 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803025533/https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/55509414/uz-skatuves-atgriezisies-opera-parizes-dievmates-katedrale-kvazimodo-loma-dons | url-status=live }} In September 2023, Dons released his next single "Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts" ({{literal translation|Kingdom of Broken Spears}}), inspired by the "times when you feel crushed and bent under the weight, the belief that time will heal and allow you to get back up can be the only thing that gives you strength".{{cite web | title=Dons atgriežas pie klausītājiem ar spēcīgu balādi "Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts" | website=Latvijas Radio 2 / Latvijas Radio | url=https://lr2.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/muzikala-banka/dons-atgriezas-pie-klausitajiem-ar-specigu-baladi-lauzto-skepu-k.a181335/ | language=lv | access-date=20 September 2023 | archive-date=2 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002055122/https://lr2.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/muzikala-banka/dons-atgriezas-pie-klausitajiem-ar-specigu-baladi-lauzto-skepu-k.a181335/ | url-status=live }} The single won Most Valuable Song at the 2023 Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}) awards and its music video was nominated for Best Video at the 2024 Latvian Music Recording Awards. He also announced a stadium concert at Daugava Stadium taking place in August 2024 to promote his next album, Laiks ({{literal translation|Time}}).
In October 2023, Dons joined the Latvian music competition show Paaudžu duelis ({{literal translation|Duel of Generations}}) as the leader of the younger 2000s team.{{cite web | title=Startēs jauns pašmāju muzikālais TV šovs 'Paaudžu duelis' | website=delfi.lv | date=10 October 2023 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/life/42051922/sovbizness/56012646/startes-jauns-pasmaju-muzikalais-tv-sovs-paaudzu-duelis | language=lv | access-date=1 November 2023 | archive-date=1 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101131147/https://www.delfi.lv/life/42051922/sovbizness/56012646/startes-jauns-pasmaju-muzikalais-tv-sovs-paaudzu-duelis | url-status=live }} Contestants answered trivia questions and performed songs from the different music eras, with losers being sent home via fan votes.
= 2024–present: ''Supernova'' win, Eurovision finals =
File:Dons, Eurovision 2024 final rehearsal 05 (cropped).jpg
In January 2024, Dons released "Hollow", his first English-language single since 2013, with which he was selected to compete in Supernova 2024, Latvia's national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.{{cite web | author=LSM.lv Kultūras redakcija | title=Dziesmu konkursa «Supernova» pusfinālā uzstāsies 15 mākslinieki | website=lsm.lv | date=9 January 2024 | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/izklaide/09.01.2024-dziesmu-konkursa-supernova-pusfinala-uzstasies-15-makslinieki.a538169/ | language=lv | access-date=9 January 2024 | archive-date=9 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109062059/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/izklaide/09.01.2024-dziesmu-konkursa-supernova-pusfinala-uzstasies-15-makslinieki.a538169/ | url-status=live }} "Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts" ({{literal translation|Kingdom of Broken Spears}}) is the Latvian version of "Hollow", which was written first.{{cite web | last=Verhoustinska | first=Henrieta | title=Diena, kad uzrakstījām «Hollow», bija ļoti īpaša. Saruna ar mūziķi Donu | website=LSM.lv | date=23 February 2024 | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/23.02.2024-diena-kad-uzrakstijam-hollow-bija-loti-ipasa-saruna-ar-muziki-donu.a544099/ | language=lv | access-date=24 February 2024 | archive-date=24 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224105947/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/23.02.2024-diena-kad-uzrakstijam-hollow-bija-loti-ipasa-saruna-ar-muziki-donu.a544099/ | url-status=live }} According to Dons, the songs are different from each other; Hollow is based on the relevant issue today of not following the crowds and staying true to oneself with Dons elaborating: "By the time we finished 'Hollow', we all felt inside that we had created something that made time stand still".{{cite web | title=Noklausies! Dons izdod dziesmu angļu valodā – 'Hollow' | website=delfi.lv | date=3 January 2024 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/56234470/noklausies-dons-izdod-dziesmu-anglu-valoda-hollow | language=lv | access-date=3 January 2024 | archive-date=3 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103083426/https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/56234470/noklausies-dons-izdod-dziesmu-anglu-valoda-hollow | url-status=live }} Dons advanced to the final of Supernova, which he won in a landslide with 33,000 more audience votes than the runners-up and placed first with the jury.{{cite web | title=Noskaidrots, kurš mūziķis Supernovas finālā izcīnījis ceļazīmi uz Eirovīziju | website=Mūzika | date=10 February 2024 | url=https://www.apollo.lv/7956552/noskaidrots-kurs-muzikis-supernovas-finala-izcinijis-celazimi-uz-eiroviziju | language=lv | access-date=10 February 2024 | archive-date=24 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224150748/https://www.apollo.lv/7956552/noskaidrots-kurs-muzikis-supernovas-finala-izcinijis-celazimi-uz-eiroviziju | url-status=live }}{{cite web | author=LSM.lv Kultūras redakcija | title=«Supernovā» Dons pārliecinoši pirmais bija gan skatītāju, gan žūrijas vērtējumā | website=LSM.lv | date=12 February 2024 | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/izklaide/12.02.2024-supernova-dons-parliecinosi-pirmais-bija-gan-skatitaju-gan-zurijas-vertejuma.a542521/ | language=lv | access-date=12 February 2024 | archive-date=12 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212060940/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/izklaide/12.02.2024-supernova-dons-parliecinosi-pirmais-bija-gan-skatitaju-gan-zurijas-vertejuma.a542521/ | url-status=live }}
