Danheim has become one of the biggest names in Nordic folk, creating a massive universe of sound and story. His music, blending ancient mythology with modern production, has racked up over a billion streams. With his new album, Heimferd, on the way, we’ll be talking to Reidar Schæfer Olsen not just about his music, but also about the business of being an independent artist in the modern world and his journey from building his own brand to joining Seasons of Mist.
Reidar, thanks for your time. We had the great privilege of getting a preview of your upcoming album, Heimferd and wow, it’s seriously Incredible.
How has the conceptual focus of your albums evolved from “Skapanir” (Creation) to “Domadagr” (Day of Judgment) and finally to “Heimferd” (Homeward Journey)?
Across the three albums, the focus shifted a bit like an arc of a saga. Skapanir was rooted in the myths of creation, the birth of worlds and the awakening of something primal. With Domadagr, the music descended into the realm of judgment and destruction, capturing the chaos and inevitability of endings, much like Ragnarök itself. Heimferd turns inward, a sort of longing, reflection, and the acceptance that follows both creation and ruin. Together, they form a cycle: from beginnings, through endings, and ultimately to the return. Personally i have been traveling a lot the past couple of years, so this definitely inspired Heimferd in a way, being away from my homeland in sometimes long periods
What does the album title “Heimferd” mean in the context of your music, and how does it relate to the song “Stormdans”
Heimferd means “homeward journey,” a return to our roots or home/homeland. Stormdans was born from the vision of ancient Scandinavia under heavy skies, where the storm becomes a force you dont hide from, but move with. Its instrumental, but it carries a raw, epic energy of nature.
If a journey home is guided by mood and memory, can music itself become a kind of “home” that we carry with us, existing only in our minds and emotions?
Yes, I believe music can be a kind of home. A physical home may change or disappear, but music lives inside us, shaped by memory, mood, and emotion. For me, the sounds I create are tied to a sense of belonging, to the old ways, to nature, and to something eternal. When you carry that within, it becomes a home you can return to no matter where you are in the world.
With over 10 years of experience, how has your approach to songwriting and composition evolved from your early work to Heimferd? Do you still find yourself using similar creative methods, or have you discovered new ones?
In the beginning, my approach was very instinctual, driven mostly by raw inspiration and the urge to capture atmosphere quickly. Over the years, and especially with Heimferd, I’ve become a bit more deliberate in how I build my songs up and putting more effort into recording nature and surroundings in Scandinavia. I still rely on the same core instincts, but I have discovered new methods, both with with instruments, textures, and production techniques that allow me to shape the music with a bit more precision. But my goal is always and still is to create something that feels alive, something that awakens the imagination, and is deeply connected to the old North and spirit.
Your music is often based on the “darker side” of the Viking period. Can you share a specific story or piece of mythology that directly inspired a track on this album, and how you translated that mood into sound?
The title track Heimferd was directly inspired by the idea of the last journey after death, but also by accounts of near-death experiences. That blend fascinated me, so I spent some time researching what people hear and see in their NDEs, and I created sounds that echo those descriptions, layered with atmospheric textures to give the feeling of crossing over into another realm, and hopefully lets the listener sense both the weight of leaving and the mystery of what might await beyond.
After many years as an independent artist, this is your first Album release as part of the Season of Mist family. What were the decisive factors behind your decision to sign with a label, and how has that changed your creative or business workflow?
After many years of working independently, I reached a point where I needed more support. Handling everything alone gets difficult when you have such a big catalog of releases, and I wanted to make sure my music was protected and wouldnt suddenly disappear because of technical or distribution issues. I also wanted to take things to a higher level visually, with better quality videos to match the sound. Season of Mist felt like the right choice because they could provide that support while still giving me the freedom to create in my own way.
Many artists feel a disconnect between their artistic vision and the content restrictions of mainstream social media platforms. With the creation of Folkrealms.com, you’ve built your “own” space. What specific experiences motivated you to create an alternative to Facebook or Instagram?
Yes, FolkRealms is very much my passion project. Over the years, I began to really dislike how mainstream platforms treat creators and people in general – AI, algorithms that spews out constant ads and irrelevant posts, videos and pictures. Profit seems to always be at the forefront. I wanted to build something different, a place where people can connect directly without filters, and AI content and heavy monetization/ads, a place where heritage, music, and creativity instead are at the center. FolkRealms is my way of creating the kind of online space I always wished still existed today from the good old days of the internet. And i think smaller communities like these will become much more important when we head further into the future.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans or our readers?
I just want to thank everyone who listens and finds a connection in my music. It means a lot to know these sounds can travel into the world and become part of your own stories and memories.
Skål – a raised horn to you all
Heimferd
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