We met with Laura and Adaya from the German pagan folk band Faun to talk about magic, music and the release of their newest album: „Hex”.
Thank you for taking the time. Let’s begin with something central to your work: how important is magic in your music?
Adaya: I would say it’s incredibly important. In fact, it’s one of our core sources of inspiration—if not the source.
Laura: We see magic everywhere: in the sky, the stars, the moon, or something as simple as the wind blowing through the leaves. For us, that’s magic. It’s the act of creating something from nothing, and in that sense, music itself is a form of magic. So yes, it’s absolutely fundamental to us.
Your new album Hex releases tomorrow. Can you tell us why you chose the title Hex, and what inspired it?
Adaya: The concept of Hex evolved during the songwriting process. For us, the idea of witchcraft and hexes connects deeply with themes of female empowerment, a connection to nature, and openness to spiritual and mystical experiences.
Laura: The word itself is derived from the old German Hagazussa, which roughly translates to “the one who sits between worlds.” That resonated with us, because witchcraft, in many ways, is about navigating the boundary between what we can explain and what remains mysterious. That duality felt like a perfect thematic foundation for the album.
One of the album’s standout tracks is Nimue, featuring Chelsea Wolfe. What was the inspiration behind that song, and how did the collaboration come about?
Adaya: Chelsea Wolfe is an extraordinary artist. When you explore themes like witchcraft, Wicca, and the mystical aspects of life, her name inevitably comes up. She’s almost the embodiment of those themes. So, we thought—why not try? We reached out, and fortunately, she resonated with the song and agreed to collaborate. We were very lucky that our management had the right connections to make it happen.
Laura: It was quite a journey, though. The song took nearly two years to complete. It kept evolving—we’d try something, discard it, revisit it again. It was a constant process of refining. But that persistence paid off, and we’re very proud of how it turned out.
Was Nimue the most challenging track to work on?
Laura & Adaya: Without a doubt. It was by far the most difficult. It felt like the song didn’t want to be finished. But we pushed through and kept working on it until it finally came together.
MA: Tell me about Lament. I understand it’s a particularly emotional piece.
Laura: Yes. Lament is dedicated to our former sound engineer, who sadly passed away. That decision gave the song a profound emotional depth. Many of us cried during the recording. All that emotion flowed directly into the music—and I believe you can hear it.
Another song that stands out is Hare Spell, which draws from traditional lore. Can you share how it came to life?
Laura: I started Hare Spell wanting to create something trance-like—something that could guide listeners into a different state of consciousness. A big part of witchcraft is that trance state, stepping into another realm within yourself. I began with a beat and allowed myself to enter that space. What came out of it was the vocal melody.
Oliver had the idea of layering an actual historical spell on top of it, and Isabelle took on the vocals. The words she recites were spoken by a woman accused in a witch trial—she was literally „hexing” someone. Then Adaya added her magic, especially with the flute and the vocals in the powerful C-part. The entire song became a collaborative trance ritual.
In Lady of the Lake (Nimue), you sing that magic is intention, and intention turns a song into a prayer. Are your performances a kind of ritual for you?
Laura & Adaya: Absolutely. Music is inherently magical and ritualistic. It’s the most direct form of artistic expression—it bypasses the intellect and speaks straight to the heart. That’s not unique to us—it’s true for all musicians.
Laura: That said, not every song is a prayer, but every song can become one. It depends on the intention, and on the listener. A song might mean one thing to me and something completely different to Adaya or to someone in the audience.
Who typically writes the lyrics?
Laura: We all contribute. A lot of the lyrics come from Oliver and Laura, but Stefan and I also bring in ideas. We have at least four strong lyricists in the band. It’s very collaborative.
Do you each have a favorite track on Hex?
Laura: That’s tough. I love Belladonna—it has this sensual energy and attitude that’s quite rare in our discography. Hare Spell is another favorite for its rhythm and trance qualities. And of course, Lament and Lady Isabel are very close to my heart.
Adaya: Same here. This album has so many personal favorites. Usually after finishing an album, I’m too tired of the songs to listen to them again—but not this time. I still enjoy them privately, which says a lot.
Who creates your music videos and visuals?
Laura & Adaya: It varies, but the last three videos—including the one we released today—were directed by Mirko Witzki of Witzki Productions. Personally, I love working with him. Previous videos like Blut and Umai were done with a Swiss team.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming tour?
Laura: We’ve designed a completely new stage setup. It’s unique—visually, conceptually—and we’re excited to present the new songs live. Some moments will be emotional, even tearful. It’ll be a powerful experience.
Do you have a favorite memory from a previous tour?
Laura: Definitely. The Pagan Tour in fall 2022 was amazing. But one show that stands out was in Poland. After playing in the Baltic states, we arrived to a sold-out venue and the crowd was just incredible—so much energy, so enthusiastic. It was unforgettable.
Adaya: Also, the Ballads and Rites tour was very special—more acoustic, more intimate. We played beautiful theatres, and the audiences really embraced the dreamy atmosphere.
Are there any artists or bands you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Laura: Personally, I’d love to work with the singer of Tū. And I’d really like to do another metal collaboration. Katatonia, Amorphis, or Opeth are dream choices for me.
What are you most grateful for, looking back on the creation of Hex?
Adaya: Simply the opportunity to create music. It’s a gift to be able to live your dream. This album took over two years to complete, and there were moments of exhaustion. But now, releasing it into the world feels like watching a child take its first steps.
Laura: I’m especially grateful for how much we’ve grown as a band. Working together creatively is never easy—so many emotions, so many different tastes. But we found our way through it. That makes me proud.
How difficult is it to translate your songs into live performances?
Laura & Adaya: It really depends on the song. Some tracks just work from the first rehearsal. Others take time, adjustment, reshaping. You never know until you try—it’s always a surprise.
The album is releasing at the start of autumn, right before a full moon. Was the timing intentional?
Laura: Absolutely. Release dates are rarely random. We plan far in advance—sometimes years. We wanted to align the release with our tour, and this time of year felt right for the album’s energy.
You mentioned prayer. What are you „praying for” when you perform?
Laura: I don’t pray to anyone, per se. For me, it’s about setting an intention. It’s not about asking for something—it’s about offering something, giving it into the space. Sometimes I lose track of where I am, even who I am. I become part of the music.
And what’s the most beautiful thing an audience has ever given you?
Laura & Adaya: Tears. When someone in the audience cries, you know you’ve touched something deep. It’s a soul-to-soul connection.
You’re playing in Warsaw and Kraków soon. Are you excited?
Laura: Absolutely! We love playing in Poland—the audiences are passionate, and the hospitality is amazing. We’re really looking forward to it.
Any country or place that feels particularly close to your heart?
Laura: Switzerland, of course—our home. But also Munich, where I was born. And this tour, I’m especially excited to play Manchester in the UK—it’s where my grandmother is from.
Do you find that audiences in certain countries respond differently to your music?
Laura: Yes. It depends more on the culture than the country. Southern audiences—Spain, Mexico—tend to be louder, more expressive. Northern audiences might be quieter, but they still feel the music with all their heart.
MA: Thank you very much for your time.
Laura & Adaya: Thank you.