In order to focus on his Eurovision preparations, Dons announced he was postponing the release of his next album, Laiks ({{literal translation|Time}}) from April to August 2024.{{cite web | title="Es ļoti atvainojos..." Donam Eirovīzijas dēļ nākas mainīt radošos plānus | website=Slavenības | date=12 February 2024 | url=https://sejas.tvnet.lv/7958118/es-loti-atvainojos-donam-eirovizijas-del-nakas-mainit-radosos-planus | language=lv | access-date=14 February 2024 | archive-date=14 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214110924/https://sejas.tvnet.lv/7958118/es-loti-atvainojos-donam-eirovizijas-del-nakas-mainit-radosos-planus | url-status=live }}
Having been predicted by bookmakers not to qualify and given the lowest chances by odds to qualify from the second semi-final, Dons defied pre-contest expectations and qualified for the grand final, placing 7th out of 16 with 72 points. His qualification sent Latvia to their first final since 2016 (represented by Justs Sirmais with "Heartbeat") and broke Latvia's seven-year consecutive non-qualification streak.{{Cite news |last=Holdiness |first=Timothy |title=Eurovision 2024 Semi-Final Two Qualifiers |url=https://escxtra.com/2024/05/09/eurovision-2024-semi-final-two-qualifiers/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |work=ESCXTRA |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510004317/https://escxtra.com/2024/05/09/eurovision-2024-semi-final-two-qualifiers/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web | author=LSM.lv Kultūras redakcija | title=Dons pēc iekļūšanas Eirovīzijas finālā: Ja jau esam tik tālu, rādām, ko varam! | website=LSM.lv | date=10 May 2024 | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/izklaide/10.05.2024-dons-pec-ieklusanas-eirovizijas-finala-ja-jau-esam-tik-talu-radam-ko-varam.a553512/ | language=lv | access-date=10 May 2024 | archive-date=10 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510121849/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/izklaide/10.05.2024-dons-pec-ieklusanas-eirovizijas-finala-ja-jau-esam-tik-talu-radam-ko-varam.a553512/ | url-status=live }} After advancing, he said, "Bookmakers are bookmakers, but they also set the tone. Of course, it's not pleasant when you see that you've been put in last place. You have nothing to lose! Maybe that helped a little. Throwing everything asides and just going out and doing what I love the most. Bookies - that's their job. Let them do their job, we'll do ours." Dons placed 16th out of 25 in the grand final with 64 points.{{cite web | title=Latvian Dons ranks 16th in Eurovision | website=Eng.lsm.lv | date=12 May 2024 | url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/12.05.2024-latvian-dons-ranks-16th-in-eurovision.a553689/ | access-date=14 May 2024 | archive-date=14 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514115745/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/12.05.2024-latvian-dons-ranks-16th-in-eurovision.a553689/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Sturtridge |first=Isaac |title=REVEALED: The Eurovision 2024 semi-final and final jury/televote detailed voting results |url=https://escxtra.com/2024/05/12/revealed-the-eurovision-2024-semi-final-and-final-jury-televote-detailed-voting-results/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |work=ESCXTRA |language=en-GB |archive-date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514002635/https://escxtra.com/2024/05/12/revealed-the-eurovision-2024-semi-final-and-final-jury-televote-detailed-voting-results/ |url-status=live }}
Following up his performance at Eurovision, Dons released another English language single called "Dark" in May 2024.{{cite web | last=Garnett | first=Georgia | title=🇱🇻 Dons releases new single "Dark" | website=That Eurovision Site | date=31 May 2024 | url=https://thateurovisionsite.com/2024/05/31/dons-new-single-dark/ | access-date=1 June 2024 | archive-date=1 June 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601034113/https://thateurovisionsite.com/2024/05/31/dons-new-single-dark/ | url-status=live }} He released a Latvian version called "Sāp" ({{literal translation|Pain}}) in preparation for the release of his ninth studio album Laiks ({{literal translation|Time}}).{{cite web | title=Noklausies! Dons izdod dziesmu "Sāp" | website=Delfi | date=14 June 2024 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/120030881/noklausies-dons-izdod-dziesmu-sap | language=lv | access-date=14 June 2024 | archive-date=14 June 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614081623/https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/120030881/noklausies-dons-izdod-dziesmu-sap | url-status=live }} Dons says about his single, "I want to allow each listener to experience the story of the song "Sāp" through his own emotional prism. A story about falling in love, about the beginning of a relationship and illusions that disappear with time". Ahead of his largest concert to date at Daugava Stadium (Riga), he released his album Laiks ({{literal translation|Time}}) on 1 August 2024 along with the single "Bultiņa melnā" ({{literal translation|Black Arrow}}), which he says was written to remind "not only myself, but also my listeners that in moments when we feel stuck, we need to calm down a little, let go and start again!"{{cite web | title=Noklausies! Dons izdod jaunu albumu un publicē dziesmu "Bultiņa melnā" | website=DELFI | date=1 August 2024 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/120036955/noklausies-dons-izdod-jaunu-albumu-un-publice-dziesmu-bultina-melna | language=lv | access-date=8 August 2024}} His "Laiks" ({{literal translation|Time}}) concert at Daugava Stadium on 17 August 2024 included songs from the very beginning of his career to his latest works. Over 22,000 people attended the "Laiks" concert, and Dons expressed that seeing everyone come together through his music made him realize he "had not lived in vain".{{cite web | title="Nav velti dzīvots!" – Dons par aizvadīto solokoncertu | website=DELFI | date=20 August 2024 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/life/42051922/sovbizness/120039210/nav-velti-dzivots-dons-par-aizvadito-solokoncertu | language=lv | access-date=20 October 2024}} He reflected on the crowd, saying, "Yes, that was strength! And this strength is truly within us. We are a people who do everything with sincerity—whether it's emotions, setting a table, cooking a soup, or creating a song—it's all real!" Following this concert, Dons announced he would perform "Time" in London on 18 November, 2024 at the Shepherd's Bush Empire.{{cite web | title=Dons uzjautrina fanus ar video, kurā "vakariņo" kopā ar futbola zvaigzni Lionelu Mesi | website=Trakas lietas | date=16 October 2024 | url=https://sejas.tvnet.lv/8116113/dons-uzjautrina-fanus-ar-video-kura-vakarino-kopa-ar-futbola-zvaigzni-lionelu-mesi | language=lv | access-date=20 October 2024}}
