002 – The Preacher

Marina's guide to David Eugene Edwards.

I discovered David Eugene Edwards while in high school, during one of my long last.fm lurking sessions, where I would spend hours trying to uncover new music. I remember finding 16 Horsepower, who had already disbanded, while scrolling through the similar artists section on The Gun Club's profile page.

I felt an instant connection. Their music perfectly blended many things I loved: folk with punk and 80s/90s goth influences. At that time, as a young and naive person still exploring the nuances and complexities of music, their sound felt like a match made in heaven. Discovering 16 Horsepower also introduced me to the Denver sound, leading me to explore bands like he Denver Gentlemen (fun fact: David Eugene Edwards was one of the founding members), O'Death, Tarantella or The Builders and the Butchers.

16 Horsepower, founded by Edwards and bassist Pascal Humbert in 1992, was the platform for Edwards’ early exploration into the darker realms of American roots music. Based initially in Los Angeles, the band's name was inspired by a traditional folk song about horses pulling a coffin, symbolizing a journey through themes of death and redemption. The group later relocated to Denver, where they expanded their lineup and sound.

Their music was deeply rooted in Appalachian folk and traditional country, presenting a vision that was as bleak as it was compelling. Their sound often bordered on the macabre, drawing from the deep wells of gospel and early American folk. Edwards’ lyrics were imbued with a fervent religious undertone, exploring themes of sin, redemption, and existential dread with a raw, almost primal intensity. The combination of these elements created a uniquely immersive listening experience, where traditional American sounds were transformed into something both familiar and profoundly unsettling.

Despite critical acclaim, 16 Horsepower remained somewhat niche. The band’s breakup in 2005 was attributed to personal, political, and spiritual differences, including conflicts over Edwards' increasing focus on religious content.

During 16 Horsepower's hiatus, Edwards went on to form Wovenhand. Starting in the early 2000s, Wovenhand let Edwards dive into a wider range of musical styles. Though still deeply rooted in folk, the band’s sound now incorporates drones, Eastern European and Middle Eastern influences, and a range of unconventional instruments.

Wovenhand has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, their music leaned heavily into a folk-inspired, acoustic sound with a gothic Americana vibe, known for its dark and atmospheric qualities. As they've progressed, their sound has become much heavier, especially in their more recent releases, which have embraced a rock-oriented approach.

In 2023, David Eugene Edwards released Hyacinth, his first solo album in decades. The album revisits the acoustic roots that defined the early Wovenhand days, with many tracks built around banjo, guitar, and possibly banjolina, giving it a raw and resonant quality. Yet, Hyacinth also ventures further, incorporating heavier layers and electronic elements. Co-produced by Ben Chisholm, known for his work with Converge and Chelsea Wolfe, the album blends dark wave influences with almost apocalyptic atmospheres, creating a haunting and powerful experience that is unmistakably Edwards, yet feels fresh and new.

I'm not typically obsessive or fan-driven when it comes to artists. I love music, but I rarely dive into the details of an artist's personal life. However, with David Eugene Edwards—much like with Prince—it’s been different. I've always admired his work and followed his career changes with an unusual level of interest, given my usual disposition. Now, with Hyacinth out and Edwards on tour, there's a chance to catch him live somewhere in Europe. If you're lucky enough, you can experience firsthand the raw, haunting intensity that has kept me so invested in his journey.

Thanks for reading! I've curated a playlist that covers David Eugene Edwards' career, featuring tracks that have stood out to me and showcase the evolution of his sound. Whether you're familiar with his music or just starting, I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do. Un besito.