The American Skald's Nordic Sound Podcast

Send us a textPlease join me in welcoming the inimitable Mia Guldhammer to Nordic Sound #54. Performing with acts such as Virelai, Mallebrok, and now Guldganger, Mia has long made a name for herself as a passionate keeper and performer of the Scandinavian ballad tradition at Medieval markets and reenactments, as well as a celebrated vocalist in the Danish folk music scene. Mia takes us through her experience in both, diving deep into the enchanting world of medieval balladry, how we keep them alive (and meaningful) today, and how we can bridge the worlds of traditional folk music and medieval reenactment. Mia, thank you so much for joining the Nordic Sound, it was an absolute pleasure to nerd out with someone as passionate and knowledgeable as yourself.0:00 Overture1:46 Introduction4:06 Mia's Musical Upbringing12:29 Medieval Ballads25:24 Danish Folk Music51:40 Medieval Markets and ReenactmentsSupport the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textMost known through her bands Diket and Ævestaden, Levina Storåkern joins Nordic Sound #53 to talk about her recently released solo endeavor “Månadsvill”. Captivated on the first listen, Jameson sits down with this rising star to talk about her songwriting process and the inspirations that went into the record, as well as learning more about her journey as a folk musician. Along the way, we also get into a pretty interesting discussion about how we understand others through their music, and the importance of understanding what kind of musician you are so you can thrive. You can't teach a butterfly to bark, after all.Come join us in Nordic Sound 53 to hear more!Album link: https://levinastorakern.bandcamp.com/album/m-nadsvill0:00 Overture1:25 Introduction9:00 Levina's story21:03 Is folk music cool again?35:39 Understanding others through their music42:05 The Kantele50:42 Musicians, artists, and virtuosos1:00:14 MånadsvillSupport the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textPainting vivid impressionistic landscapes through their ancient instruments, Nordic folk titans Maija Kauhanen and Johannes Geworkian Hellman join forces on their debut album Migrating. Each of these musicians are heavy hitters, or even icons, if I could be so bold  on their respective instruments, Maija on kantele and Johannes on hurdy-gurdy, so I have been fairly curious in the lead up to this record to see how these musicians were going to pull off blending these instruments which, despite being rather ancient, have seldom been put together, and certainly not at this caliber.Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textFaber Horbach of Sowulo joins the Nordic Sound for episode 52 to talk about Sowulo's origins, the recent tour, and walk us through the band's development from Alvenrad to Wurdiz. We also get into a pretty good discussion about artistic integrity when bridging music, mythology, and history. Thanks for hanging out, Faber!0:00 Intro1:08 Europoean Tour, Echoes and Mervailles, Opening for Heilung12:52 Early Sowulo26:30 Alvenrad29:34 Sol35:08 Artistic Integrity47:39 Mann55:56 Grima1:03:20 Wurdiz1:14:16 What's Next?Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textRooted in ancient Finnish lore, Noiduin emerges with their first full-length album Lovi, an homage to an otherworldly state or space, a rift between worlds, and a place of crossing where the veil between the living and the dead thins. With a sound palette dominated by tagelharpa, percussion, kantele, and raw ethereal voices, Lovi brings songs both new and revisited to their already impressive repertoire.Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textAnders Norudde is one of the minds behind the legendary Hedningarna - a band whose influence is still felt throughout the world of Nordic folk music today. With their reputation for bringing a more raw, primal, and percussive energy to traditional folk music, Hedningarna was one of a handful of bands out of Sweden in the 90s who pushed the boundaries of what folk music can be.With Hedningarna's lasting influence on Nordic music today, cited as influences on the likes of Einar Selvik, Maria Franz, and others, we are truly grateful that Anders agreed to come onto the podcast to talk about the band's history, as well as showing us his own menagerie of instruments as a luthier. There's no overstating how much of a milestone this is for the podcast, as no story of the Nordic Sound would be complete without Hedningarna. 0:00 Intro5:06 Anders' Early Music12:58 The Story of Hedningarna38:12 Hedningarna's Influence51:55 Instrument MakingSupport the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textAs you all know, MÍO's debut record Ingen Tid å Miste earned the top spot on my 2023 Nordic Sound Top 10 list. All these years later, I still stand by what I've said before: not only does MÍO weave a musical experience like no other, but their electrifying live performances put them in a league of their own. But Ingen Tid å Miste had the benefit of being without precedent. The sophomore album, on the other hand, is the arena in which a band like MÍO needs to buckle in and put in the work needed to follow through under the weight of a whole new set of expectations.So, with Hva Nå, will MÍO conjure up a second record that stands on its own legs, or would they always be striving for, and not quite reaching, the heights of their inaugural album? Let's talk about it.Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textIngrid returns to the Nordic Sound for the 50th episode to talk about her recent performance project "Echoes" with Maria Franz and her solo project "Piina" - a multi-movement work seeking to explore the theme of pain through music. With no responsible adult in the room to keep us on track, we meander quite a bit through conversations about the effects of social media on live performance, the way pain is (or isn't) processed in our daily lives, and the importance of recycling. The interview concludes with Ingrid teasing upcoming new music from Songleikr for a much anticipated follow up to their first album Godtfolk. So stick around to the end ;)Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textThe Black Metal perspective makes a long overdue debut to the Nordic Sound in episode 49 with the inimitable Thomas Eriksen (Mork, Udåd). Not only has Thomas made quite the name for himself as the mind behind Mork, but kept himself and others entertained during COVID running his own Black Metal podcast, the "Thomas Eriksen Podcast" which featured some in depth conversations with big names in Norwegian Black Metal. Join us as Thomas takes us through what the style means to him, his recent work on Mork's seventh album "Syv", and my favorite, his haunting experimental project Udåd.Thomas's work has captivated me over the last few years as I've explored his impressive discography defined by "urkraft", and a warm, organic approach to black metal inspired by rock production styles from the 60s and 70s. "Udåd" sealed the deal for me with its bleak and skeletal approach to a primitive black metal sound, reminding one of the atmosphere of films like the Blair Witch Project. If you haven't yet, I do sincerely hope you check out Thomas's music.Patreon.com/nordicsound0:00 Intro1:47 Why Black Metal?19:09 The Thomas Eriksen Podcast32:57 Mork56:16 Udåd1:21:19 Midgardsblot1:25:18 Black Metal Today1:32:43 Closing ThoughtsSupport the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textOver the course of his career, Olav Mjelva has become something of a face of the Hardanger Fiddle, with his fiddle being heard in settings such as Rings of Power, God of War: Ragnarök, and Marvel's Loki. As well as being featured in over 60 studio projects, he is also well known in the Scandifolk scene for his work with Sver, the Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Rydvall/Mjelva, and the Lodestar Trio. After collaborating with Einar Selvik and Ivar Bjornson for Skuggsjá, Olav has returned to sign with ByNorse for his project Afargang, whose debut album “Andvake” is looking to reimagine what Folk Metal can be. I hope you enjoy this milestone episode of the Nordic Sound, in which Olav and I discuss his upbringing as a fiddler from Røros, his love of black metal, and how his upcoming album Andvake blends these two worlds, and as always, taking little detours along the way.Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:12 Sver in the States4:38 Origin Stories10:11 Learning the Hardanger Fiddle13:00 Becoming a Studio Musician18:04 Skuggsjá23:02 Afargang37:25 Black Metal as a Folk Musician45:11 The Nordic Sound48:29 Waiting for Andvake52:22 ByNorse56:24 Norway's Folk Music boomSupport the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textCelebrating their 25th anniversary this year, Frigg have long established themselves as one of the leading string bands in Nordic folk. A small army of six musicians, what has always astounded me about the band is how effectively they use their numbers to their fullest capabilities, often times in their recordings sounding like there's a full orchestra at their disposal. Their attention to orchestration and texture is second-to-none, and even when all three fiddles are chugging along at full steam, everything just fits into the arrangement. This rich texture of Frigg's sound, combined with a relentless spirit for both innovation and tradition, is what sets Frigg apart as one of the most versatile and captivating bands of their generation. Website: Nordicsoundarchive.comFrigg's website: https://frigg.fi/Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textA beautiful homecoming!Ale joins the channel once again from balmy California where Dreamers' Circus begin their 2025 U.S. tour to celebrate the release of their new album Handed On. In this conversation, Ale talks about the importance of music in bridging divides between cultures in tumultuous times, the Handed On project, and of course, that every present question of Nordic Folk music. Thank you so much for coming back around these parts, Ale. It's always a pleasure!Check out tour dates near you in the coming weeks here in the states at Dreamerscircus.com/tour0:00 Intro1:45 Handed on U.S. Tour10:30 The Nordic Folk Question17:25 Touring the U.S. in 2025 - The Elephant in the Room25:30 The Handed On Project43:11 Handed On, the AlbumSupport the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textThis year, I made it a New Years' resolution for the channel that we'd finally start an honest effort in expanding the Nordic Sound into new and more diverse genres, and what better way to bring classical music back into the picture than by chatting with one of my favorite music writers. Join me in welcoming Ola Nordal (Ballade Klassisk, Store Norske Leksikon) to talk about Norway's contemporary classical scene, the practice of active listening, and writing about music. Ola has long been a friend of the channel, often giving his own time to introduce me to composers and artists active in today's Norwegian classical music. 0:00 Introduction1:55 Ola's Musicology4:12 Getting into Classical music (from Bathory)9:59 Becoming a Music Writer13:34 Active Listening37:44 Writing About Music45:28 The Norwegian Classical Scene53:01 Why Write About Music?Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textNordicsoundarchive.comFredrik returns to the Nordic Sound for his second appearance to talk about Torulf's recent record Ristningar i Ginnungagap and the stories that inspire his music. Along the way, we also talk about his earliest memories as a musician, how he became Torulf, and why it's difficult to keep up with new music.Thanks for hanging out, Fredrik!Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textJameson and Jouhikko virtuoso Lassi Logrén celebrate Finnish independence day by talking about the Jouhikko/Tagelharpa tradition, Finnish folk music, and the Tagelharpa renaissance we're experiencing outside of traditional folk circles. We also talk about Lassi's new solo album “Jouhikko”, why Lassi believes the instrument itself sounds human, and what we might gain from learning how to connect with solo instrumental albums on a personal, communal, and maybe even spiritual, level. Along the way, Lassi offers advice and pointers for those learning, or looking to learn how to play the Jouhikko/Tagelharpa. And of course, being Finnish independence day, I had to take a detour through some Sibelius talk ;)Lassi's email for those who want to ask him for Jouhikko/Tagelharpa advice: lassi.logren@gmail.comI hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Thank you Lassi, it was a pleasure!Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textFinnish/Swedish(/Cornish?) duo Ville & Tommie join me in Nordic Sound #43 to talk about their uniquely freeform approach to performing Nordic folk music as an accordion and fiddle duo and their debut album "Stuffed Pockets". Along the way, we talk about how the duo came to be, where they come from as individual musicians, and that tricky line across tradition and innovation we always have to dance as folk musicians."Ville & Tommie play for concert and dance, blending traditional melodies alongside original tunes. They each bring their backgrounds to the stage, whether it be a deep knowledge of Gästrikland fiddle tunes or Cornish street music. Yet in essence the duo Ville & Tommie is all about creative empathy. To be more than the some of their parts, they must inhabit each others' playing. And in whichever setting, the dance is never far away. The groove of polska, waltz, hornpipe and schottis is the heartbeat to their tune."Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textIn part 2 of Nordic Sound #42, Jameson and Fredrik poke and prod at the thorny question of what folk music is, what makes something folk music, and what folk music means in a Nordic context with Fredrik contributing what he learned while writing and directing the documentary "Trollstemt".I've found these conversations are almost always had behind closed doors in hushed tones, but I think there's much to be gained by bringing it out from under the rug after hearing perspectives from many sides of the Nordic music industry that tend to overlap more than one would expect. Therefore, the purpose of conversations like these is to create a space for open and candid discussion that encourages us to think more intentionally about the ways we think about, talk about, and listen to the music that we love.  With that in mind, I hope those who do contribute to the conversation do so in the same spirit.Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textJoin me as I dive deep into the history of Norway's folk music tradition with Fredrik Akselsen, acclaimed director of the series "Trollstemt" - a documentary I had been keeping tabs on since Mattias Thedens of Gangar first promoted it last year. It's funny to think I hadn't the slightest idea that I'd end up having the director on the Nordic Sound for a chat, and for that, we all owe a hearty "tusen takk" to Ingrid Aune Falch of Songleikr for putting us in contact after our last interview. In a first for the channel, this interview will be split into two parts. In the second part, we continue the thorny, provocative, but important conversation to be had about what Nordic Folk music is and why it's a conversation that needs to be had more openly, and more candidly, as fantasies of Nordic Folk enter into the mainstream and risk overtaking this rich, beautiful, and surprisingly animist music tradition dating back over a millennia. Support the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