Dons was announced as a judge for the debut season of Ir Talants, the Latvian version of the popular global series Got Talent.{{cite web | last=Izklaide | first=tv3.lv - | title=Zināmi talantu šova "Ir talants!" tiesneši | website=tv3.lv | date=23 July 2024 | url=https://www.tv3.lv/raidijumi/irtalants/zinami-talantu-sova-ir-talants-tiesnesi/ | language=lv | access-date=26 August 2024}} On 16 October, 2024, the Latvian Music Producers Association presented Dons with a platinum certificate for "Hollow"; the platinum award is given to songs that have been streamed 4 million times or more.{{cite web | title=LaIPA otro reizi pasniegusi zelta un platīna sertifikātus straumētākajiem mūzikas ierakstiem | website=Mūzika Latvijā | date=17 October 2024 | url=https://sejas.tvnet.lv/8116864/laipa-otro-reizi-pasniegusi-zelta-un-platina-sertifikatus-straumetakajiem-muzikas-ierakstiem | language=lv | access-date=20 October 2024}} In 2024, the Latvian Music Producers Association announced the creation of the GAMMA awards, which celebrates "all aspects of the Latvian music industry". Dons won Male Solo Artist of the Year and Hit of the year for "Hollow"; he also was nominated for Pop Artist of the Year; "Hollow" was nominated for Most Streamed Song of the Year; and his concert Laiks was nominated for Live Performance/Concert of the Year and Musical Event of the Year.
Music style
{{quotebox
| width = 270px
| quoted = 1
| align = right
| quote = The thing with the lyrics is that – you see, I mean one thing at other times, but the listener tells me that in him the lyrics have awakened something else. That's also why I never again blurt out any meanings about lyrics. Everyone finds something of themselves in these lyrics. When, for example, we play the songs "Pāriet bailes" or "Dieviņš" or "Pēdējā vēstule" at concerts, and when you see a person singing along with tears in their eyes or with joy on their face, then you realize that the song is no longer mine. Then it is comparable to the pride of parents – when they are proud of their child, who has grown into a good person.
| salign = right
}}
Dons is known for playing only a few large shows for each tour, as he prefers that "each song has its own story, including my own. And the story is an experience. Maybe that's why I don't perform so often". He has performed in Latvia's largest arenas including the Palladium Riga, Arena Riga and the Daugava National Stadium. He lives in "two cycles - concerts or album recording" and when he is recording an album, he cannot perform live and vice versa.{{cite web | last=Jurķis | first=Madars | title=Sestdien Latvijā stacionēti 49 Covid-19 pacienti; kopējais hospitalizēto skaits pieaudzis līdz 674 | website=Jauns.lv | date=4 April 2021 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/par-veselibu/436679-sestdien-latvija-stacioneti-49-covid-19-pacienti-kopejais-hospitalizeto-skaits-pieaudzis-lidz-674 | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=4 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404110800/https://jauns.lv/raksts/par-veselibu/436679-sestdien-latvija-stacioneti-49-covid-19-pacienti-kopejais-hospitalizeto-skaits-pieaudzis-lidz-674 | url-status=live }}
=Lyrics, song meanings=
Dons is a long-time collaborator with lyricist Ingus Bērziņš, who he considers one of the best poets in Latvia.{{cite web | last=Baņģiere | first=Asnate | title=Dons un viņa fenomens: "Maigi, bet ar skalpelīti" | website=Jauns.lv | date=12 March 2020 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/sievietem/375434-dons-un-vina-fenomens-maigi-bet-ar-skalpeliti | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=19 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319092023/https://jauns.lv/raksts/sievietem/375434-dons-un-vina-fenomens-maigi-bet-ar-skalpeliti | url-status=live }} Bērziņš' lyrics are sometimes criticized as making little sense: Normunds Vucāns of ParMuziku (an online magazine produced by Latvian Music Producers Association) writes, "Unfortunately, these thoughts are hidden behind such unsuccessful and illogical lyrics that the idea is absolutely not understood, and the question arises as to whether the author himself understands what he has created."{{cite web | title=Albuma apskats. Dons - Sibīrija | website=ParMūziku.lv | url=https://www.parmuziku.lv/muzikas-zinas/ieraksti/albuma-apskats-dons-sibirija-16 | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=22 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522040525/https://www.parmuziku.lv/muzikas-zinas/ieraksti/albuma-apskats-dons-sibirija-16 | url-status=live }} However, Dons says he knows the meaning of all the lyrics, appreciating that Bērziņš is adventurous with his writings. In his later albums, Don began to write his own words instead of relying on Bērziņš, saying, "Recently, however, our cooperation has been less frequent, because I have started writing lyrics myself. In the past, maybe I didn't have anything to say or I couldn't say it, but now I have something to say. But now and then I send him my texts to read". Dons has worked with other lyricists though and has no issues singing others' lyrics as long as they fit his melodies.{{cite web | last=Zilgalvis | first=Mārtiņš | title=Dons. Neapstāties, bet turpināt | website=nra.lv | url=https://nra.lv/maja/194390-dons-neapstaties-bet-turpinat.htm | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=27 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027033712/https://nra.lv/maja/194390-dons-neapstaties-bet-turpinat.htm | url-status=live }}
Due to the popularity of some of his songs, he stated how he had to distance the personal origins of those songs from the listeners so that the music can "belong" to them, saying:
