Herman Düne Discusses New Album 'Odysseús', Creative Process, and Life in Los Angeles

The Genesis of 'Odysseús'

• 💡 Herman Düne's new album, 'Odysseús', was largely composed while he was stranded in Montreal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 📌 The title and concept were inspired by Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's 'Odyssey', particularly the opening line, "Tell me about a complicated man," which resonated with his own experience.
• 🚀 Düne felt a strong connection to Homer's hero, seeing himself as a complicated man trying to go home with his love waiting for him.

Navigating Isolation and Inspiration

• 🚶‍♂️ While in Montreal, Düne developed a daily ritual of visiting Leonard Cohen's tomb, finding it a spiritual experience and a way to connect with the artist's legacy.
• 🏨 He stayed in an empty hotel provided by the band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, describing the experience as somewhat akin to 'The Shining'.
• 🎶 The isolation in Montreal, coupled with the anticipation of reuniting with his wife in Los Angeles, fueled the album's creation.

Los Angeles Imagery and Influences

• 🕸️ The album features imagery from Los Angeles, including the striking visual of sneakers laced together and hanging from telephone wires.
• 🤔 Düne explored various interpretations of this imagery, from drug deal markers to symbols of lost virginity, ultimately finding it a unique part of the LA landscape.
• ☀️ He moved to California in 2015, drawn by the quieter pace of life, proximity to the ocean, and opportunities for musical collaboration.

Musical Journey and Influences

• 🎤 Düne, who founded Herman Düne in the late 90s with his brother, is now the sole custodian of the project, known for his delicate folk sound influenced by artists like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.
• 🇺🇸 He has been visiting and playing in the US since 2000, with Los Angeles becoming his home base.
• 🎻 Düne expressed interest in the emerging bluegrass scene in the US, appreciating its technicality and youthful energy.

Album Release and Touring

• 🎬 The music video for 'Odysseús' was filmed in the spiritual and electric landscape of Joshua Tree.
• 🗓️ Herman Düne plans to tour Europe in the autumn to support the new album, bringing 'Odysseús' to life on stage.