Passive Aggressive Conversations #3: Spellcaster
Maite Cintron, with Ivna Franic and Macon Holt
Passive Aggressive Conversations is our new podcast series hosted by two Passive/Aggressive journalists, Macon Holt and Ivna Franic, where we dive deep into some of the emerging sounds within the Danish music scene and their unique forms of expression. In each episode, we sit down with an exciting new independent artist, and they share their creative processes, inspirations, and the stories behind their captivating soundscapes. Ranging from singers to performance artists to interface creators, we explore the diverse landscape of music in Denmark in its many stages. Here, we shine a spotlight on those who are bringing meaning through experimentation, each with their own special twist.
In this episode, we get to know the world of composer, musician, producer and vocalist Holger Hartvig, also known as Spellcaster as well as Anybard, and Anybardinthegrass. Hartvig shares with us some of their inspirations including Robert Ashley, Cornelius Cardew, and the soundtrack of the video game Heroes of Might and Magic III. They open up about their process for creating characters for their storytelling, playing with fictional narratives in their music and discuss their use of roleplaying and game systems as tools for composing, imagining characters’ stories, and their performances. These games and systems have allowed Hartvig to design their own musical frameworks and create fragmented soundscapes tied together with their vocals and narration. Through this experimentation, Hartvig’s music evokes a sense of fantasy and brings audiences deeper into the world of their characters. Check out this episode if you are interested in hearing more on their recent libretto, their album Memo, and exciting news on new projects.
Tracklist:
Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Gameplay
Hammer of the Working Class: Cornelius Cardew
Passive Aggressive Conversations is a collaboration between The Lake Radio and Passive/Aggressive. Passive/Aggressive and this project is generously supported by Tuborg Fondet, The Danish Arts Foundation, Augustinus Foundation and Koda Culture.
