"Do No Harm" – New Album By Arvensis
Interview with Founder Dani Laubscher
Just some days ago, Arvensis founder Dani contacted me to share some big news: Their new album "Do No Harm" is out and available on Bandcamp now! I took the chance to ask them a few questions about it and follow up on the interview I did with them in November 2020.
CW: Mental health, anxiety, self-harm
Anne: Congrats on your new album "Do No Harm"! How long did it take you to record it?
Dani: Approximately three years worth of material, some newer than the others!
Anne: Did you record it on your own, or was there anyone who helped with the pre-/recording/mixing/mastering?
Dani: I am the sole person responsible for all of the pre-/recording/mixing and mastering!
Anne: What's the story behind "Do No Harm"?
Dani: It's the tale of my life. The story it tells is about our present, our past, our future, but most of all, right at this very moment. I believe it tells the story of many.
Anne: So the album mirrors the current phase of your life and the world?
Dani: Yes, absolutely! It's very symbolic of my current phase, and I also believe it accurately represents the world.
Anne: How are you doing these days? The last time we talked, you told me you had been struggling. But, the previous posts I read from you were all pretty positive. That's so good to hear if you think of the tough times we all kind of went through within the last months. It always lifts my mood when I read stories about people enjoying their lives to the fullest. Are you doing better? What changed?
Dani: I am doing much better these days and feel life is on an uphill climb for me. I am much more positive of a person, I would say, despite the daily struggles with mental illness. I've dealt with mental illness my whole life, but it seemed to get worse in my twenties. It can be very debilitating: but I try not to let fear dictate my reality anymore. I feel I have come a long way.
This Summer, Nature led me to an all-encompassing Goddess; I just had not realized it right away. As a result, I feel like a changed person, I feel like a better person, and my life is better.
I am not sure where I would be without Nature to guide me this year. But, I know "Do No Harm" would not exist.
Anne: Thank you so much for opening your heart and speaking so openly about these topics! This means a lot!
Is there anything else about the album I shouldn't miss? Do you have a favourite song on the record?
Dani: Thank you so much for the opportunity! It means so much to me!
The message of my album is to do no harm to others and yourself. And those are the life values that I try to uphold.
My favourite track is definitely "The Only Thing Left". It is the last track on the album as I feel the lyrics at the end send a powerful message: "Here I stand: No! Here I stand. Spirit's ALIVE—I couldn't believe it! I believe the worst! The only thing left, the GODDESS is here!!!" This message means everything to me.
Anne: Thanks for these precious insights and all the detail about your new album! I wish you much success with it!
Dani: Thanks for giving me a chance in the spotlight with this album. I feel this release is the most important thing I've ever done.
Album facts
Arvensis released "Do No Harm" 364 days after its predecessor "AXIS". The album length is 2 hours and 57 long. It consists of 50 tracks. Arvensis is celebrating the 10th year of creating music with it. Dani said to me:
"What better way to celebrate than the release of a record like 'Do No Harm" – a decade into the works!"
Read my interview with Dani from Arvensis about their life and the album "AXIS" now.