Dieter Horvat, the Adelaide-based folk artist and rock musician, is making waves with his deeply personal and acoustic folk song 'Sacred Words'. Known for his rich, storytelling lyrics and captivating sound, Horvat’s latest release marks a significant milestone in his career, blending his signature folk roots with a heartfelt narrative.
'Sacred Words' is an acoustic folk song born from the aftermath of a long-term relationship's end. "The sacred words, we only used as verbs" lyric poignantly reflects how little the word "love" was used throughout the relationship, with the verses creatively expressing different ways of saying "I love you" without uttering the words.
Dieter Horvat leads the vocals and guitar, while Erin Moller complements with harmonies and violin. The duo initially connected over SoundCloud, bonding over their shared love for music, and eventually meeting in person to perform an impromptu gig. This marked the beginning of their regular collaborations and performances, including winning SCALA's 'Festival of Original Music' competition and opening for award-winning Australian blues artist Ash Gunwale.
Their latest song, 'Sacred Words', was produced by Adelaide producer Finn Larcombe and recorded at Erin's house. Despite the challenging circumstances of recording while Dieter was homeless, the song exudes warmth and nostalgia, inspired by the classic folk sounds of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Nick Drake.
The recording process for 'Sacred Words' was far from smooth. It took three attempts to complete the track. The first recording session's stems were lost after a relationship-ending fight between the producer and engineer. The second session resulted in a flat and uninspiring rendition. However, the third time proved successful, capturing the essence of the song as intended.
Horvat's journey into music has been nothing short of extraordinary. After his debut shows touring with Victorian folk artist James MCQ in 2018, Horvat's life took a dramatic turn when he suffered near-fatal injuries from a car accident. However, this setback only fuelled his determination to create music, leading him to form a band and broaden his sound for more substantial projects. His influences span the greats of the 50s and 60s rock and blues, such as Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, and The Beatles, as well as iconic folk musicians like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan.
Dieter Horvat's 'Sacred Words' is a testament to his resilience and artistic vision. It offers listeners a glimpse into his personal experiences, wrapped in the comforting embrace of folk music, and marks a promising step forward in his musical journey.
Connect with Dieter Horvat,
