We Speak Music
Ana Paz Turns Heartache into Indie Pop Magic With ‘surrender’
Ana Paz’s surrender is like the ultimate indie-chic soundtrack for anyone going through life’s emotional rollercoaster—and doing it with style. This three-track EP takes you on a glittering journey through grief, but don’t expect a total downer. Instead, Ana wraps her heartfelt lyrics and dreamy vocals in lush, shimmering soundscapes that sparkle with sophistication and emotional depth.
From the moment what’s left to say kicks in, you’re hooked by those hypnotic synth loops and punchy beats that make anger feel almost… danceable? Yes, you read that right. Ana turns frustration into something fierce and magnetic, proving that even grief can have a glam edge. Then comes still here, a softer, more reflective tune that’s like a warm cashmere sweater for your soul—perfect for those moments when you just want to slow down and breathe.
The closing track, where time stops, is pure magic. It’s dreamy, cinematic, and full of lush layers that sweep you away to a place where memories shimmer like stars. Ana’s voice floats like silk over the delicate instrumentation, wrapping the EP up with a sense of peace and grace that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
“These songs held me through different phases as I processed grief in various forms—from losing my grandmother to grieving unlived versions of myself. The project became a narrative arc, a way of understanding and transforming pain.”
In a world full of noise, surrender stands out as a shimmering gem—a brilliant blend of emotion, elegance, and indie flair. Ana Paz has crafted something truly special here, proving that even the toughest feelings can sound beautiful when you’ve got the right kind of glow.
We Speak Music
Christian Balvig releases gorgeous new album ‘Find And You Will Seek’ in collaboration with Ensemble Hermes.
Acclaimed composer and arranger Christian Balvig is known for his work with an array of artists and bands like Jade, Efterklang, Lowly, When Saints Go Machine and Mew, as well as his work with some of the most acclaimed orchestras like Royal Northern Sinfonia (BBC Proms), The Royal Danish Orchestra, Copenhagen Phil, London Contemporary Orchestra, The Danish Radio Broadcast Orchestra and The Norwegian Wind Ensemble.
The cinematic sound on his new album might echo Balvig’s work in the world of film and TV music. Scoring the 2025 Oscar shortlisted short movie ‘Eternal Father’ and the Danish hit series ‘Cry Wolf’ (Ulven Kommer), which has been shown on television in more than 30 countries around the globe, including Channel 4 in the UK. He was also nominated for a Harpa award for ‘Best score’ last year at the Berlinale for ‘The Son and the Moon (Min Arv Bor I Dig)’.
Balvig’s new album, ‘Find And You Will Seek’, backed by Danish string group Ensemble Hermes, grew organically out of this background of experiences and is music that appeals to listeners seeking original, immersive music with space for reflection and contemplation.
‘Find And You Will Seek’ is a collection of chamber works that explore the combination of piano and strings in new ways. Recent single ‘The BirdSuite II – Praesentia’ is part of a 3-part Suite running throughout the record, written and performed on a custom made “Keybird” piano, which is an una-corda (one string pr note) piano that gives a more subtle and intimate sound. On top of it is a lush and emotional string ensemble arrangement with Ensemble Hermes in multiple layers fluctuating in and out of the keybird piano.
Balvig’s second single from the record is ‘What Happened To The World’, an ultra transparent neo-classical inspired piece, with slow melodic structures, a simple chord progression and emotional performance starting with a floating viola solo. It is written from the feeling that the world sometimes goes backwards, and you feel left on the platform wanting to take the train in a different direction.
From film music inspired pieces to experimental chamber music over piano concerto inspired movements, to more neo-classical productions with almost orchestral sounding dubs of strings, ‘Find And You Will Seek’ flows with emotions and lush sound worlds, always with a tangible organic texture.
Find Christian Balvig and Ensemble Hermes on tour in Denmark:
27.5 Ansgars Kirke (Odense)
28.5 Folkegaarden Festival (Aalborg)
29.5 Gnisten (Ry)
30.5 Musikhuset (Aarhus)
1.6 Basement (Copenhagen)
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