Jānis Rubiks is a Latvian bassist, composer and arranger based in Riga, Latvia.

Working over a wide musical spectrum, his collaborations include: SHIPSEA, Randy Brecker, Aigars Reinis, Shayna Steel, Jānis Strazdiņš, Sebastian Studnitzky, LNSO, Anthony Strong, Victor Mendoza, Neff Irizarry, David Gazarov, Raimonds Pauls, Rokas Zubovas, Kestutis Vaiginis, Liudas Mockunas, Dima Golovanov, Sofia Rubina, Jason Hunter, Matīss Čudars, Santa Šillere, Arta Jēkabosne, Daumants Kalniņš and many others.

Active as a composer and arranger. Music written by Jānis has been performed by Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Latvian Radio Big Band, Liepaja Big Band. Among other examples are TRIO ELPO (ex-Equanimity Trio), Chamber Jazz Collective, project and album “Kad es nomizojos“ with singer Beāte Zviedre.

Over the years he has become an actively sought musician in the Baltic music scene. Playing both the double and electric bass, he has worked in a variety of genres ranging from jazz & improvised music to academic, popular, singer-songwriter and others.

Janis was born in Rujiena, Latvia (1992). His musical studies began in early childhood at the local music school. His first instrument was the trumpet, but he was also learning guitar and drums on his own. At the age of 13 he received his first electric bass guitar which sparked a great interest in rhythmic music. Later his studies took him to Riga Dome choir school’s jazz department and after that - Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy where he studied under the guidance of his wonderful teachers Lynn Seaton (USA) and Taavo Remmel (Estonia). Over the years he has performed concerts in United States of America, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, The Baltic States, etc.

awards And Recognition

• 2022 - Recipient of Annual Latvian Music Recording Award “Golden Microphone“ with Kristaps Vanadzinsh Trio in category “Best jazz or funk album“

• 2022 - Nomination for The Grand Latvian Music Award (GMA) in category “Outstanding work in ensemble“

• 2021 - Recipient of The Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation’s grant for creative work for the year 2021

• 2020 - 2nd place award in The Big Band Composition Contest for Baltic Young Composers (composition “Mans miers ir beigts”)

• 2018 - 2nd place award in the International Jazz Artists Contest “Riga Jazz Stage 2018“

• 2018 - Recipient of Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy’s patrons prize - The Nic Gotham award