August 29, 2011
Song of the 230. Week is RÓ's "The Battle of Brothers"
August 27, 2011
Fræbbblarnir "Í hnotskurn" @ Menningarnótt
A new song by punk legends Fræbbblarnir @ Menningarnótt (Culture Night) 2011 in the backyard of "Við Tjörnina"
"Í hnotskurn"
Fræbbblarnir
"Í hnotskurn"
Fræbbblarnir
August 21, 2011
Song of the 229. Week is Krummi's "Broken Clock"
Feldberg "Don't be a stranger" @ Waldorf Barbershop, Dublin
Feldberg @ Waldorf Barbershop @ Dublin
"Don't be a stranger"
"Don't be a stranger"
August 19, 2011
Sykur @ Ja Ja Ja Music @ Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen on 29. September 2011
Sykur @ Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London N1 6NU
29. September 2011 @ 19:30
August 18, 2011
For a Minor Reflection @ Sziget Festival 2011
FaMR @ Sziget Festival 2011
For a Minor Reflection @ Sziget Festival 2011 from For a Minor Reflection
For a Minor Reflection @ Sziget Festival 2011 from For a Minor Reflection
August 17, 2011
Sóley in the Spotlight @ IMX
Sóley is a passionate piano player and singer whom you ma knowy best as a member of indie-collective Seabear. But she has recently been emerging as a solo artist in her own write. In 2010 she released her solo-debut "Theater Island" - a pop record that sounded like a dream: sweet and weird all at the same time. Now she is about to release her full length album, "We Sin"k, via Morr Music -- an album "full of rhythmic makeshift creatures and handclaps hidden in the undergrowth -- think cardigan-folk from the northern hemisphere, an ocean of stained glasses bopping up and down in the shared apartment’s dishwater, leeward in limbo."
Sóley's a really pretty name: what does it mean?
In Iceland we have a beautiful wild yellow flower that grows all around Iceland. The name is Sóley. I think that´s where it comes from. They grow many together so when you travel around the country you can these big “islands” of Sóley. Sól means the sun and ey means island.
So what are your earliest musical memories?
I guess some memories from a brass band concert in which my dad was playing. When I was four years old I was interviewed and asked what kind of instrument I would like to choose to study. I said I wanted to play trombone because then I would be able to play in parades and wear beautiful costumes. Years later I was there, playing cymbals in a purple costume feeling ashamed because all my schoolmates were there laughing at me. Kids are so mean!
Is your family typically Icelandic in that the majority of them dabble in music? Any famous parents or cousins?
Well my father is a trombone player and a music teacher. That’s why me (and my brother and sister) are playing music. My mom doesn´t play any instruments but she shows up at almost every gig I play in Iceland. My cousin Egill Ólafur Thorarensen aka Tiny was part of the Icelandic rap band Quarashi.
You studied piano, right?
Yes, since I was eight years old. I started in classical education, which I got bored of when I became a teenager. But I kept on going, playing piano and also started in a brass band. There I played percussion and that was fun! Soon after that I tried out some jazz piano and I like that a lot more. More improvisation and you're more “free”. I have never been to a singing class, but it´s on my to do list.
What bands were you in before Seabear?
Apart from some brass bands and big bands I was in a band called Barbarella. I was probably around eighteen. We were four girls and one boy. I played guitar and keys. We made some weird pop music. I was also in a band called Strakovsky Horo, a Balkan band. In Strakovsky Horo I played accordion. We were ten best friends who were all in the same music school and played some crazy Balkan/eastern Europe music. I think we were legends!
How did you come to meet Sindri and join Seabear?
I knew Örn Ingi, the guitar player in Seabear because we are from the same town, Hafnarfjörður. I think Guggý (violin player) was not in iceland and they needed a substitute so Örn Ingi called me and asked if I could play accordion with them. So I did that and after two concerts I was asked If I wanted to join them. I didn´t know any of them at all apart from Örn Ingi a little bit.
Was Theater Island your first solo release? How was the process of getting it together?
Theater Island was my first solo release. The process was very fast. Thomas Morr (head of Morr Music) sent me e-mail and asked if I had some songs to send him. I had been recording something so I sent that and a few months later my first EP was out. Didn´t even have time to think!
Was going solo always something you wanted to do, or did the idea ambush you one day in the shower?
Like I said, It all went so fast. Before I got this e-mail and when I was touring with Seabear I didn´t really think about it. So it kind of happened somehow…
We Sink - an interesting title for the new album. Can you explain?
