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Difficult Loves

by Balladeste & Ana Silvera

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1.
Two for Joy (Drift) 03:33
2.
Like a Salmon 05:13
buy track
3.
Glimpse 05:22
4.
Phantom Limb 04:06
5.
Mother, if you go 05:08
6.
Hand in Hand (Rocking) 03:05

about

‘Difficult Loves’ is a song cycle by string duo Balladeste and singer-songwriter Ana Silvera that explores the many faces of love - from the revelation of romantic connection to the bonds of familial devotion; and from the ecstatic contemplation of the natural world into dark echoes of love’s more troubled shadows and loss. Loosely inspired by writer Italo Calvino’s book of the same name, difficult loves blends Ana Silvera’s moving and mercurial vocals with Balladeste’s fluid, mesmeric strings, inviting listeners into an immersive odyssey of the heart.

Balladeste, praised by Songlines as “music that can radiate suspense but at the same time is warm and intimate” are known for their experimental yet melodic approach. Drawing from Indian classical music, contemporary minimalism, and folk, the duo crafts original compositions that are both cinematic and emotionally rich -“songs without words” that speak volumes.

Ana Silvera, a singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer, is known for her vividly imaginative song-writing and innovative practice across genre and discipline. With work described by The Guardian as “stunning...magical story-telling”, Ana has performed at major venues and festivals including SXSW, Royal Opera House, and Iceland Airwaves, and has collaborated with artists such as Imogen Heap, Jasper Høiby, Saied Silbak and Aidan O’Rourke.

credits

released March 12, 2026

Original compositions by Balladeste & Ana Silvera
Lyrics by Ana Silvera
Violin, voice - Preetha Narayanan
Cello, voice - Tara Franks
Vocals, harmonium, synth, Philicorda - Ana Silvera
Engineered by Sam Crowe.
Mixed by Nicholas O’Brien at Upcycled Sounds
Mastered by Seán Mac Erlaine at Studio Sáile
Artwork by Priya Sundram

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about

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Balladeste London, UK

Songs without words with a contemporary alt-folk twist.
String duo Balladeste write original compositions that are vibrant, experimental, melodic & filmic in quality.
www.balladeste.co.uk

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