Send us a textJameson is joined by Maria Franz and Ingrid Aune Falch to talk about Songleikr's history with Midgardsblot and how important storytelling is as a part of Songleikr's music (and folk music in general). After taking us through their history with "medieval music", we get into a rather difficult and provocative discussion about what Nordic folk even is, with Maria and Ingrid both offering extensive commentary on the growing misuse of the term over the years. This particular conversation has been central to the Nordic Sound, and so I anticipate a lot of productive discussion to grow out of what was started here - especially as the vocalist of Heilung, a band so often labeled as Nordic Folk, Maria's perspective is a much needed shake-up to the conversation.We wrap up the discussion with the question of how Nordic music has exploded over the years and the kind of changes that has brought to the scene, with yet another complex conversation about heritage and roots as they pertain to the reception of Nordic music.Thank you both for the lively and productive discussion... we've all had quite a bit to think about since recording this!0:00 Least chaotic nordic sound intro3:09 Midgardsblot13:54 Storytelling through music22:44 Early experiences with "medieval" music42:30 The Folk Music Question1:00:07 Heritage and the Nordic music boom1:14:14 What's next for Songleikr?The Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelSeanSimonYou too can support the project at patreon.com/nordicsoundSupport the show

Send us a textIn Nordic Sound #40, Jameson is joined by Kjell Braaten to talk about Kjell's approach to skaldic performance and his recent collaboration on the beautiful Lithuanian sutartines project with Stuba and Skaidra Jančaité as part of an ongoing mission to preserve and revitalize Lithuanian communal singing tradition. Key topics in this conversation include Kjell telling why skaldic tradition inspires him, how music is a form of active and communal remembering of the past, if viking music can ever be authentic, and a deeper discussion about the value of celebrating the living traditions around us that are at risk of being lost.Jameson Foster is an ethnomusicologist at the University of Colorado Boulder specializing in Nordic music traditions with a focus on pagan revivalism.0:00 Introduction1:20 Skaldic music12:53 Do limitation help creativity?23:32 Making mistakes as a solo performer28:59 Sources for skaldic performance38:00 Music as memory49:00 Sutartines and Stuba58:26 What are Sutartines?1:06:00 Serendipitous Meeting1:11:14 Living Lithuanian traditions1:22:00 Why vikings?Previous interview with Kjell:Nordic Sound #8 - https://youtu.be/Ch6-4uCUT00The Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:AlexGeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelSeanSimonDanYou too can support the project at patreon.com/nordicsoundSupport the show

