Gealdýr blends influences from Norse mythology, Celtic and medieval folklore to create ambient dark folk music. Featuring lyrics in Old Norse, Old English, and other ancient languages, the project captures the essence of historical and mythical stories.
Would you like to tell us a little basic about yourself?
Hey everyone! my name is Jonathan Barendsma. I am the artist behind Gealdýr. I have been making music for several years now with my music project Gealdýr. Besides my music I live together with my beautiful wife Adelaida in The Netherlands. We are a creative couple and besides our art we live to go out in nature when possible with my health.
Why the name “Gealdýr “?
I came once upon a white deer in the forest while thinking of a name for my music project. That’s what this is inspired by.
“Gealdýr ” what does that mean?
Gealdýr literally means White Deer. Geal from the Gaelic word for “White” and Dýr for the Old Norse word for “Deer”
Does it have a special meaning for you?
Yes, I like to believe that this meeting with the deer has a spiritual meaning. I don’t really believe in coincidences and sometimes things come on the right time.
How did it start with you and your amazing voice?
First of all thank you for the kind compliment! So actually I started to discover my voice during a very difficult period of my life with severe chronic health problems which is something that sadly doesn’t go away. In this time period I developed my vocals a lot because I felt the need to create more healing music in the world. Since music has been healing for me, this was my aim to create.
And what kind of music did you start with?
I did play guitar before and piano… I always loved to come up with all these melodies, but my vocals really started to develop in the difficult times.
What music inspired you back then?
Lots of music.
From Enya to Hans Zimmer, to Wardruna and bands like Heilung. Lots of other Celtic folk bands as well. Even Native American music has been a source of inspiration.
Have you ever played in a band?
No never.
Do you play any instruments and what kind?
Yes several. Kravik Lyre, Trossingen Lyre, Tagelharpa, Celtic flute, drums and I could add a couple more to the list.
Would you like to learn?
I would love to learn to play a Moraharpa! Or a Nyckelharpa!
Have you done any collabs with others and would you share with whom?
Yes! So far I have worked with Kati Ran, Danheim and A Tergo Lupi
Would you do any collabs. again?
Absolutely! Several coming soon!
Do you make or sing other kind of music, than what we know you for?
Not really no.
Where do you typically get your inspiration to compose/ produce music?
I would say nature, history and to be honest suffering from my health creates a lot of creativity in my head.
Are you a believers of the Nordic/old ways or finding the history interesting?
I see myself as an Animist. I believe that everything around us consist out of energy, frequency and vibrations. In other words everything has a form of life, This eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth gives me a lot of peace in my mind.
Do you sing at concerts or festivals?
No sadly this is health-wise, not possible.
Any new releases of tracks or album soon?
Yes! 12.12.24 my new album Cyning will release!
In your free time do you have other interest as sport or crafting maybe?
Actually I am a huge nerd who loves to explore history, Play video games, watch films and even paint miniatures.
We would like to thank you for answering our questions about your music, and glad we could do this written interview, sure many are interested in getting to know you better….
