Friday, 21 October 2022

Dutch Dungeon Synth Band Nortfalke



                                                                        Image from Facebook


The band name Nortfalke represents an interest in the mysticism of the Middle Ages and “nature and dark energy”, according to the band.     Using the word Nort meaning North in the local official language of Schiermonnikoog, and Falke, the word for the falcon, Nortfalke is a name that expresses both the band’s Northern European culture, the winter and harshness of that season as well as the power and stature of a bird of prey.

 With a grandfather that was a great local jazz pianist Nortfalke founder explains “I think he inspired me a lot to make music and get lost in the world of sounds”.  Having taken piano lessons from around seven years of age, by thirteen he was playing music in a band. By fifteen years of age he was performing Doom Metal and Black Metal.  Influenced by bands such as Norwegian Black Metal band Burzum and more recently non-commercial music styles such as the Berlin School and Krautrock. 

 “I am writing soundtracks for nature, at least this is how I see it” is how Nortfalke founder describes his music.  Finding endless inspiration in heavy clouds, the stormy sea and the forest by night, he also incorporates spirituality and mysticism into his music.  “There must be something hidden within the music.”  Inspired by old and obscure movies from the 70s and 80s, sword and sorcery movies such as “Hawk the Slayer” and “Conquest”, Nortfalke creator also cites French filmmaker Jean Rollin’s films as a source of inspiration.

 The sophisticated ambient Dungeon Synth music created by Nortfalke involves “analogue synth bass or nice cosmic sequence, a big wide pad with a great strymon hall/delay”.  Once the first tones are heard Nortfalke finds the inspiration flows. Dutch recording engineer and musician  JB Van Der Wal has helped with the mixing of most of Nortfalke’s albums

 When describing his creative process Nortfalke founder explains “First I get a global idea of the direction and atmosphere.” Once he has decided what synths to use he says “the magic happens”. Although he has endless inspiration time is always a limiting factor on how much he creates.

 Nortfalke is very involved in the aesthetic and style of the music produced by the band.  “I did make the frames for the debut and made the artwork of Schijnsel by old school cut and paste.”  Nortfalke founder explains that he makes most of the band photographs himself .  For Seefonktjuenderee, Frank Verhulst did the band photo and helped out with some of the band’s artwork.  Several individuals have also helped bring aesthetic and artistic aspects of Nortfalke to fruition.

 The joy of playing live music is enhanced for Nortfalke by meeting new people and catching up with old friends.  “My music is very layered so it's not possible to re-create it exactly like on the record” explains Nortfalke founder and this as well as technical difficulties can cause some stress but playing live allows Nortfalke to visit new places and go out beyond the recording studio.

 Having just completed a tour with Swiss Extreme metal group Bölzer,  Nortfalke’s future plans involve making more records,  “I hope to create music like this for a long time.”  While currently working on a spiritual, ambient album Nortfalke also plans to create a Berlin School or Krautrock style album.  Nortfalke has lots of future ideas including “a total old school ds album” and “an album with only casio’s” as well as album “without synths but with other instruments such as piano and organ.”  A film score is also a future ambition of Nortfalke.  In the near future Nortfalke will be featured on an upcoming compilation of Dutch Dungeon Synth via Heidenshart Records with other bands such as Old Tower and Vetus Supulcrum. 

 For those who have never listened to any of Nortfalke’s music the band suggests “take your time to listen to it, you really need time to get into it.”  Nortfalke founder says “I make music for myself” but “if others like it that’s a big bonus.”   If you enjoy stylish ambient Dungeon Synth music with a provocative spiritual twist Nortfalke are for you.

 

 Links :

Spotify : Spotify – Nortfalke 

Facebook : (1) Nortfalke | Facebook

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9HB2cI_BD20L96fK6ZdTMg



 


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