We Speak Music

Andrea Schmider Returns with ‘Potpourri’ – A Reflective EP That Mirrors a Life in Motion

Published

1 year ago

May 28, 2025

For Andrea Schmider, music isn’t just art – it’s how she processes life. The Swiss singer-songwriter, known for her emotional depth and luminous voice, returns this month with Potpourri, a five-track EP that offers a window into the soul of an artist who’s not afraid to explore life’s rawest edges.

Born at the gateway to the Bernese Alps, Schmider has long drawn inspiration from both the natural world and the inner world. Her early influences – from gospel icon Sandy Patti to pop powerhouse Whitney Houston – laid the foundation for a vocal style that is both technically skilled and emotionally open. But it’s her gift for storytelling that truly sets her apart.

Potpourri is perhaps her most cohesive work yet. Tracks like “Set the Sails” and “Going in Circles” reveal a maturing artist grappling with themes of transformation, uncertainty, and renewal. While 2023’s Movin’ On EP was about forward momentum, this project embraces complexity and stillness – a thematic shift that feels earned.

Produced by longtime collaborator Manuel Halter, the EP also marks a notable step forward in sonic ambition. Schmider’s voice is framed with care – never overwhelmed, always central – while layered instrumentation adds depth without distraction. The result is a record that sounds as thoughtful as it feels.

More than a collection of songs, Potpourri is a statement of artistic identity. With its lyrical honesty, emotional nuance, and musical craftsmanship, the EP positions Andrea Schmider not just as a strong voice from Switzerland, but as a compelling voice for anyone navigating the ever-changing tides of life.

We Speak Music

Christian Balvig releases gorgeous new album ‘Find And You Will Seek’ in collaboration with Ensemble Hermes.

Published

28 minutes ago

June 2, 2026

Don Reed

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)