Steven Chesne’s “Descendants
Steven Chesne’s new album, “Descendants (in 79 Languages”), is a masterful exploration of the universal language of music, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers to create a soundscape that is innovative and deeply resonant.
In a world often divided by differences, Chesne’s work is a powerful reminder of the shared heritage that unites us all.
The album’s concept is as ambitious as it is unique: Chesne has brought together 79 languages, blending them into a musical tapestry that defies any easy categorization. From the very first track, “We are the Descendants (in 79 Languages),” listeners are immersed in a rich blend of world rhythms, electronica, and neo-classical influences.
Listen in here:
The result is a collection of songs that are as diverse as they are cohesive, offering a journey of sounds that goes across continents and cultures.
What sets Descendants apart is its seamless integration of these varied elements. The album doesn’t simply juxtapose different languages and musical styles—it merges them in a way that feels natural and harmonious.
Chesne’s skill as a composer, as well as his deep understanding of the global music landscape, are exemplary here. Each track is meticulously crafted, with layers of traditional instruments, electronic beats, and vocal harmonies that come together to create a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
The contributions of the album’s featured artists, including platinum rapper Fredo Bang, Uyanga Bold, Christina Hals, and Grammy-winning vocalist Hila Plitmann, add further depth to the album. Their performances bring an authenticity and emotional richness that elevate the music, making each song a unique experience.
In the music video to the track “We are the Descendants”, we can see a visual of the fragmenting of civilisation:
The music video is set in a dystopian future where Earth has become uninhabitable. Inside a sterile “earth station,” Fredo Bang raps while video monitors display vocalists from around the world, each singing a phrase that weaves together. A young boy on the station experiments with a laser, piercing the structure’s wall and transitioning to a dramatic second part of the video. This finale features a powerful blend of global voices and symphonic music, symbolizing the intertwined fate of humanity and the need for collective effort to survive and thrive.
Chesne’s commitment to creating a work that is both meaningful and artistically daring is evident throughout the album. The fusion of ancient and the modern, traditional and experimental, gives Descendants a timeless quality, making it an album that feels both of the moment, as well as having an enduring quality.
One of the standout tracks, “The Descendants Shuffle,” shows Chesne’s ability to blend upbeat rhythms with profound lyrical content, creating a song that is as danceable as it is thought-provoking. The intricate layering of voices in multiple languages creates a chorus that is both powerful and uplifting.
Descendants (in 79 Languages) is indeed a musical statement. Chesne has crafted a work that invites listeners to reflect on the connections that bind us all, across languages, cultures, and time. It’s a bold and innovative release that challenges the boundaries of genre and delivers a message of global harmony.
For those looking to experience music that is both boundary-pushing and deeply soulful, Descendants (in 79 Languages) offers listeners a journey through sound that it as enriching as it is entertaining.
Connect with Steven Chesne at www.chezworks.com
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