Gremnîr is a queer traditional folk artist and music educator based in the San Francisco East Bay Area. Using an eclectic blend of Kargyraa throat singing, primal bodhrán percussion, and neoclassical cello, he shares original fantasy ballads and musical rituals that send listeners on vivid, dream-like journeys. As a solo performer he hopes to connect with listeners in cozy settings like the bards and skalds of old Scandinavian culture, while helping the audience revisit their heritage and understand themselves better.

 

His first album, “Gremnîr,” was released in 2019, which conceptually explores the peaks and valleys of dark storytelling blended with dynamic musical textures. “Of Demons and Goddesses,” his first single released in December 2020 for solo cello and voice, is a haunting original ballad modeled in storyline after ancient Greek tragedy in theater. “Sultr,” released March 2021, shares Gremnîr’s own hungers and the personal meaning of his name in a musically grounded and visceral setting using layered vocals, percussion, and cello. Gremnîr’s second album, “Broken,” uses hypnotic neopagan soundscapes to paint a meditative journey on melancholy self-exploration, inspired by the Old Norse story Grógaldr.

 

Gremnîr has been working on a third album, "Maðr Er Manns Gaman," (Old Norse, "People's joy is in other people") since the release of "Broken" that puts stanzas of poetry from Hávamál, or "Teachings of the High One (Odin)" to music. The poetry used highlight some of Odin's wisdom about healthy reciprocal relationships, treating loved ones with respect, as well as encouraging growth within one's support system. His recent singles "Two Wolves," "Sinnsyk," "Sandr ok Snjár" and "Fimbulwinter: Frozen Longing" are part of the full release, tentatively set for Winter of 2024.

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Much of Gremnîr's art is inspired by sounds, myths, and legends of cultures across the globe, such as classical Persia, Scandinavia, Mongolia, and that of Native American stories. His musical fascinations include Wardruna, Heilung, Munknörr, Faun, Hindarfjäll, and Forndom.

 

While most would likely not know this from his music, Gremnîr tends to be a soft-spoken and optimistic person with passions for psychology and understanding others. Gremnîr holds a B.A. and M.A. in music theory and composition from CSU East Bay, Hayward and teaches cello, violin, and composition/songwriting during summer. He has been performing music professionally since 2007 and making music since 2006. With his art he hopes to help listeners reconnect with more mysterious parts of themselves to maintain emotional wellness in their lives, and to maintain their connection to nature in a digital era.

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Inclusivity and Diversity Statement

Gremnîr's music is for any and all who enjoy and connect with it, regardless of sex, gender, color, ethnicity, age, ability, spirituality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. It comes from a wellspring of intended spiritual, emotional and psychological healing and well-being, and therefore is not to be used or misconstrued as a tool for marginalization, discrimination, sexism, racism, classism, ageism, xenophobia, homophobia, or transphobia of any person or persons.

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For clarity, Gremnîr stands in solidarity with women, people of Color, the LGBTQIA+ communities, ethnic and gender minority groups, and all other people of systemically oppressed and prejudiced groups across the globe.