ODIN – Dutch Viking Song Release | Behind the Music

We released “ODIN!” on the 20th of July. Let me tell you something about the making of this track!

This song has been in the works for many a month. It started in November 2023 with one guitar and one voice. Once I was satisfied with the barebones of the song, we started to add more things. I met Marcel van de Plasse at the Spoken Open Podium and listened to his performance with the didgeridoo. The music had a very primal edge to it, which I envisioned would fit greatly with the song I was writing. So, I asked him if he would like to join me on this new Dutch Viking song and he happily agreed.

The next person to add their bit to the song was Tom de Munck, who added the percussion and the sound of bones clicking together. It gives the song a feeling that fits right in with other contemporary ‘Viking Folk’ songs, which really helps to place it into perspective.

Then came Joran Elane, who sang vocalisations for the female backing vocals. They sound somewhat primal as well and have an emotional edge which once again fits very well with songs by other artists in this same genre.

Finally, Marlieske Doorn played violin on this track, sweeping through the song and giving it an exciting and thrilling character. Once her parts were added into the mix, it was ready for me to sing my final lead vocals.

I’m very grateful to all these artistic souls who each separately still came together on this track. Who added their self and their creativity to the song, which Tom and Ruben managed to mix into a very coherent whole (huge props to them for being able to do that). This is one of those releases that makes my job so entertaining. It’s really wonderful that humans can do this ‘music thing’ together, regardless of birthplace, social standing, or anything that would try to divide us. The act of making music connects us so well and then once it’s done the tunes themselves continue to connect people all over the world. It’s truly a humbling and exhilarating experience.

Now, if you haven’t already; have a listen!

LYRICS

Lyrics in Dutch
Laat mij warm bloed voelen
Laat mij niet afkoelen
Na mijn tijd op aarde
Ga ik naar Valhalla
ODIN! ODIN!
ODIN! ODIN!
Odin! Odin!
Odin! Odin!

Voel de kou en regen
Niets houdt mij meer tegen
Ik word gezien door raven
Valkuren behagen
ODIN! ODIN!
ODIN! ODIN!
Odin! Odin!
Odin! Odin!

Als je blij bent, lach dan
Als je boos bent, schreeuw dan
Als je triest bent, huil dan
Als je bang bent, bid dan tot
ODIN! ODIN!
ODIN! ODIN!
Odin! Odin!
Odin! Odin!

Translation in English
Let me feel warm blood
Let me not cool down
After my time on earth
I will go to Valhalla
ODIN! ODIN!
ODIN! ODIN!
Odin! Odin!
Odin! Odin!

Feel the cold and rain
Nothing can stop me now
I’m observed by ravens
Pleasing the valkyries
ODIN! ODIN!
ODIN! ODIN!
Odin! Odin!
Odin! Odin!

If you’re happy; laugh
If you’re angry; scream
If you’re sad; weep
If you’re scared; pray to
ODIN! ODIN!
ODIN! ODIN!
Odin! Odin!
Odin! Odin!