What influence did Berlin have on music?
I have lived in Germany for the past eight years. Before that, I was in Paris. I’m obsessed with architecture and culture from the Renaissance and Enlightenment. Much of my music also comes from this period. This was the pinnacle of human achievement.
Around here, it’s still all about the Stasi. I live near East Berlin’s Stasi headquarters. PlattenbauThese are old, flat Russian-style prefabricated buildings, many of which were made in Soviet Russia. The Soviets would ship these modular rock and cement squares to their satellite countries like Germany. East Berlin liked them, because they were brand new. At least, they had running water and heating. They are so ugly that it’s hard to believe. And there is this overwhelming feeling that beauty cannot be created in such a way. You cannot manufacture life that way. We aren’t Erector Set modules. This is a long way of saying, yes, I think living in East Berlin taught me a lot about the beauty we can lose when we lose our organic nature. While I was working on this album, my obsession with Renaissance, art, music, architecture and painting grew. I visited galleries in Berlin, then Stockholm, and it changed me forever. I started listening to choir music. I found myself listening to church organs in these places, and Renaissance music led me towards lute.
On the subject of Europe’s beauty—you have a few European shows coming up in London, Brussels, and Utrecht in the Netherlands. You have a few European shows coming up in London, Brussels, and Utrecht, Netherlands.
I’m not touring anymore. I just can’t take the stress. The flying is another problem. But, I would love to be able to easily travel to Mexico and Brazil to perform at shows. South America as a whole, but Brazil in particular, since I’ve cancelled a few shows there partly because of my fear of flying. Turkey is another possibility, as playing in Istanbul This is one of my favorites.
I will probably continue my writing between Norway, Berlin and the Asian steppes. But I really want to visit. I’ve been fascinated by Persia, Iran, Uzbekistan and other places. I’ve been obsessed with their architecture and the Silk Road, all the way to Mongolia—Mongolian music I find so fascinating. It seems that the music of these places is meditative and slower. This is fascinating to me, and I’m curious about what creates this feeling. I’ve listened to everything from Mongolian throat music to Ottoman Court Music, you understand? It’s very interesting but I don’t think I can go that far. Especially since I don’t really fly anymore.
I guess that depends… You’re clearly a road trippper. What about boat travel?
I’d be happy with a boat. I’m wondering about getting on. the Queen Mary Someday I’ll get back to the US. Since I’ve not been home in 2019, I’m content with my slow travel. I’m a lot happier.
