“Pure handmade pagan folk with germanic, slavic and nordic influences”
We are happy that you found the time for this written interview, we are all looking
forward to hear more about your music journey
Would you like to tell us about yourself?
Hi, my name is Björn, also known as Galdraz Bero´ or Thorbjörn from Harugaz .
Thorbjörn is named from the famous skald Thorbjörn Hornklove. I am 47 years old, and I live in the middle of Germany.
Tell us about “Harugaz”?
I describe myself as a skald of modern times . I love to play on old historic instruments and bring their sounds in this new age. Mostly I write my own lyrics and verses about the historical places and happenings here around me. There are so many old forgotten story’s to tell . Sometimes I set old skaldic verses to music and translate a lot into my language. This is very important to me so that listeners can also understand the meaning of a song and its lyrics. I attach a lot of importance to authenticity and handmade music.
Many instruments I use are historical and I play elementary skaldic music, as it might have sounded 1000 years ago without all the technical stuff, programs and A.I. . But it’s always my own interpretation, no one really knows…..
What does “Harugaz” mean, and do it have a special meaning for you?
It’s an old German word for grove or altar of the gods. Christians demonized this, as they did many
things, and dismissed it as a pile of stones. Here in my historic homeland, there exist still visible
signs of the worship of ancient gods. I would like to remind listeners to visit these ancient sites and
honor the old beliefs of our ancestors.
Have you always played this kind of music?
No before I played guitar in some black and pagan metal bands. A few years ago, I developed health problems with my ear, so I had to stop playing this type of music for a while. Then I discovered what we might call pagan folk or folklore, which is a bit calmer and easier on my health in the long run.
Do you make or play other kind of music?
At the moment no, maybe If I feel like it again at some point, maybe some pagan metal again.
Have you done any collabs and would you like to share with whom?
Yes, I perform live with the fellow skald project Steineiche. It complements each other quite well, as more performers naturally have a more powerful effect than a single skald. We put together our best songs from Harugaz and Steineiche.
Would you like to do more collabs?
into a live set and then play a few times a year. Every now and then we help each other with our recordings, for example, the female singer has sung some of my songs, or we help each other out with different instruments.
Yes, I’m open to anything, as long as I like the other music project too.
Do you have a favorite track yourself or maybe a band maybe?
I listen to a lot of music from different genres. From Nordic folk, I would say A tergo Lupi, Hoar Frost .Yes I am a big fan and absolutely love this. But also the earlier and elementary albums of Wardruna and Einar Selvik and bands like Forndom, Osi and the Jupiter, Kaunan etc…..
Do you believe in the old ways yourself?
Of course, I live my life as a free pagan according to the cycle of the year and elemental forces, which are to be understood as the personification of the gods. I think I live with the flow of nature and try to interpret its forces in the way that feels right to me. There are no exact rules or regulations on how this or that should take place, because very little has been left to us, and we were not there ourselves. Certainly, there are some traditions that have survived the test of time and these should be continued. I honor the gods and ancestors as I see fit and I pass this on to my daughter, who will carry on the natural faith.
Where do you find your inspiration for your music?
It varies greatly. Sometimes when I read a story or a book. Or when I am lost in thought.
I often go out to nature and look for places of power where hardly any tourists would venture. There I find peace away from people, and sometimes I find inspiration for new ideas or even a guiding thought for my life deep within myself.
Do you have any music education, or have you learned yourself?
As a child, I had some guitar lessons and learned the basics of music notation and harmony. Otherwise, I taught to myself how to play some instruments.
How many instruments can you play on?
I’ve never counted them, haha. Some of them pretty good, some of them basically. A few instruments and I experiment a lot. My main instruments are probably the lyres, Trossingen, Kravik and Cologne. Otherwise, all kinds of guitars and cittern, bouzouki, mandolin, talharpa, drums, jaw harp.
Can it be hard to find time for the music when work an life in general comes in?
Yes, it can be very difficult in everyday life, but I take the time between family , friends , gigs and job. Sometimes I get very impatient to finally release my music, but everything takes time.
Do you have any other interest like sport, crafting or carving – maybe gaming?
Yes, I do a lot of sports, such as hiking, cycling bodybuilding and archery. It keeps my mind and body healthy. I only play video games very rarely. There are far more meaningful activities out there . For example early medieval reenactment which is another hobby of mine.
Do you have any plans of a new track or album soon?
First of all i should mention that I recently released my concept album Arkona and shortly after the full album Neun Welten and yes , many plans , many , I am currently working on a few cover songs that I will gradually release as videos, such as Voluspa and Glymdrapa with my German translation and lyrics. I am also recording new material, which I will first release on digital platforms and possibly on CD next year.
One of these is Morgenrot, a song that describes the concept of day and night. Then there is a new version of ,,die zwei Krähen´´ also known as Twa Corbies. Everything else is still under wraps.
Do you have anything you want to share with us about your music in general?
I am pleased that the pagan faith has gained more and more recognition and support in the last years, and perhaps my work with Harugaz can contribute to breaking down prejudices and half-knowledge in the minds of the general public, so that more people can confidently follow the old paths.
Many thanks to Sound Of Midgard for interesting, the interview and supporting Harugaz.
To all listeners and readers out there: Thank you for your support and enjoying my music. Stay who
you are, as free minds.
We would like to thank you for answering our questions about your music, and glad we could do this written interview, sure many are happy to get to know you better….
