Eurovision

Faun: “Back then, people lived closer to nature.” [Interview]

With Germany choosing their Eurovision entry tonight, escXtra.com spoke to one of the biggest names in the selection. This medieval folk music group is insanely popular in their genre, but can their music convince the general public? We spoke to Faun! Read what founder Oliver s.Tyr had to say below!
escXtra.com: Hey Oliver! First of all, congrats on being in Unser Song für Österreich!
Oliver s.Tyr: Thank you so much.  Yes, this is a really exciting adventure for us.
X: Could you tell us something about yourselves?
O: Our band has existed now for more than 12 years and we combine medieval music, celtic folk and powerful drums/beats with our own songs and ballads.

Pan
Painting of Pan: Le Faune by Carlos Schwabe (1923)
X: Where does the name Faun come from?
O: “Faun” is another name for “Pan” who, was an ancient god and was worshipped as the protector of nature.
X: Your style is described as pagan folk. Could you tell us what that is?
O:  It was difficult to find a music genre that would fit our mix of folk instruments, medieval ballads and contemporary elements.  Pagan has come to mean a religion which respects nature and this is where we get most of our inspiration from. Therefore, we simply created our own genre and called it Paganfolk.
X: Your music has a lot of medieval influences. What is it you like so much about the Middle Ages?
O: For sure medieval times were not better or more pleasant than our time, but there are certain aspects that we simply neglect today.  Back then, people lived closer to nature and had a bigger respect for it.
Folk tales, fairy tales and myths had still a greater value and helped us understand that we are part of a world that is very much alive.
X: You’re one of the biggest names in the selection, you are one of the favourites to win. How do you handle a position like that?
O: To be frank, that makes us even more nervous!  We have the feeling that we not only represent our band here, but also the Scene that we come from, that has supported us for so many years.
X: Why did you decide to enter Unser Song für Österreich?
O: We really believe in what we are doing and hope to inspire many people to have a greater respect for nature and myths again, to read more fairy-tales, to go into the woods more and maybe to spend a night at a bonfire with us at a medieval market.
X: What can you tell us about the songs you’re going to sing in the show, Hörst Du Die Trommeln and Abschied?
O: The first song is called “Hörst du die Trommeln”.  It is a powerful, archaic song with big drums that talks about the necessity of not neglecting our dark and wild side.  The second song, much more romantic,  is called “Abschied “.  With celtic harp and female vocals, it talks about the nature of your homelands which can give you strength from afar.
The Externsteine in the Teutoberg Forest Source: Teutobergerwald.de
The Externsteine in the Teutoberg Forest
Source: Teutobergerwald.de
X: What’s your favourite place in Germany?
O: I really love to spend time in nature, taking hikes in beautiful places. Therefore, it is hard to pick only one!  But for sure, one of the most impressive places are the Externsteine, or Extern Stones, a very old natural monument in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a great historical site, but also a magical place, with a very strong power.
X: Are you Eurovision fans?
O: Yes, first of all we are real music nerds and think there should be much more music happening on TV.  But, also, we love folk and traditional music and think it is very interesting how many bands incorporate traditional music elements, from their countries, into this big music contest.
X: Do you have an all time favourite Eurovision song?
O: As a German, there is always the melody of “Ein bisschen Frieden” in the back of your head when you hear the word Eurovision.  But also acts like Conchita Wurst and Lordi we liked a lot.
X: Finally, do you have a message for the readers of escXtra.com?
O: Go into the woods, make music yourself, read folk tales, experience nature as a living organism and maybe visit us at a medieval market or on our Luna Tour, this March and April,  in Germany.
escXtra.com would like to thank Oliver s.Tyr for his time and we’d like to wish him and the entire group of Faun the best of luck in tonight’s Unser Song für Österreich! Listen to their second song, Abschied, below!

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