It´s from the lyrics on the song "I´ll drown". It´s hard to explain. The only thing I can say is that it´s about a girl and a weird old man who lives in a house. Suddenly the house is filling up with water, they can´t run away because the house holds them (and laughs) so they sink, together. Very “does not make sense” romantic.
What did you want to achieve on this debut album, from a musical perspective?
My own sound, my own world, my own lyrics that no one understands but me. I think what is most important is to make your own artistic world. Go somewhere that doesn´t exist and be someone that you make up on your own. Then you can hope that someone who listens to your music will maybe find their way to this world or connect with the persons on the album; because it ain´t me - it´s my imagination talking.
You seem to have dabbled with a lot of techniques and instruments -- what kinds of interesting sonic techniques did you unearth?
Yes I did it almost alone which is nice but I´m not the most clever one in terms of technique. Still I can figure out everything and that takes time. I don´t know If I discovered something new for definite but let´s say I will have someone to help me out on the next album. As in someone who knows what´s going on!
Who else appears on the album?
My friend Jón Óskar Jónsson plays drums (also live), Simon Nykjær played bass, Eiríkur Rafn Stefánsson my brother sang on two songs and Sindri Már Sigfússon played electric guitar in few songs. Also Sindri and Héðinn my boyfriend helped out with some recordings. The rest is made by me.
Who (musically or otherwise) has inspired you throughout your life?
My piano teacher when I was young, Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, was always so inspiring to me. She encouraged me to play and keep on though I wanted to stop play music. i´m so happy that I didn´t stop! Also my mom and dad and all of my friends who make and play music.
Which Icelandic artists are you listening to most in 2011?
Gus Gus (Arabian Horse), Sin Fang (Summer Echoes), Snorri Helgason (Winter Sun), Ólöf Arnalds (Innundir skinni), Skúli Sverrisson (Sería II), Amiina (Puzzle) and also Mr.Silla and Kippi Kanínus who are recording their stuff as i write this.
"The sun is going down pt 2" @ Sindri's recording studio
Sóley: the sun is going down pt 2 from morr music on Vimeo.
Source: Iceland Music Export
Sóley's a really pretty name: what does it mean?
In Iceland we have a beautiful wild yellow flower that grows all around Iceland. The name is Sóley. I think that´s where it comes from. They grow many together so when you travel around the country you can these big “islands” of Sóley. Sól means the sun and ey means island.
So what are your earliest musical memories?
I guess some memories from a brass band concert in which my dad was playing. When I was four years old I was interviewed and asked what kind of instrument I would like to choose to study. I said I wanted to play trombone because then I would be able to play in parades and wear beautiful costumes. Years later I was there, playing cymbals in a purple costume feeling ashamed because all my schoolmates were there laughing at me. Kids are so mean!
Is your family typically Icelandic in that the majority of them dabble in music? Any famous parents or cousins?
Well my father is a trombone player and a music teacher. That’s why me (and my brother and sister) are playing music. My mom doesn´t play any instruments but she shows up at almost every gig I play in Iceland. My cousin Egill Ólafur Thorarensen aka Tiny was part of the Icelandic rap band Quarashi.
You studied piano, right?
Yes, since I was eight years old. I started in classical education, which I got bored of when I became a teenager. But I kept on going, playing piano and also started in a brass band. There I played percussion and that was fun! Soon after that I tried out some jazz piano and I like that a lot more. More improvisation and you're more “free”. I have never been to a singing class, but it´s on my to do list.
What bands were you in before Seabear?
Apart from some brass bands and big bands I was in a band called Barbarella. I was probably around eighteen. We were four girls and one boy. I played guitar and keys. We made some weird pop music. I was also in a band called Strakovsky Horo, a Balkan band. In Strakovsky Horo I played accordion. We were ten best friends who were all in the same music school and played some crazy Balkan/eastern Europe music. I think we were legends!
How did you come to meet Sindri and join Seabear?
I knew Örn Ingi, the guitar player in Seabear because we are from the same town, Hafnarfjörður. I think Guggý (violin player) was not in iceland and they needed a substitute so Örn Ingi called me and asked if I could play accordion with them. So I did that and after two concerts I was asked If I wanted to join them. I didn´t know any of them at all apart from Örn Ingi a little bit.
Was Theater Island your first solo release? How was the process of getting it together?
Theater Island was my first solo release. The process was very fast. Thomas Morr (head of Morr Music) sent me e-mail and asked if I had some songs to send him. I had been recording something so I sent that and a few months later my first EP was out. Didn´t even have time to think!
