“I wanted ‘Tavern’ album to feel like a place where people could escape” – Interview with Patty Gurdy

To build a community through music. To establish a refuge where everyone can feel included and forget their troubles. This was partly the inspiration behind German singer-songwriter and hurdy-gurdy artist Patty Gurdy‘s new album “Tavern”‘.

The LP, out on November 22, includes 12 original songs, each paired with a music video to create the unified “Tavern Movie”‘. Patty’s distinctive folk-pop style merges with medieval fantasy themes to craft a dreamy audiovisual experience that listeners can now enjoy on their screens. “Tavern” also features collaborations with renowned artists such as Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), Christopher Bowes (from Alestorm), Teufel (from Tanzwut), Adaya (from Faun), and many more.

Gurdy, 27, has gained international acclaim for her distinctive style and musical talents, amassing a large following on platforms like YouTube and other social media. Her enchanting voice and medieval instrument break barriers and resonate with audiences from all cultures and backgrounds. Patty’s versatility as an artist shines through in her collaborations with renowned bands like Alestorm and her contributions to productions such as the Amazon Prime series “Carnival Row,” showcasing her ability to effortlessly blend her unique sound across genres and media.

On the eve of the LP’s release (available in a double CD/DVD package, 4K movie stream, and vinyl), Chaoszine.net spoke with Gurdy about this new album and movie, which positions her as a pioneering force in the folk-pop genre and the alternative scene.

Obligatory question: How did you come up with the idea of making an album accompanied by an audiovisual production like The Tavern Movie? You made videos for all the songs! Please tell me more about that.

Patty Gurdy: I had the vision to create something truly immersive with Tavern—not just an album but an experience that takes people on a journey, from start to finish. The idea of The Tavern Movie started in the middle of recording; I thought, “What if each song had its own visual story to help bring the whole concept to life?” It was a massive undertaking (maybe a bit too ambitious, I’ll admit!), but I had this unshakable feeling that Tavern could be more than just music. So, with the help of Mirko Witzki, a truly incredible videographer, we tackled 12 music videos and tied them together with transition scenes that would guide viewers through the album like they took part in the actual tavern party. It was intense, but I’m incredibly happy with the result!

The album features special guests like Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), Chris Bowes (Alestorm), Teufel (Tanzwut), Adaya (Faun), and more. How did you choose the guests? In that sense, did you choose them with your producer, Gilbert Gelsdorf, thinking about who would be suitable for each song, or was it something that came naturally?

Patty Gurdy: It was a little bit of both. Gilbert and I would brainstorm about certain voices or energies that might add a missing piece. I’ve followed and admired many of these musicians for years, so it was almost surreal to get to collaborate with them. For example, working with Marko Hietala still feels surreal. I think I played every Nightwish album a hundred times as a teenager, admiring his vocal style range And Teufel’s performance added this gritty character to “The Dragon from Lowerhill” that I couldn’t imagine anyone else bringing. These guest artists helped shape Tavern into the world it is.

The context of the Tavern album is rooted in tales of medieval fantasy. Your music incorporates elements from that era, and the hurdy-gurdy contributes to recreating those musical landscapes. Specifically, I wanted to ask if you drew inspiration from any particular literature of the time or any specific series or films while composing the album and the film.

Patty Gurdy: There’s a lot of inspiration from medieval fantasy tales, Viking sagas and folklore, though more than one specific text or show, it’s the atmosphere of that era that fascinates me and the archetypes that I like to play with. Stories of adventure, mythical creatures, and also stories of timeless emotional journeys all sparked different ideas for Tavern. It’s not tied to any one book or movie, but there is this general feeling of returning to the time of communal spaces and shared tales—a feeling I tried to weave into each song and scene.

What I appreciate about the Tavern Album is that you highlight the concept of community. Beyond the fact that the music makes you want to crack open a beer and dance, I believe the message you convey is essential: at the end of the day, what truly matters is how we treat one another, and happiness is even more beautiful when shared. In a world that is so divided and with numerous wars occurring at the moment, music is the greatest weapon of all: a weapon that unites, that is not aggressive, that builds rather than destroys, and that offers shelter, protection, and joy. Is that how you perceive it?

