We Speak Music
‘Crash Out’: The Elegy of Modern Grit from That Kid J The Don
From the first note, “Crash Out” announces itself as more than just a rap single; it is a manifesto of resilience. That Kid J The Don navigates his complex identities—Atlanta-born, Miami-rooted, New York-made—with the deftness of a seasoned storyteller. His cadence alternates between measured reflection and urgent proclamation, drawing the listener into a world forged by struggle and perseverance.
The production, both aggressive and nuanced, mirrors the dualities in his upbringing. Southern soul warmth intertwines with the cold concrete of the Bronx, creating a soundscape that is at once inviting and confrontational. Each instrumental layer complements his narrative, providing a sonic tension that underscores the lyrical content without overwhelming it.
Lyrically, the song is a study in contrasts. Vulnerability and bravado coexist in a delicate balance, revealing the artist’s inner conflicts and triumphs. Lines delivered with precision carry the weight of lived experience, transforming personal anecdotes into universal reflections on ambition, adversity, and identity.
By the final refrain, “Crash Out” feels like both a cathartic release and a call to arms. That Kid J The Don establishes himself as an artist whose craft transcends genre limitations. This track is not just heard—it is experienced, lingering in the listener’s consciousness long after the final beat fades.
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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