Väsen + Hawktail is the culmination of decades of influence and musical relation. Brittany, Jordan and Paul met while in college on the east coast, jamming on Väsen tunes and seeing their concerts whenever possible. These experiences proved highly formative to their musical identities and Vasen continues to inspire their direction. “Their music was highly relatable, yet also felt strange and new. It was exciting getting into their albums, and fun to play their tunes together.” says bassist, Paul Kowert. “Meeting someone else who also knew their tunes was exciting. Playing them together: that was even more exciting.”

There’s a strong tie between their respective fiddle traditions and each band’s respective approach to tune-writing that makes this collaboration a natural fit. The opportunity to perform together is something that both bands have been looking forward to for years.

“The members of Hawktail are brilliant musicians I met when they were teenagers coming to Väsen-gigs on our US tours.” says Väsen Nyckelharpa player, Olov Johansson. “It’s been amazing to follow their path and now we get to create new Hawktail-Väsen music together!”