Expatica (a news and information source for expatriates in Europe) has two features up concerning the Pagan band Omnia. First, Paul Morris, the editor for Expatica Belgium, writes about his experiences at an Omnia show with his daughter.

“Omnia do perform some gentle songs that could charm the birds from the branches but others could rock the entire forest herself. Sik (aka Steve) leaps around at times like some excitable Pan unleashed from the woods and transplanted to this other world. From the dizzy heights of his flute to the probing depths of Luka’s assorted aboriginal Slideridoos, punctuated by the gentle insistence of Jenny’s harp and driven by Joe’s rhythmic guitar, it’s a fine sound altogether. And for me it just gets better when Jenny takes up the hurdy-gurdy, a wheel fiddle which adds a Gallic quality to certain songs.”

Then Morris interviews guitarist Joe Hennon about Omnia and his day-job as an assistant to Margot Wallstrom, Vice President of the European Commission (the executive body of the European Union).

“I’m the only member of Omnia who has another job. I work for the European Commission, in particular for the Vice-President, Margot Wallstrom, who is responsible for communication strategy among other things.”

Hennon also shares his views on the dominant monotheisms.

“We’ve no problem with Christians, Muslims or any other religious people provided they don’t try to force their views on everyone else in the world. We just think there are a lot more gods than just one…”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

For more about Omnia, I suggest checking out their MySpace page, or tune into my weekly podcast where Omnia songs often turn up.

Tags: EU, Expatica, music, Omnia, Paganism