"I have a song ("Kolekcionārs" {{literal translation|Collectors}}, lyrics by Ingus Bērziņš based on John Fowles' The Collector){{cite web | title=Dons piedāvā jaunu singlu | website=Apollo.lv | date=8 November 2007 | url=https://www.apollo.lv/5294618/dons-piedava-jaunu-singlu | language=lv | access-date=23 June 2021 | archive-date=24 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204438/https://www.apollo.lv/5294618/dons-piedava-jaunu-singlu | url-status=live }} on the album Lelle with a message written about tragic events. I remember once telling the true story at a concert and there was a terrible silence in the audience. Of course, later the audience came back to life, but in this little moment of silence, I saw that the audience is in tears, because the story of the song is really heavy. After this incident, I decided - no, with my private stories about songs, at least in concerts, it is better to slow down.So I say that everyone has the right to their own version and I have no right to interfere in this interpretation... Other times it's cool to leave listeners with a subtext to the lyrics. And response, the listeners unravel exactly what I had in the song! Other times you will find out something like you had never looked at this song. Even an example with the same song "Kolekcionārs" {{literal translation|Collectors}} - it can be like a ballad of love. It can too! I didn't see it that way, I saw a very gloomy scene, but people see something like that there. Not bad! I'm interested in new interpretations".{{cite web | last=Leitholde | first=Aiga | title=Varbūt kādreiz man apniks dziedāt par mīlestību. Intervija ar Donu | website=LSM.lv | date=12 December 2020 | url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/varbut-kadreiz-man-apniks-dziedat-par-milestibu-intervija-ar-donu.a385118/ | language=lv | access-date=23 June 2021 | archive-date=24 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624212215/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/varbut-kadreiz-man-apniks-dziedat-par-milestibu-intervija-ar-donu.a385118/ | url-status=live }}
=Musical performances=
Dons says about his music that the "thought is always the same - a story about emotions and feelings, a story about love and experience". He says in his performances that his emotions are real, not an act; having taking no acting classes, he said, "I have to let it all in to get my emotions out". An example of his acting skills is his performance in Zigmars Liepiņš' popular musical theatre Adata where he performed in 33 of 70 performances and by the 20th performance, he would be in tears after the final song. A fellow actor in the musical advised him he was playing with "fire and blades" by deeply feeling the character he was portraying. He said he has turned down opportunities "because I'm afraid that I'll lose myself or burn out." For his music video of "Hollow", journalists had noted his acting skills but Dons said, "When they tear my clothes and skin, it all happens for real. I heard that foreign journalists and reviewers commented on that acting - but it really hurt me, I'm not an actor. If I'm in pain, it looks like it".
Personal life
When asked if there's a difference between his stage personality and his private self, Dons said, "Not at all, Dons is maybe louder than Artūrs. Artūrs is quieter and calmer. I'd say they're twin brothers. Artūrs is lazier than Dons, that's the only difference. When there's work to be done, Dons will always drive Artūrs to work". Dons is avid about fitness, exercise and being a yoga practitioner.{{cite web | title=Dona labas formas noslēpums - joga | website=delfi.lv | date=24 April 2013 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/dzivesstils/stils/dona-labas-formas-noslepums-joga.d?id=43259121 | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=18 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918175804/https://www.delfi.lv/izklaide/dzivesstils/stils/dona-labas-formas-noslepums-joga.d?id=43259121 | url-status=live }} He is a fan of the National Basketball Association.{{cite web | title=INTERVIJA. Rekordists Dons. Divi pilnībā izpārdoti koncerti "Arēnā Rīga" | website=nra.lv | url=https://nra.lv/izklaide/muzika/200552-intervija-rekordists-dons-divi-pilniba-izpardoti-koncerti-arena-riga.htm | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=17 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217085830/http://nra.lv/izklaide/muzika/200552-intervija-rekordists-dons-divi-pilniba-izpardoti-koncerti-arena-riga.htm | url-status=live }} He often travels around the world, having lived in London and the United States. He owns the Engure Café with Kaspars Roga, who is the drummer of Prāta Vētra (Brainstorm).
Dons was married to Lily (real name Linda Kalniņa), whom he met while as a contestant on the Latvian reality show Talantu Fabrikā ({{literal translation|Talent Factory}}).{{cite web | title=Ar ko slavena topmodele, kas uz filmas pirmizrādi ieradās kopā ar dziedātāju Donu | website=Jauns.lv | date=14 May 2019 | url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/sievietem/331352-ar-ko-slavena-topmodele-kas-uz-filmas-pirmizradi-ieradas-kopa-ar-dziedataju-donu | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=22 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522040519/https://jauns.lv/raksts/sievietem/331352-ar-ko-slavena-topmodele-kas-uz-filmas-pirmizradi-ieradas-kopa-ar-dziedataju-donu | url-status=live }} The two were married from 2009 until 2013. He is currently in a relationship with Madara Mālmane.{{cite web | title=Dons komentē attiecības ar modeli Madaru Mālmani | website=Apollo.lv | date=18 November 2020 | url=https://www.apollo.lv/7112642/dons-komente-attiecibas-ar-modeli-madaru-malmani | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=18 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118092453/https://www.apollo.lv/7112642/dons-komente-attiecibas-ar-modeli-madaru-malmani | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Mūziķis Dons atklāj, ka ir aizņemts vīrietis | website=Slavenības | date=4 April 2024 | url=https://www.apollo.lv/7993187/muzikis-dons-atklaj-ka-ir-aiznemts-virietis | language=lv | access-date=5 April 2024 | archive-date=5 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405032004/https://www.apollo.lv/7993187/muzikis-dons-atklaj-ka-ir-aiznemts-virietis | url-status=live }}
Discography
= Studio albums =
= Singles =
== Charted singles ==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! colspan="5" scope="col" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album or EP |
|---|
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;" | LAT Peak chart positions for singles in Latvia:
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;" |LAT
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;" | LAT
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;" | LAT
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;" | LTU |