Patty Gurdy: I could not have said it any better! Music has this beautiful power to bring people together across any kind of division, be it nationality, language, or personal differences. At its heart, Tavern is about unity—sharing joy, supporting one another, and building bonds that go beyond the music. When I see people sing along, dance, or even just smile when they hear the songs, I feel that same connection. I wanted Tavern to feel like a place where people could escape, even if it is just for a moment, and feel that warmth and togetherness and just be themselves.

The videos for “Brighter Days Come” and “Find Me Some Pretty Girls” have been very well received on YouTube. The album is set for release on November 22. Tell me about your plans for the album release and the subsequent tour. Who will be joining you on the road?

Patty Gurdy: I’m so thrilled that people are enjoying the singles! The full Tavern album is coming out right around the holiday season, which feels perfect because it’s a time when people naturally gather and celebrate together. Regarding the tour: I don’t have my own band at the moment to accompany me for the tour and perform my new songs, but I will be hitting the road again with Alestorm on the European Paganfest Tour starting in early 2025, as well as an Australia & New Zealand Tour! My solo shows are going to return though, so definitely stay tuned on socials.

Many people recognize you for your work with Alestorm, but you have a prolific career and even contributed music to Amazon Prime’s series “Carnival Row”. Can you share your experience with that project?

Patty Gurdy: Working on Carnival Row was an absolute dream To contribute music to a world so rich in fantasy and darkness was incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to bring the hurdy-gurdy into projects like that, where the instrument itself adds so much character and depth. I even gave the director Jon Amiel a gurdy lesson! The project required a very specific atmosphere, and my songs contributed to very essential foreshadowing moments in the series. And I can forever say that Orlando Bloom cried to my music in a scene. How crazy is that!

Looking at your videos on social media, the covers you’ve done, and your work with Alestorm, I’d say two words could somehow define you and your music: ‘versatility’ and ‘contrast.’ You enjoy being a metalhead with Alestorm as much as you enjoy folk music and other genres. Like yin and yang: one goes with the other. Do you agree?

Patty Gurdy: Absolutely, I do! I love being able to go from rocking out with Alestorm to creating something folky and deep with the hurdy-gurdy. Each genre allows me to express different sides of myself, and they balance each other out. That’s why it feels so healthy for me to keep doing different things! For me, it’s all about staying true to the moment, so whether it’s wild metal or gentle folk, it’s just about pouring my energy and passion into the music. Every human is multi-faceted and it’s time to let go of any shame and doubt about our weird and creative selves and just express whatever we authentically feel.

I’m sure you’ve been asked this countless times, but I’m curious about how your relationship with music and the hurdy-gurdy started. What music filled your home during your childhood? Did you grow up in a musical family?

Patty Gurdy: Music was everywhere growing up, my parents loved classical music, pop and Irish folk. My 2 year older sister started playing the violin at the age of five and that’s when I got jealous and wanted to play something too (chuckles). But what do you give a little child…. A recorder! And so my mum taught me the recorder for 2 years until I started taking piano lessons at 5. I formed my first rock band at the age of 11, I was a lead singer and later also a rhythm guitar player, but after a couple of years I realised I felt like I hadn’t found my one true instrument yet. And that’s when I started looking into the medieval and folk scene, which is where I discovered the hurdy-gurdy. It’s a whole orchestra in one, and I was instantly hooked!

Returning to contrasts, I find this intriguing: you are a young woman who embraces the tradition of Celtic folk-pop, wielding an instrument of ancient origin, and your music serves as a journey to the past while remaining firmly in the present. In a world heavily focused on the superficial, the artificiality of social media, image, and quick wealth (I’m thinking of those who seek fame at any cost or even individuals who create accounts on OnlyFans), I believe your contribution is significant from both a cultural and human perspective. Do you feel a sense of responsibility for what you convey on your social media and in your songs?

Patty Gurdy: Yes, very much so. I think about this a lot. Music, to me, isn’t just entertainment. And with a big following, I want to be a constructive role model and bring people together, rather than create more separation. In general, I couldn’t agree more with the quote “Be the change you want to see in the world”. I think that sums it up!

Would you dare to make a tango album? Or another one of Bavarian songs, for example?

Patty Gurdy: Haha, never say never. For now, I want to lean back for a moment and enjoy people‘s reactions to my Tavern album. Who knows what the future holds? Welcome to the tavern!