Expecting Rain by Kal Madsen (Photo – Screenshot, Youtube)
Singer-songwriter Kal Madsen has released what he describes as his most vulnerable song to date, “Rain,” a stark acoustic tribute to his father, the late actor and poet Michael Madsen.
By News Desk
Written in the immediate aftermath of his father’s passing earlier this year, “Rain” departs from the full-band production of Madsen’s recent work. The track features only acoustic guitar and vocals, placing the focus squarely on grief and reflection. Madsen has described the song as part of his healing process, explaining that he initially wrote and recorded it as a simple voice memo to share with his family before deciding to release it publicly.
The song centers on memory and the quiet moments that follow loss, anchored by Madsen’s emotionally direct storytelling. It culminates in the lyric, “I hope I see your ghost after all of this rain,” which serves as the emotional peak of the track.
A video accompanying “Rain” was created using old family footage of the Madsen brothers at home. The footage originated from a homemade mafia-style movie made by the family, featuring their father in the role of a mob bodyguard.
While “Rain” stands alone as a memorial, it also functions as a prelude to Madsen’s upcoming album, The New Colosseum, scheduled for release in Spring 2026. The album explores the chaotic landscape of the 2020s, with “Rain” representing the deeply personal grief that often exists alongside broader societal upheaval.
Kalvin “Kal” Madsen is a Pasadena-based musician and writer who balances his creative work with a career as a legal assistant. Known for socially conscious songwriting and narrative depth, he is also the founder of the literary press Low Hanging Fruit. His previous releases include Doomer’s Folly (2022) and In Yer Tomb (2021).
Leave a Reply