| scope="row" |"{{lang|lv|Pāriet Bailes|i=no}}"
|2014 | {{n/a|*}} || 41 || rowspan="9" {{n/a|*}} || rowspan="12" {{n/a|*}} || rowspan="9" {{n/a|*}} |Varanasi |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Medus Pods|i=no}}"
|rowspan="3" | 2015 | — || 75 | rowspan="3" | Sibīrija |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Pašā Ielas Galā|i=no}}"
| — || 58 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Dieviņš|i=no}}"
| — || 46 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Pastnieks|i=no}}"
|rowspan="3" | 2016 | — || 88 |rowspan="3" | Tepat |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Tepat|i=no}}"
| — || 36 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Tev pieder rīts|i=no}}"
| — || 15 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Pa ceļam|i=no}}"
| rowspan="2" | 2017 | — || 7 | Namiņš. Kaste. Vārdi |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Zelta kamanas|i=no}}"
| — || 12 | {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Salauzta sirds|i=no}}" (featuring Ozols) | 2018 | 2 || — || — || — | Namiņš. Kaste. Vārdi |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Ludzu vel neaizej|i=no}}"
| 2019 | 18 || rowspan="2" {{n/a|*}} || — || — | {{Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Ilgoties man nesanāk|i=no}}"
| 2020 | — || 5 || — | {{lang|lv|Tūrists}} |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Divatā|i=no}}"
| rowspan="2" | 2023 | — || — || 7 || 1 || — | rowspan="2" | Laiks |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts|i=no}}"
| 12 || 1 || 15 || 1 || — |
| scope="row" | "Hollow"
| rowspan="3" | 2024 | 5 || 1 || 20 || 3 || 48 | {{Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Sāp|i=no}}"
| — || — || 14 || 2 || — | rowspan="2" | Laiks |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Bultiņa melnā|i=no}}"
| — || — || 12 || 1 || — |
| colspan="8" style="font-size:85%" | "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. "*" denotes that the chart did not exist at that time. |
== Other singles ==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Album or EP |
|---|
| scope="row" | "Just For You"
| rowspan="2" | 2003 | rowspan="6" |Viens otram |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Viss jau ir bijis|i=no}}" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Dzeltens klavesīns|i=no}}"
| rowspan="4" | 2004 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Ja es būtu vējš|i=no}}" |
| scope="row" | "Once In My Lifetime" |
| scope="row" | "Soul Inqisition" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Aizver dienu|i=no}}"
| rowspan="2" | 2005 | {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Good Morning My Love|i=no}}"
| Zingo hiti 2005 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Just For You|i=no}}"
| rowspan="6" | 2006 | rowspan="5" |Lights On |
| scope="row" | "Lights Out" |
| scope="row" | "Mr. Greene" |
| scope="row" | "When Love Turns To Pain" |
| scope="row" | "American Lovebite" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Vēl nav tik vēls|i=no}}"
| Latviešu Rokmūzikas Izlase |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Tukšums|i=no}}"
| rowspan="3" | 2007 | rowspan="4" |Lelle |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Kolekcionārs|i=no}}" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Ja Tu man esi|i=no}}" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Leila|i=no}}"
| 2008 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Mans eņģelis|i=no}}"
| 2009 | rowspan="2" {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "My Religion is Freedom"
| 2010 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Signāls|i=no}}"
| 2012 | rowspan="4" | Signāls |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Māsa upe|i=no}}"
| rowspan="3" | 2013 |
| scope="row" | "Darling, Darling" (English version of Māsa upe) |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Par Zilo Kleitu|i=no}}" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Pēdējā vēstule|i=no}}"
| rowspan="3" | 2014 | rowspan="3" | Varanasi |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Atblide|i=no}}" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Tev piedzims bērns|i=no}}" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Vilks|i=no}}"
|2015 |Sibīrija |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Varenliels|i=no}}"
|2017 | rowspan="2" | Namiņš. Kaste. Vārdi |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Namiņš|i=no}}"
| 2018 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Es nāktu mājās|i=no}}"
| 2019 | rowspan="2" | Tūrists |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Tūrists|i=no}}"
| rowspan="2" | 2020 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Mans enģelis|i=no}}"
| rowspan=7" {{n/a|Non-album singles}} |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Piedošana|i=no}}" (with Prāta Vētra and Intars Busulis) | rowspan="2" | 2021 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Tas rakstīts debesīs (Piena ceļš)|i=no}}" |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Tavs pieskāriens|i=no}}"
| rowspan="2" | 2022 |
| scope="row" | "{{lang|lv|Brīnišķīga diena|i=no}}" (with {{ill|Rolands Če|lv|rolands če}}) |
| scope="row" | "Dark"
| 2024 |
= Other charted songs =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" scope="col" |Title ! rowspan="2" scope="col" |Year !Peak chart positions ! rowspan="2" scope="col" |Album or EP |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;" |LAT Dom. |
|---|
| scope="row" |"{{lang|lv|Taureņi|i=no}}"
|2016 |17 |Tepat |
Filmography
=Concert tour videos=
=Film/television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| 2003
| Talantu Fabrika ({{literal translation|Talent Factory}}) | Reality Show Contestant | Participant |
| 2009
| 1000 jūdzes Indijā ({{literal translation|1000 miles in India}}) | Participate/host | |
| 2013
| Frozen (Latvian adaptation) | Olaf | Voice actor |
| 2013
| Jaunā Talantu Fabrika ({{literal translation|New Talent Factory}}) | Judge | |
| 2015
| Judge for Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 | |
| 2017
| Judge for Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 | |
| 2023
| Paaudžu duelis ({{literal translation|Duel of Generations}}) | Team leader | |
| 2023
| Gudrs, vēl gudrāks ({{literal translation|Smart, Even Smarter}}) | Celebrity contestant | |
| 2024
| Ir Talants (Latvian version of Got Talent) | Judge | |
= Theater =
