• THE INNOVATER ISSUE • INTERVIEWED BY BILLBAILEY
The mutual respect is apparent the moment Einar Selvik and Bill Bailey appear in their separate Zoom windows. Einar is the founder of Wardruna, the Norwegian pagan folk collective formed in 2003, whose deep dive into ancient Norse culture has resulted in one of the most transformative, enrapturing experiences of the wider metal world. Amplified by their collaboration with the Vikings TV series and now the epicentre of a wider spiritual movement, they’re a phenomenon in their own right, and a deeply resonant anchor in a world undergoing great upheaval.
Renowned stand-up comic, multi-instrumentalist, actor, Enter Sandman-tangoing Strictly Come Dancing champion and all-round British institution, Bill Bailey is another artist who, for all his commanding presence, seems to belong as much to other, more noble ages as our own. It comes as no surprise that he’s a huge fan of Wardruna, and as they make their introductions, Einar professes his love for Black Books and Bill’s all-round works, both revealing a congenial awe, humility and genuine, receptive curiosity that makes their conversation a thoroughly illuminating meeting of minds.
Hammer: Bill, when did you first hear Wardruna?
“I’m very interested in traditional and folk music, and music from northern Europe really, because that’s where I feel the strongest connection, in a way. Actually, I did a DNA test with the and it said I was 2.8% Neanderthal, which I was very pleased about. I told my family and they just shrugged and said, ‘Only 2.8? We thought it would be more’. [It was