Was going solo always something you wanted to do, or did the idea ambush you one day in the shower?
Like I said, It all went so fast. Before I got this e-mail and when I was touring with Seabear I didn´t really think about it. So it kind of happened somehow…
We Sink - an interesting title for the new album. Can you explain?
It´s from the lyrics on the song "I´ll drown". It´s hard to explain. The only thing I can say is that it´s about a girl and a weird old man who lives in a house. Suddenly the house is filling up with water, they can´t run away because the house holds them (and laughs) so they sink, together. Very “does not make sense” romantic.
What did you want to achieve on this debut album, from a musical perspective?
My own sound, my own world, my own lyrics that no one understands but me. I think what is most important is to make your own artistic world. Go somewhere that doesn´t exist and be someone that you make up on your own. Then you can hope that someone who listens to your music will maybe find their way to this world or connect with the persons on the album; because it ain´t me - it´s my imagination talking.
You seem to have dabbled with a lot of techniques and instruments -- what kinds of interesting sonic techniques did you unearth?
Yes I did it almost alone which is nice but I´m not the most clever one in terms of technique. Still I can figure out everything and that takes time. I don´t know If I discovered something new for definite but let´s say I will have someone to help me out on the next album. As in someone who knows what´s going on!
Who else appears on the album?
My friend Jón Óskar Jónsson plays drums (also live), Simon Nykjær played bass, Eiríkur Rafn Stefánsson my brother sang on two songs and Sindri Már Sigfússon played electric guitar in few songs. Also Sindri and Héðinn my boyfriend helped out with some recordings. The rest is made by me.
Who (musically or otherwise) has inspired you throughout your life?
My piano teacher when I was young, Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, was always so inspiring to me. She encouraged me to play and keep on though I wanted to stop play music. i´m so happy that I didn´t stop! Also my mom and dad and all of my friends who make and play music.
Which Icelandic artists are you listening to most in 2011?
Gus Gus (Arabian Horse), Sin Fang (Summer Echoes), Snorri Helgason (Winter Sun), Ólöf Arnalds (Innundir skinni), Skúli Sverrisson (Sería II), Amiina (Puzzle) and also Mr.Silla and Kippi Kanínus who are recording their stuff as i write this.
"The sun is going down pt 2" @ Sindri's recording studio
Sóley: the sun is going down pt 2 from morr music on Vimeo.
Source: Iceland Music Export
August 15, 2011
Music Alliance Pact (MAP) # 35 (August 2011)
It's time for the 35th I love Icelandic music/Icelandic Music Maffia contribution to an international initiative, the Music Alliance Pact, aka MAP. I take part in this Blog Alliance since the start in October 2008. On a monthly basis music bloggers from around the globe select a track from their country which is then posted collectively and simultaneously on those blogs - giving each nation's track international exposure.A trip around the world in 32 songs with a take off in Iceland:
This month I contributed the song "The Underwhelmer" by Coral.
To download all 32 songs in one file click here
ARGENTINA: ZonaindieTomi Lebrero y El Puchero Misterioso - Noche En La Pampa (feat. Lisandro Aristimuño)
This song is from singer, songwriter and bandoneónist player Tomi Lebrero's third album, Me Arrepiento De Todo. The first time we listened to it, we were amazed by the melancholy of some of his songs, moving away a little bit from the parodic tone that was present in previous albums and soundtracks. Noche En La Pampa features the great Lisandro Aristimuño as a guest vocalist.
BRAZIL: Meio DesligadoThe Baggios - Oh Cigana
The Baggios could be described as the Brazilian version of The White Stripes. It's the fusion of blues/garage rock from the Detroit duo transposed to the arid feel of Brazil's hot north-west and its 70s rock. Their debut album is available to download for free via their website.
CANADA: I(Heart)MusicCowlick - Can Neu Do It
With a name like Cowlick, you'd expect something twangy. If there's one thing their newest album, Wires, isn't, however, it's country. They bring together everything from drone-pop to hip-hop and, as this track shows, they do it well.
CHILE: Super 45Mowat - Librando A La Mañana
Mowat is a Chilean musician/producer living in Berlin. After his first work, EP#1 (2008), Mowat is now preparing his debut LP, Anglia, to be released on Cápsula Discos. Experimenting with traditional Chilean folk, the album's first single, Librando A La Mañana, stands out for its orchestrated arrangements and warm vocals.
CHINA: Wooozy48V - Long Men Zhen
48V is an instrumental post-rock project from Chengdu. The band consists of four members and so far they have released two full-length albums. