Hansanova
Hansanova
Hansanova | |
|---|---|
 Hansanova performs at Medininkai Castle, Lithuania in September 23, 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| Genres | Neo-medieval, Medieval folk, Celtic, Lithuanian folk |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Website | Official Website |
| Members | Giedrius Balčiūnas Indrė Balčiūnienė Rimantas Balčiūnas Saulė Balčiūnaitė Urtė Šabūnaitė Ugnius Aidas |
| Past members | Julius Dosinas Saulius Rimas Laurynas Baškys Asha Har Artūras Juršė Rokas Baškys Ramūnas Grybauskas Julija Dosinaitė |
Hansanova is a Lithuanian musical ensemble that blends neo-medieval and folk elements, formed in May 2009 in Kaunas. The band integrates medieval melodies, local Lithuanian folk traditions, and Celtic influences, characterized by the use of instruments such as lutes, violins, and nyckelharpas, complemented by vocal performances.
History
Hansanova was founded by Giedrius Balčiūnas, a multi-instrumentalist and primary songwriter; Indrė Adomaitytė (later Balčiūnienė), a percussionist; Julius Dosinas, a bass guitarist and Saulius Rimas a lute player. The band began as a weekend acoustic project and performed at the 'Ancient Craft Days' event at Trakai Island Castle for the first time on August 26, 2009.
Hanasanova began incorporating folk elements, such as sea shanties and pirate songs, particularly following the addition of Laurynas Baškys, formerly of the heavy metal band Thundertale, and his partner Asha Har. This change marked a transition from tribute-style performances to concerts held at various venues in Lithuania and the Baltic region, often featuring themes related to medieval troubadours and pirate culture
Origin of the Name "Hansanova"
The name 'Hansanova' refers to Kaunas's historical significance as Lithuania's only Hanseatic city, which was part of the medieval Hanseatic League. The prefix 'Hansa' highlights this connection, while 'nova' implies a fresh approach to traditional music. The name indicates the band's intention to share their music, reminiscent of the cultural exchanges that were important to the Hanseatic merchants.
Family Legacy and Rebirth
Throughout various lineup changes, the Balčiūnas family has remained central to the band, with Giedrius and Indrė continuing to guide its direction. In 2013, Giedrius and Indrė welcomed their daughter, Saulė, who later became a member of the group, highlighting the family aspect of Hansanova.
After a period of reduced activity due to personal and external circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Hansanova resumed its activities. During the pandemic, the band members reconnected, and Giedrius introduced his daughter and Julius' daughter, Julija, who took up percussion instruments. In 2023, the band welcomed violinist Urtė Šabūnaitė. Following Julius' departure, bass guitarist Ugnius Aidas joined, a close friend of Urtė, completing the current lineup.
Debut Album and Recognition
In 2023, Hansanova released its debut album, Tavernos Kronikos, which was recorded over nine months in Giedrius’ private recording studio. The album includes a mix of original compositions and traditional folk songs.
The band participated in the 2024 Eurovision national selection with their song 'Dragons and Rainbows,' which reached the semi-finals and finished in 6th place. The band participated in the 2025 Eurovision national selection with their song "Leilydo," which finished in last place in the semi-finals.
New Album "Po Sočių Pietų" (2025)
In 2024, Hansanova completed recording their upcoming album, which was released in 2025. The band opted for a traditional recording approach, with all members playing together in a single session. This method aimed to create a more cohesive sound, contrasting with the common multi-track production techniques used today.
Current Members
- Giedrius Balčiūnas – vocals, renaissance lute, octave mandolin, Irish bouzouki, lithuanian bagpipe, nyckelharpa, Appalachian dulcimer, recorder, mandolin (2009–present)
- Indrė Balčiūnienė – bodhrán, tambourine, percussion (2009–present)
- Urtė Šabūnaitė – violin, nyckelharpa (2023–present)
- Saulė Balčiūnaitė – drums (2020–present)
- Rimantas Balčiūnas – wind instruments (2011–present)
- Ugnius Aidas – bass guitar (2023–present)
Past Members
- Julius Dosinas – bass guitar (2009–2011, 2020-2023)
- Saulius Rimas – lute (2009)
- Laurynas Baškys – vocals, lute (2010–2015)
- Asha Har – vocals, percussion (2010–2020)
- Artūras Juršė – drums (2012–2020)
- Rokas Baškys – vocals, lute (2011)
- Ramūnas Grybauskas – bass guitar (2012–2016)
- Julija Dosinaitė – vocals, percussion (2020–2023)
Timeline
<timeline>ImageSize=width:880 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:150 bottom:100 top:0 right:20 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2009 till:12/31/2024 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2009 ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2009 Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
Colors =
id:sword value:red legend:Bellydancing_&_backing_vocals id:bvox value:pink legend:Backing_vocals_and_percussion id:lute value:green legend:Vocals_&_lute_/_cittern id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:percussion value:purple legend:Percussion id:drums value:orange legend:Drums id:brass value:yellow legend:Brass id:violin value:magenta legend:Violin_&_nyckelharpa id:guitar value:black legend:Lute
BarData =
bar:Giedrius text:"Giedrius Balčiūnas" bar:Indre text:"Indrė Balčiūnienė" bar:Rimantas text:"Rimantas Balčiūnas" bar:Julius text:"Julius Dosinas" bar:Ramūnas text:"Ramūnas Grybauskas" bar:Ugnius text:"Ugnius Aidas" bar:Saulius text:"Saulius Rimas" bar:Laurynas text:"Laurynas Baškys" bar:Asha text:"Asha Har" bar:Rokas text:"Rokas Baškys" bar:Artūras text:"Artūras Juršė" bar:Saulė text:"Saulė Balčiūnaitė" bar:Julija text:"Julija Dosinaitė" bar:Urtė text:"Urtė Šabūnaitė"
PlotData =
width:10 bar:Giedrius from:08/11/2009 till:12/31/2024 color:lute bar:Indre from:08/11/2009 till:12/31/2024 color:percussion bar:Rimantas from:05/21/2011 till:12/31/2024 color:brass bar:Julius from:08/11/2009 till:12/02/2011 color:bass bar:Julius from:08/11/2020 till:07/02/2023 color:bass bar:Ugnius from:07/29/2023 till:12/31/2024 color:bass bar:Saulius from:08/11/2009 till:10/03/2009 color:guitar bar:Laurynas from:04/15/2010 till:09/12/2015 color:vocals color:lute bar:Rokas from:07/02/2011 till:07/10/2011 color:lute bar:Artūras from:05/19/2011 till:02/02/2020 color:drums bar:Asha from:04/15/2010 till:02/02/2020 color:sword bar:Urtė from:02/18/2023 till:12/31/2024 color:violin bar:Ramūnas from:05/23/2012 till:08/21/2016 color:bass bar:Julija from:08/11/2020 till:07/02/2023 color:bvox bar:Saulė from:08/11/2020 till:12/31/2024 color:drums</timeline>
Discography
CD Albums
|
Music Videos
* ''Bonfire'' (2009)
* ''Loch Lomond'' (2020)
* ''Pjoviau Šieną'' (2022)
* ''Wellerman'' (2022)
* ''Charlie Is My Darling'' (2022)
* ''Wolves of the Sea'' (2023)
* ''Seagull House'' (2023)
* ''Dragons and Rainbows'' (2024)
* ''Leilydo'' (2024)
* ''Mėnulio dukra'' (2025)
* ''Po sočių pietų'' (2025)
External Links
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