An Eclectic Celebration Of Global Unity

In a world increasingly marked by division, Steven Chesne’s new album, “Descendants (in 79 Languages),” serves as a profound reminder of our shared human heritage.

“Descendants (in 79 languages)” (on Brahmasong Records) is a ground-breaking concept album blending World-Beat, Electronica, New Age, and Neo-Classic styles. The album’s central theme is encapsulated in the phrase “We are the descendants,” presented in 79 languages, including French, Portuguese, Igbo, Khmer, Xhosa, Korean, and Ukrainian.

This monumental project was four years in the making. Chesne began with meticulous translation work, engaging native speakers to ensure accuracy and cultural authenticity. He then composed unique melodies for each phrase, bringing them together into a cohesive musical work. Over the next year, recording sessions were held with vocalists from diverse locales such as Madagascar, Albania, Kenya, and the Netherlands. The final two years were devoted to refining the production and composition of additional tracks.

The simple yet powerful lyrics, “We are the descendants,” form the foundation of each track. The music ranges from joyous and uplifting to deep and contemplative, exploring a wide array of world beats and contemporary sounds without being confined to any single genre. The result is an auditory journey that excites the soul and nourishes the spirit, honoring global cultural heritage in a modern context.

The album features an impressive line-up of vocalists, including Platinum recording artist rapper Fredo Bang, Uyanga Bold (vocalist in Disney’s “Mulan” and Marvel’s “Spiderman”), Christine Hals (vocalist in Disney’s “Frozen 1 & 2” and “League of Legends”), Chhom Nimol (lead singer of “Peter Gabriel presents Dengue Fever”), members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and two-time Grammy award-winning vocalist Hila Plitmann. These stellar collaborations infuse the album with a rich, authentic sound.

Chesne’s detailed approach and global outreach culminated in a dynamic fusion of 78 international vocal tracks, harmoniously blended with Fredo Bang’s powerful English rap verses, underscoring unity amidst diversity.

“Descendants (in 79 Languages)” shares a similar spirit as Disney’s “It’s A Small World” – but for a sophisticated listener. It is exploratory, totally unique, and with a contemporary spirit that transports listeners through a mosaic of captivating sounds.

Steven Chesne's musical journey is as eclectic and rich as the compositions he creates. From his childhood love for the Beatles and Bob Dylan to his teenage years studying classical guitar, Chesne developed a deep appreciation for early music, especially from the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

Playing in progressive rock bands during his early years, Chesne explored complex musical structures. In his early twenties, he began composing large-scale symphonies in the style of Sibelius and Bruckner. He later transitioned to professional work, scoring for mainstream Hollywood TV and then arthouse films. His versatility extended to producing New Age music albums, which grew increasingly abstract and emotional.

In his fifties, Chesne created "Sapient," a monumental work that interwove prayers for peace and unity from ten religious traditions into a complex, contrapuntal finale, similar to a Bach fugue. This project took years to plan, compose, and produce.

Accompanying the album is a visionary music video set in a futuristic, science fiction landscape, featuring rapper Fredo Bang and setting the stage for the interwoven voices of all 79 international vocalists.

Thank you to Steven Chesne and all of the musicians who worked so devotedly on this worthy and ambitious global collaboration.

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