We’d like to approach ‘Hidden Springs’ as a multi-layered piece. Spearheaded by Copenhagen-based songstress Kirsten Hildegard, the single welcomes listeners with its heartwarming and blissful Folk energy, developing over tender acoustic guitars, evocative harmonies and Hildegard’s luscious, intimate vocals. The aural experience is positive and uplifting, a stream of refreshingly elegant sonic goodness.
Anticipating the American-born creative’s forthcoming EP ‘Work of Love’, ‘Hidden Springs’ is then packed with a wealth of lyrical depth. You see, Hildegard is not your average artist: boasting academic experiences at Yale Divinity School and the Søren Kierkegaard Research Centre, Kirsten uncovers a grateful and inspiring journey through love and acceptance, reminding us all that love often “flows from an unseen source”.
Such a powerful message was also aided by the wondrous natural landscape around Vogts Villa, on the island of Dvergsøya in Kristiansand, Norway (once the summer residence of the Norwegian Crown Prince). There for the annual Nordic Songcamping, Hildegard was able to connect with producer Opie and fellow singer Jannike Klemmetsen, writing ‘Hidden Springs’ as a collective effort.
Intrigued by the nuanced and meaningful artistry behind Kirsten Hildegard’s work, we caught up with her to learn more about her overarching ethos, and any future endeavours… Interview below!
Hi Kirsten, thanks for chatting with us! I must say, I am rather fascinated by the deep philosophical ethos behind your work; it’s quite uncommon in our cultural space. Your lyrics take a cue from Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard: his overall thinking seems to particularly appeal to you. Is there a reason for that? What makes you resonate with Kierkegaard’s work?
I’m drawn to Kierkegaard because he writes so honestly about the inner life. His idea that love is something hidden but quietly transformative really shapes how I think about both faith and creativity. In a culture obsessed with visibility, his work reminds me to look for meaning in the unseen, which is what I try to express through my songs.
You are now based in Copenhagen, a city that’s certainly very different from your native New York. Has Denmark caused a shift in your personal beliefs, or in the way you approach life? I suspect that such a move might have something to do with the idyllic vibe in your music…?
Moving from New York to Copenhagen slowed me down in the best way. New York taught me ambition and work ethic, but Denmark taught me stillness. The light, the sea, and the sense of balance here shifted how I create, and so my songs tend to be calmer and soothing. The Nordic landscape invites reflection, and that quiet has become part of my sound.
Allow me to abstract for a moment: you studied at Yale Divinity School, which suggests a certain affinity with religion and theology. Does spirituality play a role in your music at all?
Spirituality is at the heart of what I do. I sing the Psalms at my church every Sunday, and that rhythm of prayer and melody deeply shapes how I write. Songwriting feels like a form of prayer and a way of reaching toward something larger than myself. Even when I’m not writing directly about God, that search for meaning and grace is always beneath the surface of my music.
It all takes us to ‘Hidden Springs’, your latest single. Following up from ‘Still the Waves’, the new track takes a step back from the highly ethereal charge of its predecessor, instead embracing a more uplifting and joyous acoustic character. It does seem like a step-up, especially in terms of production quality, but also overall. Can you take me through the creative process behind it? Especially songwriting-wise?
‘Hidden Springs’ came together at Nordic Songcamping in Kristiansand with producer Opie and songwriter Jannike Klemmetsen. The song was born out of a sense of gratitude and learning to find beauty in whatever season you’re in. Lyrically, it’s about choosing joy and finding what really matters and letting go of the rest. I wanted to capture the feeling of renewal, like sunlight breaking through clouds. Working with Opie helped bring that emotion into the production — a warm, rhythmic sound that blends folk and bossa nova textures to mirror that sense of movement and lightness.
I must praise your vocals: you are not only an intelligent writer but also a talented singer. When did you first pick up your love for music? I suppose NYC had something to do with that?
Thank you! I definitely think growing up in New York shaped my love for music. My dad was a multi-instrumentalist, and I grew up taking piano, flute, and vocal lessons. My downstairs neighbour was the legendary jazz drummer, Max Roach, who used to say that all the noise I made while practising tap dancing inspired his music. Moments like that made creativity feel alive and woven into everyday life.
‘Hidden Springs’ was written in a Norwegian songwriting camp, which poses the question: Do you enjoy writing more with others, or alone?
I love both, but there’s something so special about writing with others that can help you surrender control a bit and let the song take on a shared energy. When I arrived at the camp, I didn’t have any lyrics written yet, just a feeling I wanted to express. I remember waking up surrounded by the sea on a beautiful island, feeling grateful to have found such supportive collaborators. That sense of openness and renewal became ‘Hidden Springs’.
Here’s a question I ask very frequently: from an artistic standpoint, what challenges have you faced in the last two years? Do you feel as though you have grown as a creative?
The biggest challenge has been learning to trust myself creatively. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison or perfectionism, but over the past two years, I’ve tried to quiet that inner critic and rediscover the joy of creating for its own sake. Reading Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’ last year indirectly inspired me to pursue songwriting and build my own artist project. I’ve also learned a lot about collaboration and how to stay open to other people’s ideas while still holding onto my own voice.
Lastly, what’s next for Kirsten Hildegard? Some say there might be an EP in the works…
Yes, there’s an EP on the way called ‘Works of Love’. I’ll also be returning to Norway for more songwriting camps soon, and I’m excited to see how new collaborations will continue to shape my sound. It feels like the beginning of something really special.
