Background and thoughts (Page 1/2)
I grew up in Norway in the 60`s (born 1961) and at that time the North American cultural influences on
Europe were even bigger than today. And as a norwegian, the american culture is very close, also
because of all the relatives that emigrated in the 18th and 19th century. In my childhood I became early
interested in the Native American cultures through movies, tv-series and most of all of course through
books.
As I grew older, I have continued to have this interest. And also I became more aware of the social and
political aspects. Seeing beyond the popular, nostalgic and romantic entertainment industry. I have kept
the eager to understand the history of indigenous people all over the world. Being a musician have led
me to work with ethnic musicians from Africa, India and other places. And of course my own norwegian
folk music.
In our time there are even more important than ever to listen to the native cultures and their thoughts
and philosophy of how to live in tune with the earth and our surroundings.
Todays environmental problems have roots in a long time conflict between the western industrial world`s
economic and materialistic view and progress, as opposed to the rhythm and spirit of the earth itself.
Native Americans in particular had and have a very different way of looking at the world. And we need to listen to these ideas today, to solve our global problems. “Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by
your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors,
we borrow it from our Children." (Ancient Indian Proverb).
With this project together with Deborah Martin, I want to dive deeper into the music (and history) of the
Native Americans. To study the different aspects and instrumentations from the various tribes in North
America. And mix this with modern instruments from our time. But try to keep that original philosophic
voice from these important and vanishing aborginal cultures. - Erik Wøllo, Fredrikstad, Norway 2008
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