Send us a textIn this co-sponsored event between ByNorse and the University of Colorado Boulder's Ethnomusicology and Nordic Studies departments, Einar joins Jameson in front of a live audience to talk about the animist cosmology behind Wardruna's music, what animism means to Einar, how Wardruna's music has (or hasn't) changed over time, and an inevitable deep discussion about questions of authenticity and reconstructionism often nagging the reception of Wardruna's music. The interview concludes with a thought-provoking conversation regarding the bear, the namesake of Wardruna's upcoming record "Birna", and how Wardruna's music continues its mission to ask questions and give voice to nature and the ecological problems we face today.Being live, and with the Nordic Sound being very DIY, there are some inevitable imperfections in the audio quality. Thank you for listening!0:00 Intro2:50 Red Rocks6:18 Being a Cultural Ambassador10:20 How has Wardruna changed over time?15:13 Any lasting influence from Einar's heavy metal background?17:04 The Animism of Wardruna22:49 Animism in Nordic cultural heritage25:40 Reconstructionism and Authenticity38:31 Birna47:44 Q+AThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:AlexGeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelSeanSimonDanYou too can support the project at patreon.com/nordicsoundSupport the show

Send us a textIn this monumental installment of the Nordic Sound, Jameson is joined by Mari Boine to reflect on her childhood, the rise and influence of her career through Gula Gula, how she has come to be an influential icon to so many around the world, and her place as a powerful voice for Sámi culture since the 1980s. Along the way, Mari explains what Joik means to her and how it relates to her belief that music has an ineffable power to remind us of our elemental humanity, while also reflecting on how proud she is of the new wave of Sámi poets, artists, and musicians today. To conclude, we discuss Mari's perspective on the cultural exchange between Nordic and Sámi music, and the indisputable influence Sámi music tradition, and Mari's music specifically, continues to have on the new Nordic and global “Viking” music scene. In this summary, I'd be remiss to ignore the touching and raw conversation Mari sparks about her struggle with, and for, her identity and heritage throughout her career.On a personal note from Jameson: this conversation has singularly made the years of effort put into the Nordic Sound project my most meaningful endeavor as a musicologist. My sincerest gratitude to Mari for giving me her time amidst her tour, and to ByNorse for organizing this special interview. I could end the project here and feel like I've done something worthwhile… but we all know I'm taking this thing to the grave.I hope you enjoy this conversation with the qu– an icon of Nordic music.0:00 Intro0:47 Signing with ByNorse4:05 Mari's Childhood8:55 What is Joik?13:29 Into the Music Industry17:18 Learning Sámi History in College18:35 Gula Gula and Sámi Heritage23:11 The Reception of Gula Gula27:40 Music as Catharsis29:19 A Reluctant Leader36:20 Alva40:46 Sámi Issues and Environmentalism49:37 Sámi Arts and Culture Today54:25 Misconceptions about Sámi Music56:52 Sámi Influence on New Nordic Music (Wardruna, etc.)The Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:AlexGeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelSeanSimonYou too can support the project at patreon.com/nordicsoundSupport the show

Send us a textJonas Lorentzen returns to the Nordic Sound to discuss what Nebala's been up to since last time we met. In this conversation, we have a retrospective on the debut album, and where Jonas wants to take Nebala's sound and vision from there. We also discuss singing as community and Jonas' singing workshops, ponder why we don't sing as much as we used to, and of course, talk about the kickstarter that will be helping Nebala's next album now that Jonas has gone Indie. Oh, and would it be a Jonas episode if we didn't contend with questions of cultural appropriation?0:00 Intro1:30 Retrospective on Nebala's debut album12:55 Working on new Nebala material18:50 The craft of an album24:16 Singing as Community30:00 Why don't we sing anymore?42:40 The future of Nebala and working with Christopher Juul48:20 Kickstarter1:00:25 Fire in the Mountains1:00:10 Jonas contends with Cultural AppropriationSupport the show