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" |Venue ! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| 2007
|Adata | Singer |
| 2018
| Lead role (Lāčplēsis) |
Awards
The Annual Latvian Music Recording Awards (equivalent to the Grammy Awards) presents the Zelta Mikrofons ({{literal translation|Golden Microphones}}) awards to the best music recordings of all genres from the previous year, which are evaluated by a professional jury.{{cite web | title=Vēsture | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=11 November 2019 | url=http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/par-balvu/vesture/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=21 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121072223/http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/par-balvu/vesture/ | url-status=live }} In 2016, due to the decision of Latvian Music Producers Association members, the title of the award was changed to the year in which the relevant ceremony is held therefore no awards were listed using this year.{{cite web | title=Fakti par Zelta Mikrofonu | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=7 November 2019 | url=http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/par-balvu/fakti-par-zelta-mikrafonu/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=27 November 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127104351/http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/par-balvu/fakti-par-zelta-mikrafonu/ | url-status=live }} The Top Radio Hits award is given to the song that has received most annual airplay and reflects the most popular song that year: Dons has won this award a total of eight times from 18 nominations.{{cite web | title=Atskats "Zelta Mikrofona" nominācijas "Radio hits" saņēmēju vēsturē | website=ParMūziku.lv | url=https://www.parmuziku.lv/muzikas-zinas/latvija/atskats-zelta-mikrofona-nominacijas-radio-hits-sanemeju-vesture-8907 | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=6 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506215520/https://www.parmuziku.lv/muzikas-zinas/latvija/atskats-zelta-mikrofona-nominacijas-radio-hits-sanemeju-vesture-8907 | url-status=live }} He has won Best Pop Album twice from five nominations for Varanasi (2014) and Tūrists ({{literal translation|Tourists}}, 2020). He has won Best Rock Album once from two nominations with Lelle (2008) and has been nominated once for Best Pop-Rock Album.
Latvijas Radio presents the annual Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}}) award to the most valuable pop and rock song, which is selected based on audience votes and evaluation by a professional jury.{{cite web | author=Publicitātes foto | title="Muzikālā banka": ar mūziķiem, viesiem, aplausiem un ovācijām | website=Neatkarīgā | url=https://neatkariga.nra.lv/pasakumi/337693-muzikala-banka-ar-muzikiem-viesiem-aplausiem-un-ovacijam | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=11 February 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211165606/https://neatkariga.nra.lv/pasakumi/337693-muzikala-banka-ar-muzikiem-viesiem-aplausiem-un-ovacijam | url-status=live }} Dons has won this award a total of five times.
In 2024, the Latvian Association of Performers and Producers (LaIPA) initiated the creation of a new award called GAMMA, that encompasses all aspects of the Latvian music industry and offers a new approach to recognizing industry excellence, representing and championing the industry throughout the year.{{cite web | last=Izklaide | first=tv3.lv - | title=Zināmi jaunās mūzikas balvas GAMMA nominanti | website=tv3.lv | date=6 February 2025 | url=https://www.tv3.lv/izklaide/muzika/zinami-jaunas-muzikas-balvas-gamma-nominanti/ | language=lv | access-date=6 February 2025}}
{{Awards table|4}}
|-
! 2003
| "Just For You"
| Top Radio Hit
| Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
| duet as Dons & Lily
|-
! 2004
| "Ja es būtu vējš" ({{literal translation|If I Were The Wind}})
| Top Radio Hit
| Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! rowspan="2" | 2006
| Lights On
| Best Rock Album
| rowspan="2" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| "Lights Out"
| Best Rock Song
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! rowspan="2" | 2007
| "Tukšums" ({{literal translation|Emptiness}})
| Best Rock Song
| rowspan="2" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| "Ja Tu Man Esi" ({{literal translation|If You Are Me}})
| Top Radio Hit
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! rowspan="1" | 2008
| Lelle
| Best Rock Album
| Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{win}}
|
|-
! rowspan="2" | 2012
| rowspan="2" | "Signāls"
| Top Radio Hit
| Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{win}}
|
|-
| Song of the Year
| Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| {{win}}
|
|-
! rowspan="7" | 2013
| Signāls
| Best Pop-Rock Album
| rowspan="6" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| "Darling, Darling"
| Video of the Year
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| "Signāls"
| rowspan="2" | Top Radio Hit
| {{win}}
|
|-
| "Māsa upe" ({{literal translation|Sister River}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | "Pēdējā Vēstule" ({{literal translation|Last Letter}})
| Best Song
| {{win}}
|
|-
| Alfa's Song of the Year
| {{win}}
|
|-
| Song of the Year
| Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| {{win}}
|
|-
! rowspan="9" | 2014
| rowspan="2" | Varanasi
| Best Pop Album
| rowspan="8" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{win}}
|
|-
| Best Concert Video
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| "Medus Pods" ({{literal translation|Honey Pot}})
| rowspan="2" | Best Video
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | "Tev Piedzims Bērns" ({{literal translation|Child Born to You}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | Song of the Year
| {{win}}
|
|-
| "Medus Pods" ({{literal translation|Honey Pot}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | "Pāriet Bailes" ({{literal translation|Fear Goes Away}})
| Top Radio Hit
| {{win}}
|
|-
| Alfa's Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| Song of the Year
| Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| {{win}}
|
|-
! rowspan="7" | 2015
| Sibīrija
| Best Pop Album
| rowspan="7" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | "Dieviņš" ({{literal translation|God}})
