Stats
Biography
Valbak’s early music releases in Denmark were a couple of single releases “Flå” (Rip) and “Et øjeblik” (One moment) released in 2007. However these failed to attract much public or critical attention much like Valbak’s debut album “Tæt På” (Up close) released in September of that year. The album was produced by two Danish production teams the Copenhaniacs and Providers and features guest appearances from Joe True and Joey Moe.
The singer’s breakthrough came in 2008 with the release of her single “Kun for mig” (later released in English as “You and I”) which spent 52 weeks in the Danish Singles Chart and ultimately achieved triple-platinum status. The song proved to be the lead single from her sophomore full-length album “Velkommen util Medina” (Welcome to Medina), which performed well in the Danish album chart along with the German, Austrian and Swiss charts. Valbak subsequently released the singles “Velkommen util Medina”, “Ensom” (Lonely) and “Vi to” (The two of us).
Following the release of the English version of “Kun for mig” “You and I”, Valbak featured on the track “100 dage” and Burhan G’s single “Mest ondt” both of which reached the top spot in the Danish chart.
With her chart and commercial success, Valbak has earned herself a number of awards including two Best Danish Act awards at the 2009 and 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards and six awards at the Danish Music Awards including Danish Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Danish Songwriter of the Year. In 2011 Valbak released the album “For algid” featuring the tracks “Synd for dig” and “Kl. 10” and saw an English-language equivalent release with the title “Forever” in 2012. Subsequently the singer released the EP “Arrogant” in 2014, with a more urban and hip hop focus and was produced by the Danish production team of Pitchshifters.
Live reviews
Medina stands center stage, alone except for the microphone and a pianist, surrounded by lit candles. She sways gently, the flickering candlelight catching on her gold earrings, illuminating her face, and creating an eerie, sombre ambience. As she sways, the pianist picks up a flowing melody, and then she sings. Her voice blocks out all other sound, singular and haunting, enveloping the spellbound crowd.
Danish R&B and pop singer songwriter Medina Danielle Oona Valbak has released seven albums, five in Danish and two in English. Her debut album, Tæt på, and first two singles, “Et øjeblik” and “ Flå” were released in Denmark, and her the hit single “Kun for mig”, off of her second album Velkommen til Medina, was number one on the Danish Singles Chart. It was that song which secured her national fame. Her obvious skill has been rewarded with a platinum award and multiple hit singles ranked No.1 or No.2. in her home-country
Medina never disappoints. Whether she sings in English or Danish, whether you understand the lyrics or you don't, the meaning of every song is translated through the music and Medina's obvious passion. Her moving songs, passionate facial expressions, and obvious joy onstage are contagious and combine to form an unforgettable and completely enjoyable night.
We were in Denmark for holiday and we took the chance to see Medina again (last time was a few years ago in Hamburg). It was fantastic! Wonderful voice and the acoustic versions are absolutely great. Compliments also for the band and the opening artist. Now I have to learn the danish language :-)