WALDKAUZ
Medieval Band
unlike the enclosed, sardine-packed stadium concert experience of modern civilization, in ancient times musicians took their instruments into the wilds and listeners danced barefoot beneath full moons, on mountaintops, where the gods and spirits of old could eavesdrop on the revels. Music was both an offering and a gateway to “ekstasis”—a state of being that meant to “stand outside oneself”.
Today, there is a wave of interest in returning to music inspired by times of old, and audiences around the world are passionate about medieval bands—from Pagan-Folk to Metal. Instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and the Irish bouzouki are invoking an ancient air, but their 21st century translators are rocking out and casting an irresistible spell.
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It is my pure delight to profile the German band Waldkauz (Owl), a group of four inspired musicians who celebrate the magic of the changing seasons, mythological ethos, and the spirits of haunted places. Their mesmeric rhythms pulse with joy, the poetic life force of dappled forests, and freedom of the untethered human soul. Niklas Algastra, Nina Green, Gina Klause, and Peter Trom possess beautiful harmony both in life and music, and their concerts are testimony to this uncommon bond.
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It was a pleasure to to get a glimpse into the inner world of these extraordinary young musicians. Here is Niklas—speaking on behalf of the group—in his own words, followed by links to the Waldkauz website, their videos, and albums. Enjoy!
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Photography:
Q: As musicians who are inspired by the soul of nature and times past, what do you hope to bring to our modern times through your music?
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A: I don't think that we have one specific agenda or goal with what we are doing. We do like to convey a certain way to view the world , a way that feels natural to us. To learn from past events, to speak to our shared history and emotions, emotions that people all over the world share. We feel that myths have a universal truth hidden in the narrative. To unearth that truth and share it with our listeners is pretty important to us.
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Q: Your music speaks to the listener in a very deep way that is almost cellular. There is also a lot of joy and prana (life force) in your songs. As performers, do you feel this life force yourselves? Do you intentionally tap into this great energy or does it happen naturally?
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A: Playing live is certainly a very special feeling. To move in this intricate dance, to exercise what you have practiced over and over again and then lose yourself in that moment is incomparable. There are certain things happening in your head before you go on stage to sort of get in the zone, but when everything goes right all of that is forgotten once you start playing and it’s just pure energy between you and the audience. As far as the music is concerned, there are of course songs that lend themselves more easily to this phenomenon—for example, a song with a driving, trance-like rhythm in contrast to a ballad.
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Q: Before you go on stage, go on retreat to compose, record at the studio, or rehearse, is spiritual ceremony a part of your process?
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A: We do make an effort to have a shared moment before we go on stage, take a few deep breaths together, stand in a circle and have a small drink. We established that not too long ago and it feels very right to start a performance that way. We also make a point to celebrate certain events together like the equinoxes to strengthen our bond and be more aware of the passage of time and seasons.
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Q: As creators and mystics, how do you balance the everyday world with your inner lives?
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A: Everyday life and the everyday world can be exhausting, I think most people would agree to that. We try to create a place where we can take a rest from that, a place where people can feel safe and have their emotions validated. I wouldn't want to withdraw from the “real” world completely, however. It's important to keep an open mind and be aware of how the world changes and then react accordingly. Struggle and adversity have always been benefactors for the arts.
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Q: Not many people know about the hurdy-gurdy or the Irish bouzouki as an instrument. How were you first introduced to it and what inspired you to play it?
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A: I think most of us were introduced to these instruments by being fortunate enough to stumble upon a medieval fair! There are fairs scattered throughout Germany and sometimes what you hear resonates with you. For me it certainly was that way.
The biggest inspiration to me was listening to the German pagan-folk band FAUN and having the wish to create something similar. That’s why I started with Irish bouzouki and now, the nyckelharpa.
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Q: The music business can be challenging on many levels, and unfortunately, escapism is a common prepotency among many musicians. Clean living seems to be evident in your performances and music—how do you maintain this connection to what matters most, especially when on the road?
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A: Well, when you are on the road you have to make compromises. A lot. Sometimes we try to prepare and bring our own things, but that is stressful in a different way. So the mental preparation is truly done at home to create a sort of inner reservoir from which to draw when times are a bit more tough. But sometimes it can also be an interesting experience to indulge in some hedonism, it just can't become a habit!
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Q: Where is the strangest but most inspiring place where you’ve played music? If in the wilds, please describe. What was this experience like?
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A: We recently started playing “unplugged” concerts in churches, not to too may so far, but it is something that we plan on expanding on. It might be considered strange, since we all heavily lean towards paganism and are skeptic towards organized religion in general. But mostly we have found the people there to be nothing but friendly and forthcoming. And as with most things, mutual respect is the key. Having the opportunity to play under the open sky or in a forest is always a great treat, to have your music almost feel like a natural part of the world is such a serene sensation.
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Q: What part do dreams, poetry, and art play in your creative nourishment?
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A: All those things play major roles in creativity. I think it is very rare for an artist to not be very involved in also consuming or appreciating other art (forms). Often you find a new idea or a spark of inspiration in a piece of art that has nothing to do with the sort of thing you yourself do. It's amazing to see that we all tap into that same well!
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Q: Imagine playing for the gods of old… Where are you performing, what time of day is it, and who is dancing?
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A: It is night, a moonlit hill with a big fire. Everyone has taken human form so you can hardly tell who is mortal and who is divine. We play by the fireside and everyone is dancing until dawn!
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Q: How have you witnessed the healing power of music and how has it changed your life/lives?
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A: For me personally it has a lot to do with dedication and purpose. I had hardly committed to anything in life, but once I started playing with the band it felt like I had a purpose and a goal, despite the goal being somewhat vague. So, there is a lot of healing power in that. I don't think I would feel as much “myself” as I do now.
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Q: As creative beings, what other forms of expression are part of your lives other than music?
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A: Music is pretty much the first priority and very consuming. But we all do small things on the side. We draw, write, prepare a nourishing meal or tend to a garden. All those things are very true ways of expressing yourself.
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Q: What do you envision for the future of our planet? What do you hope to contribute to the world through your music? Emotionally, spiritually, what would you like your audiences to take home with them?
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A: I tend to be somewhat pessimistic regarding the future, but if I were to decide what would happen I would wish for international capitalism to go away for good and for people to share everything equally. But what we hope to communicate may be something along the lines of: Seek wisdom in unexpected places, show empathy, love each other.
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Q: In your opinion, what can each person on earth do to raise the frequency?
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A: Make your own things, be aware of things great and small, and go to the sea and mountains.
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Official music video highlight:
YouTube (all content)