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Half Balts (1995​-​1999)

by ZWERG

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about

ZWERG wrote this song in the early 2000’s for his beloved young cousins from Maine. The title refers to these youngsters’ half Baltic heritage (their maternal grandparents were Estonian and Latvian). The song was originally written completely in the major key, but after zeroing in on the thematic direction of the song, ZWERG felt it was important to reference traditional Baltic folk music by incorporating some minor chords. ZWERG also imbued the track with samples of traditional Baltic folk instruments, the Estonian kannel and the Latvian kokle.
The accompanying music video, shot by Tyler Warren Ellis, presents a visual nod to Estonian and Latvian mythology with ZWERG dressed up as a Baltic godling of sorts. His cousins’ Irish heritage is also referenced visually with this godling character sporting antlers like the Celtic god of nature, Cernunnos.

lyrics

Latvian inception
Estonian conception
the Baltic perception
we made a connection

the world to claim
it’s theirs to hold
the Thieles of Maine
tales yet untold

my heart in knots
they’re all grown
our Half Balts
they’re on their own

he, the strong gentleman
the prince becomes king
and the sweet, winsome woman
she is becoming

Viens, Divi, Trīs, Četri...
Üks, Kaks, Kolm, Neli...

credits

released January 9, 2023
Piano/Vocals/Sampled Latvian Kokle & Estonian Kannel/ Sampled Bass/Programming: Eldon Thiele
Spoken Latvian: Ry the Mormon Spoken Estonian: LMS
Electric Guitars: John Mullane

Production/Mixing/Engineering: Eldon Thiele
Mastering: Alan Douches

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ZWERG Miramichi, New Brunswick

ZWERG signed with Canadian music legend Emm Gryner’s Dead Daisy Records for the release of his upcoming album "The Centurion", a retrospective journey through 20th century pop music. It features arrangements by John Philip Shenale (Tori Amos, Billy Idol, Janet Jackson, Jane’s Addiction, Bruce Hornsby, Five For Fighting, The Bangles, The Beach Boys, John Hiatt), and In-Flight Safety’s John Mullane. ... more

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