RavenzCraft Arts presents
Agðir
1. First off we would like to welcome and thank the members and crew of Agdir for all of their work and time put into creating great music..and for taking the time to talk with us here today about their journey and experiences in life and music!
So let’s start off with a brief introduction, Tell us about Agðir, and its 2 members, when was it you two met and how long have you been producing music?
We have known each other for 20-something years, and got engaged 4 years ago. Living together gave us the opportunity to manifest our shared interest of music and Norse culture and history into a musical project, namely Agðir. Both of us have been active in different bands and projects for years, and Ruben is still very active as a composer and guitarist in the viking-metal band Blot.
We have known each other for 20-something years, and got engaged 4 years ago. Living together gave us the opportunity to manifest our shared interest of music and Norse culture and history into a musical project, namely Agðir. Both of us have been active in different bands and projects for years, and Ruben is still very active as a composer and guitarist in the viking-metal band Blot.
2. Can you tell us a brief history of how this idea of creating a musical project came about and originated? And what is the story behind its creation and the name "Agðir"
We approached this project from different angles, I think. Ruben, having a master’s degree in history, have long held a strong fascination for the viking culture and Norse history in general, in addition to having used several archaic musical instruments in different settings throughout the years.
Tyra Rachel, on the other hand, have long been into making spiritual world music, and that combined with her interest for the Norse culture in general made this a logical leap. With the renewed interest for all thing “viking” in this day and age, and the fact that we have a small, but highly functional studio in our home, made it possible for us to combine all of this to a musical project within the Norse genre.
The name Agðir is the old Norse name for the county we live in, and means something like “a peak or an edge where the land points out into the open ocean”, although different interpretations exist. We found this name very fitting, as this is our birthplace and current place of living, and has very old historical roots.
3. We also noticed that you create your own musical instruments and incorporate custom design into your work. Can you tell us more about how you obtain the materials and the process of creating them?
Having both joined “Agder Vikinglag”, the local viking community, we soon became fascinated by the prospect of making things for ourselves, be it clothes or instruments. Ruben has so far made several lyres, percussion instruments, as well as a large frame drum, in addition to be in the process of making some talharpas.
The materials can be quite challenging to obtain, due to rarity or other factors. We get most of the materials from local suppliers, and luckily have made friends within the viking community that can point us in the right directions when needed. Concerning the wood, the right dimensions have been the biggest challenge, as the goal have been to carve the instruments from one piece of wood. Bones, horns and rawhide have been donated by local hunters. The most challenging piece of instrument to make has been the large frame drum. The process of making the wooden frame was made using staves, which had to be of a very precise angle to fit properly, and later being sanded by hand to the right thickness. A larger job was the hide itself, that had to be scraped clean of hairs and hung to dry (indoors, since it was in the middle of the winter, and the smell nearly drove us insane.
Not enough incense in the world to overpower the smell of rotten decay, hehe.). But yeah, there is something special about playing an instrument that you have made yourself, you know every little detail by heart, and it really feels like an extension of yourself in a way. Also, these instruments, as well as the ones we have bought, are really dependent of the right temperature and humidity. They almost have a life of their own, and that brings something extra to the recordings, at least we feel that way. Oh, and making instruments are also a lot of fun, something more musicians should consider doing.
The materials can be quite challenging to obtain, due to rarity or other factors. We get most of the materials from local suppliers, and luckily have made friends within the viking community that can point us in the right directions when needed. Concerning the wood, the right dimensions have been the biggest challenge, as the goal have been to carve the instruments from one piece of wood. Bones, horns and rawhide have been donated by local hunters. The most challenging piece of instrument to make has been the large frame drum. The process of making the wooden frame was made using staves, which had to be of a very precise angle to fit properly, and later being sanded by hand to the right thickness. A larger job was the hide itself, that had to be scraped clean of hairs and hung to dry (indoors, since it was in the middle of the winter, and the smell nearly drove us insane.
Not enough incense in the world to overpower the smell of rotten decay, hehe.). But yeah, there is something special about playing an instrument that you have made yourself, you know every little detail by heart, and it really feels like an extension of yourself in a way. Also, these instruments, as well as the ones we have bought, are really dependent of the right temperature and humidity. They almost have a life of their own, and that brings something extra to the recordings, at least we feel that way. Oh, and making instruments are also a lot of fun, something more musicians should consider doing.
4. Tell us more about your country and homeland, I’m very interested in Norway and it’s culture, throughout our interview project we have discovered quite a few talented musicians and artists that come from Norway. Can you explain to us more about why Norway has such a big turnout of great artists and music?
How has it influenced you personally?