Send us a text(#35 with Rúnahild is only available on Youtube due to unfortunate audio issues on my end)Today I am joined once again by Nils Edström, the man behind Hindarfjäll perhaps best known for his performance of My Mother Told Me with Peter Franzén from the Vikings television series. I've had Nils on before, but now he is back to talk about his latest album Seden which released almost a month ago to the day. In this interview, Nils talks about his trips to Italy and his experience at this year's Midgardsblot before we turn the conversation to his origins in the pagan/viking music genre. As is tradition, black metal plays a part in introducing Nils to the old ways, though he himself is not the most dedicated listener of black metal, showing us yet again that the ideology of black metal seems to transcend the music itself. Nils takes us through his nature walks as a kid with his friends as well as his walks with his grandmother learning the names of the trees, where from a young age Nils had an inclination towards animistic questions and perspectives. He was brought to this genre by the way of Wardruna, Månegarm, and Anders Hagberg, which gave him a more suitable expression for his love of nature, mythology, and older ways. In talking about his growth through the years leading up to Seden, Nils and Jameson talk about the importance of being self-critical (in a healthy amount) to grow as a musician, as well as the experiences he's had writing and making the music of Seden. We talk about that pesky “is this folk music” question, as well as conflicts of theory and intuition when it comes to writing music. We then spend a long time diving into the mythology of Seden in which Nils takes us through his perspectives on things like Odin, Yggdrasil, Asatru, and thanks to a misunderstanding on Jameson's part (it keeps him humble): Seidr vs Seden and reconstructionists.Thank you for coming back on the podcast, Nils, and congratulations on a stellar album.0:00 Intro2:57 Midgardsblot4:20 Performing with Peter Franzén5:45 Filling in for Gåte7:21 How Nils got into Pagan folk music10:21 Nature walks with Nils12:30 Early Hindarfjäll inspirations15:17 The rise of Nordic Animism18:55 The Black Metal influence20:35 Hindarfjäll's instrumentation23:40 The Folk Music Question30:20 Seden37:00 The harmonies of Hindarfjäll41:38 The mythology of Seden1:04:32 The songs of Seden1:08:58 Seden restrospective1:15:17 What's next?1:20:02 Nils turns to ScuzzlebuttSupport the show

Send us a Text Message.In this very special Nordic Sound Channel interview, I sit down with Espen Winther of Eldrim for an exclusive early look at the new record "Daudrastev" as we preview and discuss each track before the album releases. Espen has long been a vocal supporter of the channel, and it's truly been an honor to do this special collaboration in anticipation for both the new album release and the return to Midgardsblot. Cheers Espen, and thank you for trusting the channel with this cool opportunity to do something a little bit different. So sit back, relax, and let Espen take us through not only his story, but the story of Eldrim's new record "Daudrastev".Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.In Nordein's newest offering, "Reisa", we're given a three-course meal teasing some new and old ideas to expect from the project in the future, taking us from the world of early 2000s "celtic" folk world of into a more contemporary dark folk sound by the EP's end. A short review for a short EP - let's talk about it!"Nordein, fronted by Norwegian musician and producer Jørn Øyhus, blends Nordic folk with rich, evocative sounds. Known for his work with Nordjevel, Varde, and Byrdi, Jørn brings a unique touch to Nordein's three albums and new EP, Reisa. This latest release merges traditional and modern elements, capturing the essence of nature's rebirth.Nordein have for the past years been the main focus, with its three full length albums plus a handful of singles. Reisa is the new EP, hinting both backwards and forward in time musically, hailing back to the debut Nordariket, as well as pointing to new soundscapes. Spring is a journey on its own, beginning with melancholic Irish bouzouki in the forest accompanied by a owl (own night time recording). The track evolves beautifully from an introspective dark folk mood into a triumphant blooming ritual of spring, with sounds of flutes, choirs, viking drums and strings. Listening to the track is like going from a misty and gloomy early dawn, through full blown sunny mid-day and into the night. Spring is the celebration of nature coming back to life after the harsh northern winter, and encapsulates the very essence of growing, blooming and thriving, though with thoughtful undertones all the way."Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.One of my favorite groups in the Nordic folk scene today is finally back, joined by the wonderful Norwegian hardanger fiddler Gura Kvifte Neisheim for the new maritime record "Kystnaert"This has been my most anticipated album of the summer, and for good reason. I fell deeply in love with this group back in 2016 with their incredible "The Moon We Watch Is the Same" due to the fresh, exciting, and organic nature of their sound and original instrumentation which continued through "Neighbourhood" and "Sofa Songs".Kystnaert has delivered in every way, and I really hope you all give this album a spin to experience the many things to love about the Floating Sofa Quartet."Revived coastal music from Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Finland.For almost a decade Floating Sofa Quartet (FSQ) has been working across borders with their own take on Nordic folk music – shedding light on the shared cultural heritage of the Nordic countries and creating music that is both preserving and renewing their tradition(s).Now FSQ joins forces with the renowned Norwegian fiddler Guro Kvifte Nesheim to take a plunge into the kindred musical traditions of the coastal regions of Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Finland!Commissioned by the Farsund Folk Festival the project Kystnært (near the coast) is centered around the regional folk music of Agder in sourthern Norway – a tradition that has a clear kinship to the music of its neighbouring countries. With Agder as a starting point Kystnært explores the similarities between an assortment of musical bits and pieces from the Nordic coastal regions, fusing them all into a vivid contemporary concert experience."Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Let's dive into the debut album from a daring new folk/jazz quartet from Sweden.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.A new kind of album review on the Nordic Sound Channel. And what better way to return to the grind than with a new release from one of my favorite Nordic singers, Eivør.Patreon.com/nordicsoundchannel"Eivør calls her Nordic home in the remote Faroe Islands a landscape of extremes. Sitting in the North Atlantic Ocean just above Scotland and southeast of Iceland, with a total population of about 50,000, the climate is “full of contrasts—very dark, heavy winters and bright summers.” Growing up in a small village there, of about 400 people, it's those contrasts that have inspired Eivør's music throughout her career.Often considered to be one of the most prolific and unique Nordic artists of her generation, Eivør has released 11 studio albums to date, crossing musical genres and always pushing the envelope of the expected. Awarded with the Nordic Council Music Price in 2021, Eivør's musical journey continues to fascinate and has seen her perform across the globe; from Europe's biggest festival stages to providing the soundtrack to Netflix's hit series The Last Kingdom and the video game God of War: Ragnarök.Her forthcoming new album ENN ties back to Eivør's Nordic roots. Most of the lyrics, sung entirely in Faroese, were penned in collaboration with the Faroese poet Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs. Eivør calls the lyrics to the title track especially “hardcore.” The song is about war—“the wars that are going on in the world especially lately, but that have always been going on,” Eivør says, “and how to find a glimpse of light in this overwhelming darkness.” The guttural penultimate track, “Upp Úr Øskuni,” is a thrilling outlier mixing growling beatboxing with visceral throat singing (it's certainly Eivør's most metal moment).ENN stands out among Eivør's discography as a bold new venture. Her debut for Season of Mist, the album leans heavier into dark electronics. Her new Prophet-5 synthesizer hardly made it out of the box before she keyed up “Hugsi Bert Um Teg”, a swooning bit of dream-pop that dances like the colors of the milky way.On a grand scale, ENN follows a cosmic arc. The title track is a symphonic, war-torn space odyssey. But the album also dwells on more earthly concerns. Lead single “Jardartra” is told from the perspective of a wounded mother earth, who calls to us with a steadily thumping bassline that's as dark and warm as our planet's molten core. “Come lie down in my blue embrace”, Eivør sings, reaching into her operatic register, as if beckoning us toward the light.On ENN, Eivør moves heaven and earth."Support the Show.

