Influenced by artists like War on Drugs, Peter Gabriel, and David Bowie, CS Hellmann is an intriguing musician from Nashville, USA who is appearing on our blog for the first time.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Joshua Black Wilkins
A smouldering, moody ’80s-infused instrumental starts his new single Burned Romances off before metallic vocals provide a sense of the otherworldly. There’s an understatedly powerful sense of emotion as the first verse unfolds. It gets heightened during a dreamy chorus that will stick with you. As the arrangement reaches its crescendo, ghostly layers build. It’s stirring stuff.
The track was recorded at Polychrome Ranch by Jared Corder and assistant engineer Kriss Jedd, and showcases a unique blend of drum machines and live drums.
Nashville-based fans of CS Hellmann will be able to catch him performing live at The Underdog in East Nashville on 13 August 2025.
Burned Romances is out now and you can give it a listen below.
And for more thoughtful tracks with a story to tell, be sure to follow our Decomposition playlist on Spotify.