Norway is a country where bands, and especially young musicians, can get funding and help from the government, and also be encouraged to pursue their musical ambitions. This culture, I think, has made it easier for musicians to thrive and experiment musically, and perhaps has made it possible for some really talented individuals to be known to the wider world. Culturally Norway is also very aware of its roots and history, and it’s not uncommon for different musical genres here in Norway to borrow from our folk music traditions, something that often gives Norwegian music a certain “flavor”. Although we live here and see it every day, most Norwegians are still in awe of the beauty of the Norwegian nature, and it certainly makes an imprint on the music, perhaps in the viking/norse genre more than others.
For us personally, living more or less in the countryside, right beside a beautiful river with hills, forests and wildlife all around, makes a large impact in our music.
5. So common question who are your favorites of today as far as musicians or artists that you currently follow and listen to today?
This is a tough one, since our musical preferences are quite varied. A common theme, though, is that we often prefer music with a certain “folk” element to it, be it bluegrass, gypsy music, Nordic folk, or world music in general. Of course, metal is also a genre that is played a lot. Of course, within the Norse folk genre, it would be almost impossible not to mention Warduna, Forndom, Danheim and Heilung, but our inspirations stretches far beyond these names alone.
6. Can you tell us about any important personal or professional role models or people you looked up to in the music and art world that inspired and influenced you in the past or at a young age?
I think we have to make two short lists here, one for both of us...
Ruben: For me, growing up in the era of rock, some of the first names and artists that touched and formed me as a kid and teenager was Cat Stevens and Egdar Broughton. Something very special and magical about the song that these two created, so already then I blended the world of folk and contemporary in a way that suited me.
Later on I discovered the haunting world of Mr.Doctor through Devil Doll, something totally different than anything I had previously heard, and that made a huge impact on me musically. Throughout my life metal has always been a genre that influences me, but in later years I find inspiration in lots of genres, if the songs are capable of striking a nerve, or so to speak. In other words, today I’m not that focused on the artists themselves, rather the expression of the music and the feelings the songs invoke.
Later on I discovered the haunting world of Mr.Doctor through Devil Doll, something totally different than anything I had previously heard, and that made a huge impact on me musically. Throughout my life metal has always been a genre that influences me, but in later years I find inspiration in lots of genres, if the songs are capable of striking a nerve, or so to speak. In other words, today I’m not that focused on the artists themselves, rather the expression of the music and the feelings the songs invoke.
Tyra Rachel: Being born in the late 70’s with 2 “hippie” parents, I was at an early age introduced to artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Kate Bush, Mike Oldfield, B-52’s and so on. At a really early age (approx. 4 years old) I started to meditate and take “inner” journeys to music. I experience music in colors, shapes and waves, so it’s always been important to me that music can guide or take me on that journey regardless of the genre.
During my teenager and young adult years, I experimented a lot with different genres of music and I think I have been listening to every exiting genre there is from metal, prog rock, EBM/Electro to folk and classical always searching for the music that can provide that “story” of “journey”. If I have to mention names, it would be Kate Bush, Lisa Gerrard, Mari Boine, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave and Maynard James Keenan.
During my teenager and young adult years, I experimented a lot with different genres of music and I think I have been listening to every exiting genre there is from metal, prog rock, EBM/Electro to folk and classical always searching for the music that can provide that “story” of “journey”. If I have to mention names, it would be Kate Bush, Lisa Gerrard, Mari Boine, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave and Maynard James Keenan.
7. We have just recently discovered Agðir so we have not heard every song yet, but from what we have heard you definitely have talent and I’m interested to ask if you ever have wanted to collaborate or create a single or project with another artist of your genre?
We can’t talk specifics, but yes, we do have plans regarding something along those lines. Stay tuned, you might be surprised!
8. So we are excited to see you have released a new teaser EP video recently, any updates or news you can slip up or give us any more info on or mention for the upcoming year of 2019?
We have a lot going for this year. The reason 2018 was a bit slow, was that we had to relocate the studio due to flooding, and the recording conditions was, for that time being, below optimal. Now we have a small, but decent studio set up in our house, and a lot of new gear is expected to arrive soon. The EP will feature 4-5 songs, but it’s not impossible that you might hear even more from Agðir this year. Fingers crossed!
9. So back to Agðir and your process of creation, do you have special recording settings such as out in natural settings, near water or deep in nature to create your music?
Any special techniques or unique things you do to create the sounds and ambience of the music?
As mentioned, the condition of the studio itself is really important, both when it comes to the gear itself, but also the acoustic environment. But yes, we have had sessions where we recorded some elements outside in the nature, and that gives the songs a certain flavor and feel. As we do live close to nature and right beside a beautiful river, that is something that we try to incorporate, both acoustically and inspirational. Regarding gears for recording outside, I highly recommend the Zoom H4N, or something along those lines, just remember to bring a wind cap for the microphones.
