This project began with a musical composition written at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
This project began with a musical composition written at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
What started as an instrumental piece evolved into a multifaceted work of art through the addition of vocals and lyrics by Julia Madou, and the collaboration of several experienced musicians.
Other artists were invited to interpret the central piece of music through their own disciplines, creating personal works around the theme of saying goodbye to a loved one.
Sé Fuerte — Spanish for “stay strong” — captures a universal and deeply moving theme that will resonate with many.
Created with heart and soul, rooted in connection.
Peter Jordan asked me to write a song with him. He wanted it to be about grief and hope. At the time, it felt like an exercise in imagining something I hadn’t yet truly known.
Since I hadn’t lost anyone to death, I chose to write about another kind of loss — not saying goodbye to someone who is gone, but feeling the quiet sorrow of those who remain, slowly fading from your life.
Shortly after we finished the song, my grandfather passed away. Suddenly, the song took on a deeper meaning. The bass, guitar, and violins seem to converse like old friends — understanding each other’s silence.
| Sé Fuerte There’s a fountain in the middle of the street It reminds me of you and me talking here The water isn’t clear like it used to be Now this place is just a place with memories Dum dum… The sun is out as I am cold The love you left behind is my home It will never be the same without you The sound is lost without your voice Dum dum…. |
André RR Caulier Jr – Poem
I feel like a stained-glass window through which the sun shines
I color in the deepest shades of green, red, and blue.
With shining eyes I feel myself the playful privileged child
the music settles in my head like a golden dawn and drives me to eternity
Be Strong
As surely as language is no language
that you and I cannot speak,
we are strangers to each other
in a world that will not open.
As surely as we are foreign beings,
whit fearful eyes
see the sorrow circling our heads,
grief falls like rain
perhaps we’ll always be afraid.
As surely as one destroys the other,
hatred lingers in our minds,
the darkest dark colors thought
and humankind remains lonely, torn apart.
At the edge of the past, the future smiles,
admiration comes after wonder
hope is light that never fades
when the positive force of humanity shines
As surely as we are foreign beings,
looking with fearful eyes
see the sadness around our heads
grief falls like rain
perhaps we’ll always be afraid.
As surely as one destroys the other,
hatred lingers in our minds,
the darkest dark colors thought
and humankind remains lonely, torn apart.
At the edge of the past, the future smiles,
admiration comes after wonder
hope is light that never fades
when the positive force of humanity shines
When the leaves fall and the sun’s rays find a way to make us feel that it is there…
then is the moment when saying goodbye is a feeling of letting go
Connection…a hold,
Between family and friends,
People who embrace you and carry you.
Giving hope and love by sharing emotions in times of vulnerability.
If departure
No return has
As in leaving
For you the earth shakes
If departure
Born from black earth
As in leaving
For you the why asks.
Will every word,
Every thought,
Hold no answer
Only
why do I have this question
Renato Marquez is a versatile producer who began his musical career at a very young age as a violinist and guitarist.
Thanks to his Mexican roots, he instinctively understood the atmosphere the song needed to convey. The result is a production in which his musical craftsmanship and feeling clearly come to the fore.
Wakko, born as Wannes De Neve, became a fixture in the Belgian music scene at a young age
He is not only an outstanding guitarist but also active as a producer and composer.
Thanks to his intuitive approach, he consistently adds guitar parts that enrich the song and elevate it to a higher level.
Julia Madou, whose real name is Marlies Van Poelvoorde, chose her stage name as a tribute to both her grandmothers
She writes her own songs and is not afraid to experiment with different styles.
In the song “Sé Fuerte,” her self-written lyrics and her unique, beautiful vocal tone brought the melancholic atmosphere that perfectly matched the song’s intent.
Ollin Kan is the sage name of Renato Marquez. For this song, Renato was not only responsible for the production, but he also played the violin parts.
With his new house project “Ollin Kan”, he is taking his career to the next level.
Together with Sammy Merayah, he produced music that blends electronic music and live instruments.
Mario Vermandel is een bijzonder veelzijdig muzikant die zowel in de studio als tijdens liveoptredens zijn sporen heeft verdiend.
His playing is characterized by melodic bass lines that not only support the song but also give it direction and character.
The original plan was to add Latin rhythms to the song, but after listening to the bass lines, it turned out this didn’t add any value. Mario’s bass lines literally carry the entire song; experience it for yourself.
You can find more about me on the About page.
Originally, the song had a tight rhythmic backing. We started recording with just double bass and vocals, and once Wakko’s guitar part came in, it quickly became clear that a more minimalist approach worked better.
Towards the end, the various violin parts join in, further enhancing the melancholic feeling.
I myself can be subtly heard between the many guitar layers in the background.
James asked me what atmosphere and vibe I wanted for the song, and asked me for examples of songs that reflected this.
I gave him three songs as guidelines for atmosphere and sound:
Chan Chan – Buena Vista Social Club, Smooth Operator – Sade, and Nah neh nah Vaya Con Dios. Masterpiece, judge for yourself and listen to the result.
James Van Zunderd is a producer and mastering engineer who works from his recording studio, Headroom Studios, in Bergen op Zoom, North Brabant, the Netherlands.
The official release of the song took place on Saturday, September 27th in Bassevelde, a centrally located municipality in the Meetjesland region. Below you’ll find some impressions of this special day; the performance ran continuously from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
For the live performance, we opted for a completely different line-up, except for Julia Madou and myself. Sé Fuerte was also played, though in another form, and Julia also performed her own work.
Musicians, Julia Madou – vocals, Peter Jordan – Guitar, Robin Van Tomme – Keyboards, Stanzi Cresens – Cello, Jef Denissen – Bass, Natan Goessens – Drums.
