A created project relatively recent. Rідновір is a Ukrainian word meaning a person who believes in the native Gods.
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?
My name is Dmitry. I was born in Ukraine, and I am currently 44 years old. At the moment I live and work in Poland.
Tell us about “Ridnovir”?
I created this project relatively recently, around 2023. Before that I just played different melodies on various instruments. Then I decided it was time to finally put everything together and start making full-fledged music.
What does “Ridnovir” mean, and do it have a special meaning for you?
Rідновір is a Ukrainian word meaning a person who believes in the native Gods. That’s what Slavic people who believe in the old Gods are called — like Christians, Catholics, etc. With all my heart I am a deeply religious person, and for me Rідновір — that’s who I am.
Have you always played this kind of music?
I started playing music at the age of 13, mostly heavy metal. I came to folk music around 2013, when I started playing the jaw harp and shamanic drum. From there I continued little by little studying folk instruments and eventually came to what I play now.
Do you make or play other kind of music?
95% of the time I play only my own music.
Have you done any collabs and would you like to share with whom?
I have a joint project with the Polish artist Volhv, so together we became known as Volhv-Ridnovir, you can find us on YouTube. Our joint project made one music video with the well-known Polish band Percival Schuttenbach.
I also had experience collaborating with the famous Polish rapper Łukasino: I wrote the main melody for one of his projects, and for another project I also composed the melody and appeared in the video.
Would you like to do more collabs?
Yes, I would like to — and do — take part in different projects.
Do you have a favorite track yourself or maybe a band maybe?
Of course, there are very many, it’s impossible to list them all ☺️ It’s easier to name the bands — Vigundr, Wardruna, Heilung, Danheim, Heldom, and many others.
Do you believe in the old ways yourself?
Naturally, I believe in and follow my traditions and those of our ancestors — I am a Rodnover!
Where do you find your inspiration for your music?
I draw inspiration from various sources.
First and foremost, of course — nature, and also music, which I try to listen to constantly.
Do you have any music education, or have you learned yourself?
No, I don’t have a formal musical education — I’m self-taught since childhood: I listened, observed, and then reproduced.
How many instruments can you play on?
I play percussion, drums, guitar and bass guitar, flute, bagpipes, Talharpa, jaw harp, hurdy-gurdy, and others — in general, a lot ☺️
Can it be hard to find time for the music when work an life in general comes in?
For me, music is part of my life — I live it constantly, so it’s not difficult.
Tell us about the “Talharpa shop skald.com”
Talharpa shop skald.com is my dream. I’ve long wanted to build ancient musical instruments — I always liked their combination — and in 2019 I decided to make my first Talharpa for myself. After that I started studying the construction of other instruments and gradually expanded. My instruments are now all over the World.
Do you have any other interest like sport, crafting or carving – maybe gaming?
My main interests are my craft and music 👍😊
Do you have other plans with music soon maybe a new track or album?
Quite recently I got a recording studio, so I’m now recording a lot and my first album (In Glory of the Gods) will be released soon. It’s currently in the final stages — mixing and mastering — so I’m aiming for around September. I would like to separately thank my friend and wonderful girl Farewelleon, who is helping me create it.
Do you have anything you want to share with us about your music in general?
I compose in the Slavic-Scandinavian folk style, so in my album you’ll hear both Slavic and Scandinavian motifs. I am a Slav, but I honor and respect the Scandinavian tradition.
How does your plans for Ridnovir looks – like in 5 years?
My plan is to play on one stage with my favorite artists 👍☺️
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….
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