10. What has being a musician/artist brought into your life? Any amazing events or milestones in your personal career that you are proud of?
Any meet ups with people you admire or random opportunities that have come about from being an artist involved in the folk/viking genre music scene?
Music itself, and the process of making it, really gives us purpose and joy. Having played gigs and concerts with other bands throughout the years, for Agðir, that is not the driving force in what we do.
The aspect of musical creation is what we are all about. Of course we have met and talked to a variety of well-known artists within the viking/norse community, and we do know a few of them personally. Musicians or not, within this community, one gets inspiration from many different relations.
The aspect of musical creation is what we are all about. Of course we have met and talked to a variety of well-known artists within the viking/norse community, and we do know a few of them personally. Musicians or not, within this community, one gets inspiration from many different relations.
11. So what do you enjoy doing outside of creating music? Any interesting hobbies or things you are involved in that may be of interest? Can you tell us a bit more about your spiritual path and following?
Family is important for us, as well as meaningful working careers. Being a part of the Viking community also enables us to practice different forms of crafts, which we find interesting. Ruben enjoys woodworking, and Tyra Rachel are more into textile working and weaving. Regarding the spiritual aspect, this is more of a personal issue that we do not want to elaborate to deeply. Within our music you will find hints, but we do believe that every person has its own personal path, and that you have to find this for yourself. That being said, spirituality is indeed an important driving force behind our music.
12. So for the technical creators out there .. as far as equipment for recording music and photography, what brands or programs have you used for recording and production?
Any helpful or good software you can suggest for other artists trying to produce or record music?
Today it’s a lot easier to produce music than it used to be. Modern DAW software are excellent, and even with midrange equipment, one can produce decent songs. We use Cubase Pro as the main DAW-program, but any of the major brands are really just as good, it’s all about what you’re used to. A decent computer is a must, and I would highly recommend that you invest in a SSD-disc, at least for the system disc, as well as enough memory. That really makes a difference in production speed and ease.
For the rest of the gear, budget microphones and equipment gets you very far, but do put some time and effort into threating your studio environment acoustically, that makes a much larger impact on the sounds then the brand or price-tag on your studio gear, usually. When it comes to plugins, most stock plugins are just great to use. However, I really enjoy some of Fabfilter’s plugins, as well as Waves plugins, even though they are somewhat expensive.
A pair of decent monitors are also a good investment. When it comes to photography, we do have a preference for DSLR cameras, but really, mobile phone cameras has really evolved the last year, and one does not longer require expensive equipment to get decent results, which is a good thing. For processing photos, Photoshop is a great program, but one can get by with a number of free programs nowadays.
13. These days promotion and the music scene has changed a lot ..it is very difficult sometimes to get exposure and create a following for your music or business ...if you don’t know social media and the right places to promote you can be overlooked very easily regardless of talent....this is why we look to help out talented artists like yourself...
We really do appreciate the interest, and the opportunity to be known to a larger audience. As mentioned, Agðir is really a personal project for us, and that brings the danger of overlooking the people that might actually be interested in what we do.
Exposure is definitely important to bring our music “out there” and the unexpected benefit of a larger interest is that it can really give us inspiration to keep going. With the release of the EP this year, we hope to create new interest for what we’re doing.
Exposure is definitely important to bring our music “out there” and the unexpected benefit of a larger interest is that it can really give us inspiration to keep going. With the release of the EP this year, we hope to create new interest for what we’re doing.
14.Any words of wisdom or advice for upcoming artists or for people struggling with life in general trying to pursue a career as a musician?
Try to make music that you yourself would want to hear, not just music you think other people might like. That way you will bring more of yourself to what you do, and the audience will hopefully pick up on this and enjoy it even more. It can be difficult sometimes to juggle all the different aspects of life and get enough time, but prioritizing is key. But mostly, remember to have fun with what you’re doing, making and performing music is extremely enjoyable.
We just wanted to thank Agdir again for taking the time to talk with us and share with the rest of the world a bit of the perspective from the eyes of an artist and musician...this career path is not an easy one...one of the most important things in this world is music...so I think artists and musicians are highly under rated and should be paid and respected alot more ...music is what brings us all together ...it has brought us all here today as well ...
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Follow and support Agdir here at these links below for all the new content and new releases
https://agdir.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AgdirNorway/
Follow and support Agdir here at these links below for all the new content and new releases
https://agdir.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AgdirNorway/
Thank you all and we will see you next time!
Plenty more events and interviews to come in 2019!
This interview was conducted by
Plenty more events and interviews to come in 2019!
This interview was conducted by
-Tim Raven Rotar of RavenzCraft Arts
-we do not claim any rights to images
-we have permission from creator to use for promotional purposes
-we do not claim any rights to images
-we have permission from creator to use for promotional purposes
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