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Send us a Text Message.Join me in welcoming Jonathan Barendsma of Gealdyr, a rising star in the dark folk scene. In this conversation, Jonathan and I discuss the importance of music and art as escape and vicarious living for those in difficult situations, a mutual love of soundtracks, and dancing the line between Nordic and Celtic soundworlds.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.In this very special episode I'm joined by fellow musicologist and mentor Ross Hagen to talk heathen musicology and how he and Mathias Nordvig went about approaching "Ancestral North: Spirituality and Cultural Imagination in Nordic Ritual Folk Music" - a musicological book on the nordic pagan music scene. Thanks for the good hang Ross!"Ancestral North: Spirituality and Cultural Imagination in Nordic Ritual Folk Music offers a detailed exploration of Nordic ritual folk music, a music scene focused on the revival of ancient folkways and archaic music that has found remarkable popularity around the globe. Once the domain of Viking reenactors and neopagan practitioners, the niche sonic and visual aesthetics of this music have found widespread visibility through a new generation of popular films, television series, and video games. The authors argue that many of these musical and media products connect with longstanding cultural attitudes about the Nordic region that conceive of it as wild, exotic, and dangerous, while also being a place of honor, community, and virtue. As such, the Nordic region and its music often becomes a vessel for reactionary escapes from all manner of modern discontentment. However, the authors also posit that spending time re-creating the music of an imaginary past offers participants the possibility for engagement and re-enchantment in the multicultural present."Link to the BookAnd more importantly, the 30% off code! - LXFANDF30Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.https://seidrblot.bandcamp.comIn this interview, I'm happy to be joined by Visy Bloodaxe of Seidrblot to talk about a range of topics including the music he makes with the band, working with wood, how a love of medieval music led to him learning how to build his own instruments, and finding escape through music in a world filled with noise.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Do musicians get the final say in what their music is called, and is genre meant to be a literal descriptor of the music we hear?In the 3 years I've been running this channel, covering the music of Wardruna, Heilung, and almost everything in that sphere, I have had endless conversation over what to call this music with many alternatives offered for the sake of “anything but Viking music”. Dark folk, pagan folk, nordic folk (the worst option for reasons obvious to traditional musicians), heathen folk, new nordic folk… and even the major artists themselves have been outwardly disassociating from the level. But why don't any of the alternatives stick instead of Viking music?Join me in this conversation about the contentious yet seductive nature of the Viking music phenomenon from the perspective of an ethnomusicologist. Questions here are posed around the nature of genre, the binding themes of this music scene, artist and audience perspectives, and whether or not any of this is about historical accuracy at all, and if that matters to the ultimate enduring label of Viking music. Or, can we not change how we talk about Viking music at all before we change how we talk about the Viking age itself?My ultimate hope is that questions brought up in this video start some needed conversations to be carried on as this genre continues to grow, instead of continuing the trend of dancing around the subject as we run on the euphemism treadmill. Because remember, I don't have the answers, only the questions. The answers are what we as a community make them to be.Thank you for watching.-JamoSupport the Show.

