Six new tracks weaving together the strands of traditional melodies, tamborine-driven rhythms, and electronic beats and bass. Some Irish, Scottish and English dance tunes, two very old medieval pieces, and a sailor song combine with beats from slow + deep to pagan-tribal stomp. 
The title „Kenning“ is from a constellation of old words and concepts. A „kenning“ (found in old English and Norse poetry) is a compact metaphor, like calling the sea the „whale-road“, which illustrates or brings life to a word. The old English word „Ken“ (to know, understand, take cognizance of) is related to the German „kennen“ (to know) and still appears in some English dialects. Finally the there is the old English rune „Cen“ (pine torch) which burns brightly in the hall. Knowing, illumination, knowledge, fire…

Kenning

The first track on the "Kenning" EP, an Irish reel with pulsing bass , tamborine and frame drum beats, and whistle.

The Dunmore Lasses

Based on the Gregorian chant melody "Laus Deo Patri"

Wind God

Based on an English folksong, with rolling bass, tamborine, whistle, harmonium and autoharp.

Lovely Joan

Based on the Scottish "Mile Marbhaisg Air A'Gaol" (A thousand curses on love) and the sailor song "Roll Boys Roll", with hurdy-gurdy, whistle and melodion.

Work Songs

Based on two Irish polkas, with framedrums, tamborine, whistle, and Appalachian dulcimer.

Ballydesmond Polkas

Based on the medieval song "Stella Splendens in Monte" from the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, a collection of 14th century devotional songs from the Montserrat monastery in eastern Spain.

Star On The Mountain

Celtic/Tribal/Pagan/Medieval Folktronica

Booking Contact: 
Scott Sterling
drumspyder@icloud.com

"Morning Star" Video:
https://youtu.be/3AP3l5Pe3Zo?si=KUWR77dfqhwdZp6p

"Wild Hunt" Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxYhZ9RoC4E

Drumspyder weaves a web of percussive rhythm, melody, and line. Framedrums, tambourines, and  low whistles mingle with bass beats and ethereal atmospheres, bringing the Celtic and British Islands traditional music into vital contemporary expression.

Scott Sterling has always followed the path of rhythm. Over the course of a long journey through diverse forms of drumming and dance music: avant-garde circus, slinky bellydance troupes, and acclaimed bass-music productions, the one constant has been the beat of the drum. 

Over the past several years he has specialised in the realm of framedrums and tambourines. Influenced by modern framedrum masters such as Glen Velez and David Kuckhermann, but also inspired by the rhythms of the Irish bodhran, he follows a distinctive path through the world of contemporary percussion: fusing his experience with cross-cultural framedrum techniques and Arabic rhythms with a new-found love of Celtic dance music. 

To this rhythmic foundation he adds traditional melodies (played on low whistles and various keyboards) drawn from the folk music of Ireland, Scotland, and England , as well as the rich repertoire of Medieval and Renaissance music from the British Isles. 

Out of the alchemy of rhythm, melody, and his long experience in dance music production, he has forged a unique approach to Celtic and Medieval fusion, where elements of trance, bass-heavy electronica, and ethereal atmospheres mingle into an intoxicating brew. His overall ambition is to connect traditional rhythms and melodies with the contemporary dancefloor.