Einar Selvik on Wardruna, Nature’s Pulse, and the Slow Art of Creation
Einar Selvik on Wardruna, Nature’s Pulse, and the Slow Art of Creation
The Nordic composer and Wardruna founder discusses Birna, his dedication to crafting music rooted in nature, and the importance of slow, meaningful growth in a world obsessed with hype.
Einar Selvik, the creative force behind the Nordic band Wardruna, has built a career on the foundation of patience, authenticity, and a profound connection to nature and heritage. Known for waving traditional instruments and ancient Nordic themes into his compositions, Einar’s work transcends music, acting as a bridge between the past and present. Since Wardruna’s inception, the band has gained a global following, immersing its listeners with soundscapes and storytelling. Yet, despite its growing fame, Einar remains firmly rooted in his artistic principles.
“Artistic integrity is everything,” Eincar begins, reflecting on the band’s journey. “For us, it’s always been about connecting with people who share the same vision. We didn’t waste time convincing those who didn’t get it. Instead, we focused on the ones who saw the potential and were ready to work with us on those terms. That’s what allowed us to grow organically.”
Einar’s approach to growth is deeply intentional. While the modern music industry often rewards instant virality and trend-chasing, Wardrune has taken a different path. “When you jump on a hype, you risk oversaturating the very marketing you’re trying to reach,” he explains. “You may attract a fleeting audience, fans who come and go with trends, but true growth comes from building your foundation. Many bands ride the hype, only to be forgotten when the wave passes because they never cultivated their fanbase. Growing slowly means growing solidly, you’re always on stable ground.”
"The creative concept always begins with the theme itself. It decides where I record, the sounds I use, the time of day, even the weather."
This philosophy is not only evident in how Wardrune has cultivated its audience but also in how Einar approaches the creative process itself. Every aspect of his music is imbued with purpose, drawing heavily from natural and cultural elements. “Whenever I start a new song, it’s like I have to relearn how to make music,” he reflects. “The creative concept always begins with the theme itself. It decides where I record, the sounds I use, the time of day, and even the weather. I let these elements speak through me.”
This organic approach can be heard in Wardruna’s latest album, where nature and storytelling intertwine seamlessly. One of the standout tracks, Birna, exemplifies this. The song explores a bear's hibernation, a central motif of the album. Einar’s research revealed the bears don’t fully hibernate but enter a state of semi-hibernation, with their heart rate dropping to 8-10 beats per minute. “That becomes the pulse of the song,” he says. “Everything else grew from there, my choice of instruments, melodies, and sounds were all tied to the bear and its winter dreams.”
"When you jump on hype, you risk oversaturating the very market you’re trying to reach. True growth comes from building your own foundation."
Einar’s choices are never arbitrary. Even the instruments themselves carry symbolic weight. The composer incorporated the seljefløyte a traditional Norwegian willow flute that’s made during a brief window in spring. “You can only create this flute during a short period when the tree is ready to release its bark,” Einar explains. “It lasts for just a day or two before drying out, which makes it such a fleeting, special thing to capture.”
Other natural elements add layers of depth to Wardruna’s sound. One striking inclusion is the sound of “singing ice,” a phenomenon that occurs when lakes freeze in specific ways. “It’s like a whale song, with pulses and moans,” Einar says. “For me, it was like serenading the sleeping bear.” The recording was provided by a Swedish artist Jonna Jinton, whose dedication to capturing the sound of frozen lakes aligned perfectly with Wardruna’s vision.
As Warduna’s music continues to resonate globally, Einar remains committed to maintaining his creative purpose. “I feel like I have to dig deeper every time,” he shares. “I’m not moved by the same things I was 20 years ago, and that’s natural. For now, I want to focus on performing and doing it healthily. Chasing too many things at once can burn you out. Sometimes, the best strategy is to stop chasing entirely.”
Looking ahead, Einar’s focus is on creating space for growth, not just for Wardruna but also for himself as a composer and performer. “I’m in a place where I feel the need to dig deeper, to reflect on what moves me now as a person and as an artist. That means allowing myself the time and space to create and perform in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable.”
This commitment, both in his music and his life, is what continues to set Einar Selvik and Wardruna apart. In an industry often driven by trends and immediacy, their story is a powerful reminder of the value of patience, integrity, and staying true to one’s vision.
Birna is out now, find out more here.
