Fomins and Kleins
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Liepāja , Latvia |
Key people | Ivo Fomins, Tomass Kleins |
| Products | Rock music albums and singles |
Fomins & Kleins was a Latvian rock ensemble established in 2002, featuring seasoned artists Ivo Fomins and Tomass Kleins, both originating from the port city of Liepāja.
Previous collaborations
Prior to creating this band, the duo collaborated within the Soviet-era underground group "Saldās sejas" (Sweet Faces), which also included prominent Latvian musicians Zigfrīds Muktupāvels and Guntars Račs. Notably, Račs was responsible for writing all the lyrics performed by Fomins & Kleins.
Ivo Fomins
Ivo Fomins, the lead vocalist and a professionally trained chef, has contributed to various Latvian musical ventures. His experience includes performing with "Liepājas Brāļi" as well as pursuing a solo career. At the 1989 Jurmala Young Pop Singer Competition, he secured third place and received the audience’s favorite award. His brother, Rodrigo Fomins (known as Igo), is a distinguished singer across the Baltic states and Russia, recognized for his collaborations with maestro Raimonds Pauls and involvement in the acclaimed band Remix.
Tomass Kleins
The group’s guitarist and composer of all their music, Tomass Kleins, has been instrumental in forming multiple bands. He also played with Neptūns (Neptune), a project produced by Jānis Lūsēns from Zodiaks (Zodiac).
Eurovision
Their inaugural album Muzikants (2003) included a popular title track that followed their second-place achievement at Latvia’s National Eurovision Contest. In 2004, they earned victory in the national selection with "Dziesma par laimi", which stood out as Latvia's only Eurovision entry performed in Latvian that year. However, due to the introduction of Eurovision’s semi-final round and Latvia’s prior underwhelming results, they finished 17th out of 22 in the semi-final stage, failing to qualify for the grand final.
Membership
In addition to founding members Ivo Fomins and Tomass Kleins, the lineup incorporated bass player Egils Mežs; drummers Valery Inutin, Nellija Bubujance, and Tālis Gžibovskis; along with keyboardist Jānis Lūsēns Jr.
Albums
- Muzikants (Musician) – 2003
- Dzimis Latvijā (Born in Latvia) – 2004
Radio singles
- "Sniegs" (Snow) – 2002
- "Solījums" (Promise) – 2003
- "Muzikants" (Musician) – 2003
- "Kur esi tu" (Where Are You) – 2003
- "Tālu prom" (Far Away) – 2003
- "Man vairs nav vienalga" (Now I Care) – 2004
- "Aizejošās dienas" (Departing Days) – 2004
- "Nekas" (Nothing) – 2004
- "Dziesma par laimi" (Song of Happiness) – 2004
Videos
- "Solījums" (Promise) – 2003
- "Tālu prom" (Far Away) – 2003
- "Dziesma par laimi" (Song of Happiness) – 2004