| Alfa's Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | Top Radio Hit
| {{win}}
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | "Pašā Ielas Galā" ({{literal translation|At the Very End of the Street}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| Best Video
| {{win}}
|
|-
| "Pašā Ielas Galā" ({{literal translation|At the Very End of the Street}})
| rowspan="2" | Best Song
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| "Dieviņš" ({{literal translation|God}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! rowspan="5" | 2017
| rowspan="2" | "Tepat" ({{literal translation|Here}})
| Alfa's Song of the Year
| rowspan="5" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
|
| rowspan="5" |{{cite web | title="Zelta Mikrofons 2017" balvas pasniegšanas ceremonijā triumfē grupas "Prāta Vētra" un "Musiqq" superhits | website=skaties.lv | date=7 April 2020 | url=https://skaties.lv/izklaide/sovi/citi-sovi/zelta-mikrofons-2017/zelta-mikrofons-2017-balvas-pasniegsanas-ceremonija-triumfe-grupu-prata-vetra-un-musiqq-superhits/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=22 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522040525/https://izklaide.tv3.lv/sovi/citi-sovi/zelta-mikrofons-2017/zelta-mikrofons-2017-balvas-pasniegsanas-ceremonija-triumfe-grupu-prata-vetra-un-musiqq-superhits/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Zināmi Zelta Mikrofons 2017 nominanti | website=MICREC | date=17 January 2017 | url=https://www.micrec.lv/lv/aktuali/zinami-zelta-mikrofons-2017-nominanti | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=22 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522040523/https://www.micrec.lv/lv/aktuali/zinami-zelta-mikrofons-2017-nominanti | url-status=live }}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Top Radio Hit
|{{nom}}
|
|-
| "Pastnieks" ({{literal translation|Postman}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| Tepat ({{literal translation|Here}})
| Best Pop Album
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| Tepat ({{literal translation|Here}})
| Best Album Art
| {{win}}
|
|-
! rowspan="4" | 2018
| rowspan="3" | "Pa ceļam" ({{literal translation|Along the Way}})
| Top Radio Hit
| rowspan="4" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{win}}
|
|-
|Alfa's Song of the Year
|{{nom}}
|
|-
|Best Song
|{{nom}}
|
|-
| Tepat ({{literal translation|Here}})
| Best Concert Video
| {{win}}
|
|-
! rowspan="5" | 2019
| rowspan="3" | "Salauzta Sirds" ({{literal translation|A Broken Heart}}) (featuring Ozols)
| Top Radio Hit
| rowspan="4" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{win}}
|
|-
|Song of the Year
|{{nom}}
|
|-
|Best Song
|{{win}}
|
|-
| Namiņš. Kaste. Vārdi ({{literal translation|Cottage. Box. Names}})
| Best Pop Album
| {{nom}}
|
|-
|"Es Nāktu Mājās" ({{literal translation|I Would Come Home}})
| Song of the Year
| Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| {{win}}
|
|-
! rowspan="4" | 2020
| rowspan="3" | "Es Nāktu Mājās" ({{literal translation|I Would Come Home}})
| Best Video
| rowspan="3" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{win}}
|
| rowspan="3" |{{cite web | title=Zelta Mikrofons 2020 nominanti | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=9 January 2020 | url=http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/zelta-mikrofons/zelta-mikrofons-2020-nominanti/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=19 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119004638/http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/zelta-mikrofons/zelta-mikrofons-2020-nominanti/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Zelta Mikrofons 2020 laureāti | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=19 February 2020 | url=http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/zelta-mikrofons/zelta-mikrofons-2020-laureati/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=10 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810103333/http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/zelta-mikrofons/zelta-mikrofons-2020-laureati/ | url-status=live }}
|-
|Song of the Year
|{{nom}}
|
|-
|Best Song
|{{nom}}
|
|-
|"Tūrists" ({{literal translation|Tourists}})
| Song of the Year
| Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! rowspan="5" | 2021
| Tūrists ({{literal translation|Tourists}})
| Best Pop Album
| rowspan="3" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{win}}
|
| rowspan="3" |{{cite web | title=NOMINANTI 2021 | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=8 January 2020 | url=http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/nominanti2021/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=11 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411042906/http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/nominanti2021/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | title=Zināmi Mūzikas ierakstu gada balvas Zelta Mikrofons 2021 laureāti | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=16 March 2021 | url=http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/zelta-mikrofons/zinami-muzikas-ierakstu-gada-balvas-zelta-mikrofons-2021-laureati/ | language=lv | access-date=4 April 2021 | archive-date=11 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411044905/http://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/zelta-mikrofons/zinami-muzikas-ierakstu-gada-balvas-zelta-mikrofons-2021-laureati/ | url-status=live }}
|-
| "Tūrists" ({{literal translation|Tourists}})
| Elektrum Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
|
|-
| "Ilgoties man nesanāk" ({{literal translation|I Can't Wait}})
| Top Radio Hit
| {{nom}}
|
|-
|"Tas rakstīts debesīs (Piena ceļš)" ({{literal translation|It's Written in the Heavens (Milky Way)}})
| rowspan="2" | Song of the Year
| rowspan="2" | Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
|"Piedošana" ({{literal translation|Forgiveness}})
| {{nom}}
| Collaboration with
Intars Busulis and Prāta Vētra
|-
! rowspan="4" | 2022
| rowspan="3" | "Tas rakstīts debesīs (Piena ceļš)" ({{literal translation|It's Written in the Heavens (Milky Way)}})
| Song of the Year
| rowspan="3" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="3" |
|-
| ELVI Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Top Radio Hit
| {{nom}}
|-
|"Tavs pieskāriens" ({{literal translation|Your touch}})
| Song of the Year
| Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! rowspan="6" | 2023
