Ari Vasudur is a German folk musician with nordic and slavic influence in his music. Music of importance to the old values and customs.
We are happy that you found the time for this written interview, and we are all looking forward to read more about your music
Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?
Well, I’m a nature-loving person. I especially like spring when, after this long, gray time, everything comes alive. But I also like winter when it’s snowy. Unfortunately, here in Central Germany we don’t get to experience a snowy winter so often anymore. It’s usually gray and foggy here, especially here right on the Elbe.
What else can you say to me?
I like solitude on some days. I usually find it on my motorcycle, I enjoy that. when the streets are empty. I enjoy to do this in the evening hours in summer when the fresh scent of the grainfields and of the forests can
be smelled. I also enjoy the company after the loneliness. When I meet up with friends after a ride and enjoy a glass of whiskey by the fire with them. These are the little important things for me that make me feel alive in a fast-paced world and society.
What does “Ari Vasudur” mean and does the name means something special for you?
The name Ari Vasudur doesn’t have much meaning. It just became my artist name and was created when I
founded a medieval interest group with my friends. We tried to give each other fictitious names that fit and I really liked this one. This name has manifested itself over the years in such a way that I am largely known in the medieval scene under the name Ari.
How long have you been producing music?
I have been producing music since 1996, but it is a completely different genre that I have distanced myself from more and more. However, I have enjoyed playing instruments since I was a child. I come from a musical family.
And how did it start for you with producing music?
As I said, I’ve been making my own music since 1996. When I would be going to a lot of discos back then. I have met people who wanted to make music with me and from this friendships developed, and one thing led to another. After producing some stuff for other artists from 1998 to 2016, I lost the motivation and interest in that genre of music. In 2014 I made my first attempts at producing the music that I am now currently
making. In 2016 is when I found myself in this genre of music, I started producing the album Clotna. This had its ups and downs during this process, some things developed differently than initially expected.
Have you always produced this kind of music, or have you been on a journey?
Yes, it ́s been a journey for me. My uncle would teach me lessons to play the guitar.
When I was a child I build a drum kit out of buckets. Then he gave me an actual drum kit for my birthday. I was so euphoric that I invited my cousin to start a band.
Unfortunately, we didn’t really get along when it came to music, but that was probably because we had no real plan. With my first apprentice salary I bought myself an expensive keyboard with recording function and started my first steps. At some point computers came into play and that with that it became easier and easier to make and produce music. I tried my hand at classical music with my keyboard, but computers made sampling interesting. I produced my first beats that a few guys wanted to rap to later. I was really into hip hop stuff in the90s. I also tried rapping but found that it wasn’t my strength. LOL
So, I stayed a producer. Many years later I discovered this type of music I was so taken with it and could feel so much that I wanted to make it myself.
Do you make other kind of music than what we know you for now a days?
Yes, I like to experiment in other styles but it’s not something I’m going to publish. it’s just for fun for myself.
Have you ever been in a band?
Yes, I was in an EBM band as a keyboard player for a while, but the lack of discipline in the band we didn’t stay together for long. For a while I was also on the road with the guys from the hip hop scene in a three-person team.
Do you sing?
I actually try to sing in my pieces every now and then.
Done any collabs and with whom?
There were some collaborations in the hip hop era but the most important collaborations for
me were those with Steineiche and Nerium as well as with Eela Myr.
Any collabs in the future?
I have a few ideas floating around in my head, but that’s still a long way off. You’ll definitely be
hearing more of me with Asmodis in the near future.
Do you have a favourite track or maybe a band?
I like listening to so many artists. Everyone has their own style and recognition value. I don’t want to limit myself to a few, but I can say that I was very lucky to have a collaboration with one of these artists.
Do you believe in the old ways yourself?
It always depends on which customs are meant, but on the whole, I attach a lot of importance to the old values and customs. I’m not the kind of person who dances around a fire at certain times, but I treat such
things with great respect and delve deeply into the matter when I have the opportunity to experience certain things.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find my inspiration in what surrounds me, what concerns me and what I would like to make of it. Around a fire at certain times, but I treat such things with great respect and delve deeply into the matter when I have the opportunity to experience certain things.
Do you have any music education, or have you learned yourself?
Everything you hear from me is learning by doing.
Do you play any instruments and which ones?
All the instruments you hear in my songs are self-played. But I like playing the lyre the most, it’s the best way for me to switch off.
Can it be hard to find time for the music when work and life in general comes in?
This is a problem that is omnipresent.
There are days when I want to do something, but I don’t have the spirit to be creative because work, obligations and family are always calling for me. Anyone who has a hard job and a family with children understands this.
Do you have any other interest like sport, crafting or carving – maybe gaming?
Yes. I also fight Huscarl. I enjoy it and it’s a good way to get rid of negative energy. I also like going out with my family and my medieval group. To compensate, I primarily like to ride my motorcycle to unwind.
Games, when computer games are meant. Yes, there are some games that I enjoyed playing. But I have to say that if you want to be creative, have a job and a family, no games fit in between. I haven’t bought a
current game for years because I’m aware that if I do, a lot of time will be lost, and other things will be left behind. I’m approaching 50 and if I really want to do something, I can’t buy any games.
Any new releases of track, album or collabs soon?
Not soon but it will happen. – New tracks are already in the works.
Going to play music on festivals next year?
No. I haven’t accepted any of the requests so far. I’m currently working with Asmodis on how we can present live together.
We would like to thank you for answering our questions about your music, and glad we could do this written interview.
