Markuss Rūtentāls Releases First English Song “Skin And Bone”

Latvian singer-songwriter Markuss Rūtentāls has released his first song in English, titled “Skin And Bone,” exploring themes of human existence. The release marks a departure for the artist, who previously published songs exclusively in Latvian – “Atpakaļ,” “Vēlu rītā,” and “Zīda spārni.”

“The song is a reminder to all human beings that fundamentally we are bones, and skin. Atoms that have randomly, or perhaps intentionally, taken on human form. What to do with this existence is up to each individual, but I invite everyone to sometimes stop, consider, and wake up a little, because fundamentally we are also stardust, and that is very beautiful, isn’t it?” Rūtentāls said of the song’s message.

“Skin And Bone” was created in collaboration with producer Rūdolfs Ozols, who also handled the mixing. The album artwork was created by Samanta Vintiša. According to a statement from Rūtentāls’s team, the lyrics suggest the song isn’t about a specific person, but rather a “human being,” addressing the subject as “it” before evolving into “you,” reflecting the ever-changing and interconnected nature of the universe.

Rūtentāls indicated that while this song is in English, fans who appreciate his work in Latvian need not worry. His debut album, primarily in Latvian, is slated for release this spring. He explained that experimenting with different styles early in his career led him to initially find it easier to write in English, potentially using the language as a “mask” for creative exploration. Although, he ultimately found fulfillment in writing in Latvian.

“I can reveal that this song was the first I wrote that was fully professionally produced and ready, and it waited a long time for its release,” Rūtentāls stated. “Importantly, I have now realized that I truly enjoy and relish writing songs in Latvian, so ‘Skin And Bone’ does not imply that I will no longer write in Latvian. In my opinion, however, there are sometimes songs that suit another language better – in this case, English.”

Rūtentāls first gained recognition on the Latvian music scene in the summer of 2025 with the release of “Atpakaļ,” described as a melancholic track. He followed this with the more playful and reflective song “Vēlu rītā” featuring Katrīna Dimanta, and then “Zīda spārni,” which incorporates indie pop-rock elements. His new single, “Zīda spārni,” was described as a prayer to the universe, according to Latvian news outlet nra.lv.

All three singles are part of the upcoming album expected this spring, according to reports.