Nordic Angst

Nordic Angst is an American term used to describe the darkness of Nordic culture, as in Ingmar Bergman movies. The musical ensemble by this name attempts to blend traditional Nordic folk music with a contemporary american sensibility. The groups leader, Arna Rennan, shares her knowledge and passion for Nordic music with her longstanding friends, Brian Dack, Doug Greenwood and Cathe O’Bey.

Her recent studies at the Institute of Folk Music in Rauland, Norway has provided her with a wealth of material dating back to the middle ages to the present, which is represented on the new CD, Big Brother - Little Brother.

Arna’s passion for Nordic roots music was contagious to her “Angst” friends and reinforced by the groups brought here by NorthSide to the Nordic Roots Festivals at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. Their influences are many while the end result is unique to Nordic Angst through their personal interpretations.