Long have I been enchanted by the music of Ævestaden. The way these captivating musicians utilize instruments typically associated with dark folk (such as the lyre and bukkehorn), but instead put it in a folktronica setting where it somehow just fits so organically is a feat within itself. Solen var bättre där was on my top 10 albums of 2023 not only because of this incredibly original use of familiar instruments, but also because the songwriting is on another level of melancholy - reaching out to the feeling of nostalgia and yearning for a better time in a way that only music could. So, join me in welcoming Kenneth, Eir, and Levina onto the Nordic Sound Channel for the first (and hopefully not the last) time as they bring us into their musical world.Thumbnail photo: Klara BondPatreon.com/nordicsoundchannelaevestaden.bandcamp.comSupport the Show.

In this installment of the Nordic Sound Channel, I sit down with pagan folk veteran Kati Rán to talk about her two decades in the nordic dark folk scene, the changes she's seen take place over time, and of course, her new album Sála and her approach to the feminine skaldic perspective. Thanks for joining Kati, I'm really glad we got to tread some new ground for the channel in this chat!Support the show

A very different interview this time around talking to a fellow academic! Join me in picking Ruben's brain about his archaeology scholarship on immersive sound in museums and music's ability to cultivate affective attachment to our world and history.Support the show

What a crazy, eclectic month for Nordic music! As good a time as any to try out recording in 4k ;)All of the new music this month (including singles and others not included in the video) are now featured in the Nordic Sound Channel's Discovery playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LMGZolMTYQgLu0uFbEHgO?si=b43d29f7017d4917Join the patreon for the Nordic Sound Journal and the listening circles: Patreon.com/nordicsoundchannelWritten reviews over on Medium at Medium.com/@nordicsoundchannelTimestamps:0:00 Intro1:37 Lindy-Fay Hella and Dei Farne - Islet5:45 Udåd - Udåd9:03 Mads Kjøller Henningsen, Niller Rasmussen, Clara Tesch - Rundt Segen11:13 From the Infinite Light - Iterum Nata13:58 Gjenskinn - Nils Økland Band18:38 Men Gu∂s hond er sterk - Hamfer∂20:48 Odrüngal - NordstilleSupport the show

In this interview, I'm humbled to be joined by Lindy-Fay Hella of both Wardruna and Dei Farne to talk about her new album “Islet”, her undying love for Depeche Mode, and the mysteries of the sea. Thank you for joining, Lindy. As a long time fan, you have no idea how starstruck I am by the opportunity to chat with you about your music and our shared love of birds. Patreon.com/nordicsoundchannelMedium.com/@nordicsoundchannelSupport the show

Hailing from beautiful Värmland in Sweden, Andreas Axelsson of the project Nattramn joins Jameson to talk about his latest album Gravmarken, his inspiration, and what brought him to the Dark Folk scene. Like myself, he's of the mind that "less is more" and we dive into our philosophies around writing and performing dark folk music.And he's NOT the singer for Silencer!https://nattramnsvitjod.bandcamp.comSupport the show

In this interview, I am humbled to invite Jacob Hee Lund for his first appearance on the Nordic Sound Channel. Mostly known as a member of Heilung, Jacob is actually a man of many, many hats and is a seasoned performer in the medieval reenactment scene in Denmark. In this interview, he walks us through his background, his countless music projects he's contributed to as a percussionist, and offers advice and reflection for young musicians looking to make a full time career. Also, as a veteran of this music scene over the last two decades, Jacob gives us some much needed perspective on the evolution of this genre we begrudgingly call “Viking music” for want of a more satisfying name. We close with a discussion of his new drum project Thrymskapr and reminiscing on Heilung at Red Rocks. Considering how much we still had to talk about after almost two hours, let's call it a safe bet that Jacob will be back on the channel before long.Jacob's associated bands: Asynje (Viking, electronic, folk); Auroq (folk, early music, fusion); Heilung; Mallebrok (folktronica); Virelai (medieval/ Viking); Fabel (renaissance early music); Fortuna (early, classical music); Huldre (folk metal); Leikarar (medieval); Norerne (Viking music for Moesgaard Viking market 40 anniversary celebration); Wicked strings / Lilly and the wicked strings (gothic metal); Eldjudnir (black metal); Bo-Nordmand (Danish folk music); Maja Kjær si orkester (Danish raw folk music). He's also a session musician for Efrén López and Eivør.For those who want to further explore the musicians Jacob mentioned: Jordi Savall (viol da gamba) and Otava Yo (Russian folk)0:00 Preamble1:53 Introduction4:25 Jacobs background8:20 The drum in early Europe13:05 Back to Jacob's background!34:15 Versatility and working as a professional musician43:04 Heilung49:36 Reflections on “Viking” music scene54:30 How genres evolve1:06:00 Collective imagining through music1:13:58 Thrymskapr and knowing your roots1:26:55 Heilung at Red RocksSupport the show

