Last year, after collaborating with Khalid and Halsey (“Eastside”) and Swae Lee (“Better to Lie”), Benny Blanco capped off 2018 with the release of his new project, Friends Keep Secrets. And to kick off 2019, the producer is revisiting the EP with an updated version of “I Found You” with Calvin Harris, which now features vocals from Miguel.
Officially dubbed “I Found You (Nilda’s Story),” the reworked song is released with a powerful visual that chronicles the journey of a Honduran woman, Nilda, and her son coming to the United States and waiting for asylum.
“This was bigger than us or any song we were making,” Benny says of calling an audible on the game plan after they started shooting. “We found a strong, beautiful, courageous woman named Nilda. Her and her son Keyden have had a very hard year. Over a 10-day shooting period in Honduras, Mexico, Texas and NY, we tried our best to bring you their story.
“I’m crying as I write this because most of us get to do a few simple things everyday… wake up in our bed, know where our family is, know that it’s possible to call them, see them, or even touch them. Not have to wear an anklet around their foot for two years as they await asylum. And not be petrified to be sent back to a country where you know your life is in constant danger. Nilda and Keyden don’t have those luxuries.”
On top of recording a new version of “I Found You,” Benny and his team also connected with Brooklyn Defenders, Raices, and the ACLU to create the “While They Wait” fund and not only help Nilda, but the millions of other immigrants and their families who have been displaced and are seeking asylum.
