With combined Northern European and Anglo-Saxon ancestry, we gravitate toward Scandinavian music and soulful authentic instruments.
We are happy that you found the time for this written interview, we are all looking forward to hearing more about your music journey
Would you like to tell us a little about SonVanger?
Thank you for the opportunity to tell a bit about our story. We are a music and life partner duo made up of Heidi and Brandon. With combined Northern European and Anglo-Saxon ancestry, we gravitate toward Scandinavian music and soulful authentic instruments. We love to craft our own instruments so that we can hone our own authentic sound. These include large animal skin drums, Kravik Lyre, Tagelharpa, and antler/bone percussion. We are proud to be able to record and produce our own music here at home in the ‘Pixie’s Paradise’ Studio.
Where do you come from?
Heidi is originally from South Africa and Brandon from New Zealand. We are now both based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
What does SonVanger mean? And does it mean something special for you?
In Heidi’s native language, SonVanger is Afrikaans (similar to Dutch), meaning “Sun Catcher” – or “Catcher of the Sun”.
We feel very connected to the elements of nature (especially the Sun). It has always been an uplifting, recharging, energizing and healing source, often helping with getting over obstacles in life by offering guidance, boosting inner strength and courage.
The Sun holds transformative powers and energy which when captured, helps us to move and flow through stagnation – a natural practice that’s always been seemingly second nature. This directly relates to what we want our music to represent.
How long have you been playing and producing music?
We both started playing instruments in early high school (about 17 years ago). Heidi came from a background in guitar and vocals, while Brandon started with drums and vocals. Music production and recording is a more recent venture of the last 10 years or so
And how did it start with the music?
Heidi: In the early stages I started recording some Didgeridoo and vocals for Brandon’s bass music. We realized we were on the same frequency, and this evolved into becoming something of its own. This was 7 years ago now that SonVanger was born, and after a number of years refining our sounds, techniques, and instruments – we feel we are on a clear path forward.
What music inspired you at that time?
Wardruna and Eivor were the two main artists.
Do any of you have any kind of music education, or did you learn by yourself?
Heidi: I had casual guitar lessons in high school but soon moved to self-teaching through exploring and online tutorials. My vocals are self-taught over time. In more recent years I’ve been on a roll with learning various different instruments including Didgeridoo, Percussion, Kravik Lyre, and Tagelharpa – and expanding on vocal techniques.
Brandon:I was introduced to drumming in early high school. This quickly moved on to self-teaching as the school environment wasn’t very encouraging of black-metal or death-metal. After studying live sound, I branched out into self-taught electronic music production, DJing and running under-ground sound-system events for bass music, techno, jungle, and dub/reggae.
Would you like to do collabs with other musicians?
This is a possibility in the future.
Do you have a favorite band or musician that means more to you than others?
Heidi: I can’t quite narrow it down to one as Wardruna, Heilung, Eivor, and Kalandra are very strong inspirations. They each have their own way of clearly speaking to the soul.
Brandon:(and Heidi) would say Heilung, especially having experienced a live Ritual here in New Zealand and seeing the way they accessed other realms of existence, while also connecting with the local culture.
Do you make other kinds of music than what we know you for?
Brandon: I’ve made dark experimental bass music for a number of years, but this is soon to be wrapping up to focus solely on SonVanger.
Where do you typically get your inspiration to compose/ produce music?
Nature and the lessons she teaches us. Dramatic landscapes, such as snow-covered mountains, alpine shrublands, powerful rivers, and dense moss-covered forests, are the main focus of how we create an environment for each song. The love of these vast spaces and their ability to envoke emotions drives us to create music that may take listeners on their own journey.
Are you a believer of the Nordic/old ways or finding the history interesting?
We have a strong appreciation for Norse mythology and love constantly learning more about the history because it allows us to feel connected to all that came before us. Certain aspects of the old ways such as the use of Runes, rituals and offerings enrich our lives. Coming from different backgrounds/cultures, we have our own blend of beliefs rooted in Paganism and Animism.
Any new releases of tracks or albums soon?
We are currently working on a 13-track album.
With a few hundred hours of recording and production already put into it, this is a labour of love, and our largest project yet.
Do you have other interests like crafting, painting, games or carving?
Heidi: I’m creatively diverse with my main work being a full-time tattoo Artist (focusing on custom designs). In my spare time I paint with oils and acrylic, and draw. I dabble in photography. I love costume and stage design, sewing and leather crafting, gardening and growing vegetables, and frolicking in nature.
Brandon: I spend a lot of time in our small homework shop handcrafting all sorts of timber and metal items alongside the musical instruments as a self-taught carpenter. With an interest in precious metal, I’m gravitating towards learning to forge. I enjoy the home-gym and hill running. I also love baking wholesome foods to keep Heidi fed while she’s busy creating (she loves cookies).
Do you have like a 5-year plan with your music?
Our main priority now is completing the album, which will become a ritual for us to perform. In time, we aim to be touring New Zealand and abroad. We would also love to create cinematic videos to accompany the tracks on this album to further capture and express their essence.
We would like to thank you for answering our questions about your music, and glad we could do this written interview, we are sure many are happy to get to know you better.
Our links:
https://www.instagram.com/sonvangermusic
https://sonvanger.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/@sonvangermusic
https://soundcloud.com/sonvangermusic