| rowspan="4" | "Tavs pieskāriens" ({{literal translation|Your touch}})
| Song of the Year
| rowspan="5" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{won}}
| rowspan="4" |
| rowspan="5" | {{cite web | title=Zināmi Latvijas mūzikas ierakstu gada balvas "Zelta Mikrofons 2023" laureāti | website=Zelta Mikrofons | date=18 February 2023 | url=https://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/zelta-mikrofons/zinami-latvijas-muzikas-ierakstu-gada-balvas-zelta-mikrofons-2023-laureati/ | language=lv | access-date=19 February 2023 | archive-date=19 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219004754/https://www.zeltamikrofons.lv/zelta-mikrofons/zinami-latvijas-muzikas-ierakstu-gada-balvas-zelta-mikrofons-2023-laureati/ | url-status=live }}
|-
| ELVI Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Video
| {{nom}}
|-
| Top Radio Hit
| {{won}}
|-
|"Brīnišķīga diena" ({{literal translation|Wonderful Day}})
| Top Radio Hit
| {{nom}}
| Collaboration with rolands če
|-
|"Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts" ({{literal translation|Kingdom of Broken Spears}})
| Song of the Year
| Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| {{Won}}
|
| {{cite web | author=Publicitātes foto | title="Muzikālā bankas" finālistu skaits sarūk, atsijājas Reiniks, "Dzelzs Vilks" un citi | website=nra.lv | url=https://nra.lv/izklaide/444129-muzikala-bankas-finalistu-skaits-saruk-atsijajas-reiniks-dzelzs-vilks-un-citi.htm | language=lv | access-date=18 January 2024 | archive-date=17 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117200618/https://nra.lv/izklaide/444129-muzikala-bankas-finalistu-skaits-saruk-atsijajas-reiniks-dzelzs-vilks-un-citi.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last1=Mauriņš | first1=Kaspars | last2=Grīniece | first2=Līna | title=Dona "Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts" ir Muzikālā banka 2023" vērtīgākā dziesma! | website=Latvijas Radio 2 / Latvijas Radio | url=https://lr2.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/muzikala-banka/dona-lauzto-skepu-karalvalsts-ir-muzikala-banka-2023-vertigaka-d.a187238/ | language=lv | access-date=28 January 2024 | archive-date=28 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128015648/https://lr2.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/muzikala-banka/dona-lauzto-skepu-karalvalsts-ir-muzikala-banka-2023-vertigaka-d.a187238/ | url-status=live }}
|-
|-
! rowspan="11" | 2024
| rowspan="2" | "Divatā" ({{literal translation|In Two}})
| ELVI Song of the Year
| rowspan="3" | Latvian Music Recording Awards
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="3" |
| rowspan="3" | {{cite web | title=Tiešraides ieraksts ⟩ Paziņoti "Zelta Mikrofona '24" nominanti | website=Sejas.lv | date=17 January 2024 | url=https://sejas.tvnet.lv/7939441/tiesraides-ieraksts-pazinoti-zelta-mikrofona-24-nominanti | language=lv | access-date=18 January 2024 | archive-date=24 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224160718/https://sejas.tvnet.lv/7939441/tiesraides-ieraksts-pazinoti-zelta-mikrofona-24-nominanti | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Pasniegti 'Zelta mikrofoni'. Gada labākais albums – grupai 'Astro'n'out' | website=Delfi | date=8 March 2024 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/120002258/pasniegti-zelta-mikrofoni-gada-labakais-albums-grupai-astro-n-out | language=lv | access-date=8 March 2024 | archive-date=8 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308220832/https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/120002258/pasniegti-zelta-mikrofoni-gada-labakais-albums-grupai-astro-n-out | url-status=live }}
|-
| Top Radio Hit
| {{won}}
|-
| "Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts" ({{literal translation|Kingdom of Broken Spears}})
| Best Video
| {{nom}}
|-
| Himself
| Total Slay
| Eurovision Awards
| {{nom}}
|
| {{cite web |date=6 December 2024 |title=Vote now in the Eurovision Awards 2024 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/vote-eurovision-awards-2024 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
|"Bultiņa melnā" ({{literal translation|Black Arrow}})
| Song of the Year
| Muzikālās Banka ({{literal translation|Musical Bank}})
| 7th place
|
| {{cite web | title=Noskaidrotas "Muzikālās bankas 2024" fināldziesmas | website=Latvijas Radio 2 / Latvijas Radio | url=https://lr2.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/muzikala-banka/noskaidrotas-muzikalas-bankas-2024-finaldziesmas.a201734/ | language=lv | access-date=14 January 2025}}{{cite web | title=Rezultāti 2024 / Latvijas Radio | website=Latvijas Radio / Latvijas Radio | url=https://latvijasradio.lsm.lv/lv/lr2/raidijumi/muzikala-banka/rezultati/ | language=lv | access-date=2 February 2025}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | Himself
| Male Solo Artist of the Year
| rowspan="6" | GAMMA awards
| {{won}}
| rowspan="6" |
| rowspan="6" | {{cite web | title=Pirmoreiz pasniegtas GAMMA godalgas; Visvairāk balvu – grupai "Instrumenti" | website=DELFI | date=5 March 2025 | url=https://www.delfi.lv/kultura/174/music/120063790/pirmoreiz-pasniegtas-gamma-godalgas-visvairak-balvu-grupai-instrumenti | language=lv | access-date=5 March 2025}}
|-
| Pop Artist of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | "Hollow"
| Hit of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
| Most Streamed Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | Laiks Concert (Daugava Stadium)
| Musical Event of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Live Performance/Concert of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
{{end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
=Notes=
{{notelist-ua}}
External links
- {{Commons category inline|Dons}}
- {{Facebook | id= donslatvia | name= Dons }}
{{S-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{Succession box
| title = Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest
| years = 2024
| before = Sudden Lights
with "Aijā"
| after = Tautumeitas
with "Bur man laimi"
}}
{{S-end}}
{{Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
{{Eurovision Song Contest 2024}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dons}}
Category:21st-century Latvian male singers
Category:English-language singers from Latvia
Category:Latvian record producers
Category:Latvian people of Belarusian descent
Category:Latvian male songwriters