Recently, I had the chance to speak to Vydor, the leader of the Breeland Bywater Revival and host of the popular Thursday Jukebox Show in Bree. In addition to a set drawn from the requests from the crowd, the Jukebox features a different special guest band each week, to the delight of those in attendance.
We at the Beacon hope you enjoy this interview with musician, visionary and all-around nice guy Vydor.
Q1: How did you choose your band’s name?
Q2: Have you had the same band name from the start, or has there been a change?
Vydor: I shall address these two questions as one, for they are entwined like the roots of an ancient tree. Many moons ago, when the music of Middle-earth was first woven into the tapestry of our lands, my good friend Falibrand and I set forth to create a band we named the Green Hills Music Society
In those early days, there were no artificial companions to fill our ranks, so our band was but four strong. Yet, our melodies were such that we soon drew to us some of the finest players in the land, and our numbers grew swiftly. Among those who joined our ranks was Fincin, with whom I formed a fast and enduring friendship.
But as the years rolled on, I was compelled to take a sabbatical of ten years, leaving the band behind. Upon my return, I was astonished to find the Green Hills Music Society still thriving, and the number of bands playing in the realm of Landroval had multiplied greatly.
Reuniting with Fincin, I entertained the thought of rejoining our old band. Alas, the fates conspired against us, as our schedules were misaligned. Thus, after much deliberation with Fincin, we resolved to form a new band, just the two of us. Given Fincin’s wanderings in the Shire and my own in the realm of men, we sought a name that would honor both our worlds and the renewal of our long-dormant friendship. And so, we came to be known as the Bree-land Bywater Revival.
Q: Of any of the locations in Middle Earth, is there a special spot you love to play, and why?
Vydor: I have a particular fondness for performing upon the Methal Stage, the hallowed ground where many a concert was held with the Green Hills Music Society. However, I must confess that the place which stirs my heart the most, and summons forth a flood of cherished memories, is Weathertop. It was there, upon that ancient hill, that we played to our largest gatherings, the echoes of our music carrying far and wide across the land.
Q: What would you say is your most requested song?
Vydor: This question presents a challenge, for our principal performance is devoted to allowing our audience to select and request songs, making it difficult to determine a specific number. I suppose I could delve into the logs of past events to extract such information, yet that seems contrary to the spirit of the query. Thus, I shall say that we do not have any requested songs beyond those we play in our Jukebox show.
Q: Do you have a favorite of all the songs you play?
Vydor: There are several songs I hold dear, primarily due to their nature and the profound impact they have on our audience. One such song is “Pride and Joy,” a melody that came together beyond my greatest hopes, and the audience’s response is always heartening.
Then there are songs where the lyrics captivate the crowd, bringing forth either laughter or tears. “Is Anyone Going to Isengard” is one such example. However, I must confess that my favorite of all is “The Last Goodbye.” Its spellbinding music and poignant message, both untouched by my hand, resonate deeply with me. Each time we perform this tune, I am filled with goosebumps, and I find myself immersed, shutting out all other sounds that might interfere with its powerful emotion.
Q: What would you say is your favorite style of music to play?
Vydor: I often tell others that I have no preferred genre or style of play. Indeed, our catalog spans a vast array, from classical to rap and everything in between. However, if I delve into the music that truly speaks to my heart, I must admit that it is the music from the ’70s, across all genres, that captivates me the most.
I find the music of that era to be the pinnacle of songwriting, musical composition, and storytelling. Additionally, it enchants me because it transports me back to a time when the worries of the world weighed less heavily upon me.
Q: You are a bit of a visionary, and have many plans for the music community. In your eyes, what would you see as your crowning achievement among them.
Vydor: That is a difficult choice, akin to asking a mother to choose her favorite child. While she may have one, admitting it would feel deceitful and untrue. I do immensely enjoy what the Jukebox show has become. What began as a sideshow for the Ministar band has grown into something truly special. Its unique format, which allows the audience to become involved, is particularly delightful.
However, I must say that the thing I am most proud of is the Landroval Entertainment Alliance. I say this because it holds the most potential for growth and for bringing the community together. Providing everyone involved in entertainment on Landroval a central location to share, learn, and seek assistance will yield greater benefits in the future.
Q1: With more and more bands forming all the time, do you get asked for advice often?
Q2: What one piece of advice would you wound consider the most important to pass on?
Vydor: Once again, I shall address these questions together. I am rarely asked for advice, which I believe is a consequence of the persona Vydor adopts—a persona of one who is aloof and unapproachable. Thus, I am seldom approached for counsel.
Moreover, I tend to shy away from giving advice, as people often neither seek nor heed it, and those who might benefit from it rarely ask for it.
However, for those who are eager to learn more about music-making, I have established an academy to share my knowledge. It is called the Old Toby Academy, and its first class of students will soon complete their final semester. A second class has already been selected for the new year of learning. My hope is that this endeavor will grow, attracting more participants as both students and teachers.
Q: Last Question, what do you see in the future for Lotro music and what would you like to see done for the music community?
Vydor: When I departed for my leave of absence many years ago, I left behind a small music community that was tight-knit, talented, and eager to share and entertain. Though small, our fellowship was strong. In those days, everything was new, and it was crucial for us all to stick together, learning the intricacies of making music in Middle-earth. Upon my return, I was amazed at how much the community had grown. Old faces greeted me with warm smiles of remembrance, and new faces welcomed me openly, forging new friendships along the way. It warmed my heart to see the camaraderie and filled me with joy to return to something I cherished.
However, beneath the surface, I noticed cracks in the façade. With all the success of the community here on Landroval, it has become a double-edged sword. We attract crowds and talent from across the realms, all eager to share in what we have built. Yet, our old ways have ossified, becoming brittle and leaving little room for growth. New bands arrive in Landroval and find no space, apart from the odd round robin, to share their talents. Old bands have held their timeslots for over a decade, resistant to change or new ideas. In my short time back, I have seen new bands come and go, frustrated by these obstacles.
Thus, my hope for the community is for us to grow comfortable with change. For the old to embrace the new, allowing change to make us better. We are venerable, yet stagnant. I hope we can become something both new and ancient, blending tradition with innovation to strengthen our bonds and enrich our musical tapestry.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Vydor: I am glad I came back to this community.