Thomas Helmig releases album reflecting on loss of son Hugo in Denmark

Last week, Thomas Helmig released his critically acclaimed album “Sortedam.” The album, which consists of seven songs, was written shortly after the death of his son, Hugo Helmig, in 2022. However, these were not just songs; they were more like poems reflecting grief, longing, and loss left by the 24-year-old Hugo.

After composing the poems, Helmig reached out to Emil Falk, a close friend and musical collaborator of Hugo’s, to come to the studio. Initially, it was mainly for companionship, but also to discuss the lyrics Helmig had written. Falk agreed and shared how reading Helmig’s emotionally charged lines often became overwhelming.

Falk had known Hugo for over a decade before his passing. Hugo was discovered by the music industry at age 16, and Falk, who was a producer at that time, was paired with him. There were tremendous expectations for Hugo’s potential, and Falk’s role was to assist him in navigating his budding career.

The two spent countless hours together in the studio, where they created “Please Don’t Lie,” which became Hugo’s first single and a major hit. Years later, Falk reflects on what might have been if they hadn’t written that song and how it could have altered Hugo’s trajectory.

Even two years after Hugo’s death, the sorrow remains profound. Falk admits that he still misses Hugo just as much as he did when he first passed. However, he notes that discussing these feelings is something he could not have done a year ago, signifying personal growth in his grieving process.