PLEASE READ:This audio was stripped straight from Youtube, so I want to clarify for podcast listeners: I will be keeping up with reviews dedicated to podcast listeners even though this format will be leaving youtube. What this means for you all is, instead of getting audio from youtube videos for the podcasts, I will from here on out be recording these reviews specifically for podcast.Support music journalism through the Nordic Sound Journal: patreon.com/nordicsoundchannelChange is coming with the spring winds to the Nordic Sound Channel, all for the better. Stay tuned for a larger “state of the channel” address, and for a new battery of interviews.0:00 Preamble4:16 Torulf6:00 Akleja9:05  Tvinna10:15 Aegir11:05 Jonna Hinton12:43 Tyr14:58: Kati Rán16:27 Lindy-Fay Hella and Dei Farne18:29 Korpiklaani19:38 AfterwordSupport the show

Live from University of Colorado Boulder, I sit down with the one and only Nicolas Schipper of Heilung after the last stop on their U.S. tour.In this conversation, Nic tells us about his journey in Heilung as an immigrant from Ecuador, shares his thoughts on the ever-contentious conversation of cultural appropriation, and works through what "music as healing" means to him and his work for Vidaya Community. And, of course, everything in between.At the end of the video is a q/a section with the audience which also brings us to the beautiful story of Nicolas' body paint he wears on stage, what spirituality means to him through Heilung's music, and more.Support the show

January is usually a slow month for music in the post-holidays hangover. In spite of this, we've been given some pretty awesome singles from a wide range of bands and musicians since the new year. Let's get into the awesome singles Nordic musicians revealed to us so far in 2024, teasing some highly anticipated new albums from some of our favorite bands.Featuring: Gåte, Lindy-fay Hela and Dei Farne, Byrdi, Jonna Jinton, Aftenstorm, Iterum Nata, Robert Santa and Folket Bortafor Nordavinden, and Tvinna.Support the show

And I thought it was hard coming up with a top 5 list in 2022! Little did I know that in 2023, Nordic musicians - Norwegians in particular - would go so hard that I'd be forced to expand it to a list of 10 this year just to feel like I can paint a meaningful picture of this year's Nordic music scene. 2023 was an incredible year to be the Nordic music guy, and I look forward to the years ahead, especially considering how many of the bands towards the top of this list are just getting started. So, without further ado, let's bid farewell to 2023 and show it our appreciation by revisiting 10 albums that showed Nordic music, and the Nordic sound, as a force to be reckoned with this year.Support the show

To offer at least something festive to the channel, the holiday season gives me the perfect excuse to talk about the legendary Norwegian vision poem Draumkvedet, which has inspired so much music for such an old poem. This is also a little experiment for testing out content that ties folklore and music together because the relationship between the two in Nordic music is just so intertwined that it can't be ignored. Lastly, as a little easter egg, for those of you who have been around since the days of this being a classical music podcast, some very familiar names of Norwegian music history are going to come back around to emphasize the part they played in Nordic folklore and music history, featuring a wonderful piano sonata. So, let's dive into Draumkvedet, or the Dream Poem, for a very pagan Christmas storyTo look closer at the history of the poem: https://www.visittelemark.com/vest-telemark-museum/our-heritage/the-dream-poemSupport the show

The November 2023 installment of "this monthish in Nordic music" is here with great music from Gåte, Mari Boine, Sigrid Moldestad, Sowulo, and Kalandra! Also, some more band announcements for Midgardsblot 2024!Patreon.com/NordicsoundchannelSupport the show

Patreon.com/nordicsoundchannelWith this interview, I'm excited to introduce Noiduin as the first Finnish band to come onto the podcast! In this chat, Noiduin discusses their background as musicians, how Noiduin came to be (more romantic than one would expect!), and how Finnish folklore, rune singers, and witchcraft feed into the band's music.Other finnish musicians/bands recommended by Jemina and Henri:NestTenhiRuumistoGóiKallomäkiKarnehSupport Noiduin at:noiduin.bandcamp.comSupport the show

Reviews of new nordic music that came out in the last month (or a little bit more!) Let me know if this is a format to keep! Featuring: Myrkur, Mari Boine, Gjermund Larsen Trio, Tonskalv, and more!Support the show

patreon.com/nordicsoundchannelJameson had the opportunity at Midgardsblot to sit down with the wonderful witches of Mio to talk about how the band came to be how the magic happens with their music. Please go support this gem of Oslo's underground scene at mioofficial.bandcamp.comThis podcast is brought to you by the channel's dedicated and passionate patrons:-Gen-Colton-Drake-Carrie and Family-Simon-CindySupport the show

Let's talk about vikings, heritage, modernity, and spirituality.Support the show