Copenhagen-based, New York native Kirsten Hildegard‘s debut single ‘Still the Waves’ is nothing short of a revelation. Rooted in myth and theology, this track draws on wide-ranging sources from Danish folklore to Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophical work Fear and Trembling in order to navigate themes of grief, surrender and spiritual meaning. It sits in that liminal space where both belief and doubt can co-exist, rendered in Hildegard’s melancholic folk textures, whispered vocals and profound songwriting.
Produced by the Argentina-based Nick Honchar, this purposefully stripped-back arrangement leaves plenty of space for deep, unhurried contemplation. Joining this sparse instrumentation, Hildegard‘s voice gradually unfolds, conveying an intimate glow, partly thanks to the decision to use the original home recording. The chorus is a real stand-out moment, which the artist adapted from a Kierkegaard prayer and was stylistically inspired by a Taizé monastic chant. It’s an imploring plea, “Still the waves of my heart, oh Lord, still the waves of my soul,” calling for calm to one’s inner turmoil.
Unraveling the layers of ‘Still the Waves’ really brings to light just how special an artist we’ve come across here. Although this track is intellectually weighty, it’s far from egotistical; rather it’s emotionally accessible, connecting with listeners through the universal experiences of love and loss.
As Hildegard shares, grief is something that tragically touched her life at an early age: “The sea also holds deep personal meaning for me. My father passed away in a diving accident when I was a child and the lingering grief surfaces in the line: ‘Sitting at the bottom of the sea, sorrowing.’ I borrowed this image from Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling, where he describes the Merman. The song holds both of these energies: beginnings and endings, hope and pain.”
‘Still the Waves’ is a powerful, thoughtful debut and we can’t wait to hear more from Kirsten Hildegard.
You can also listen to ‘Still the Waves’ in our Folk This Way playlist.
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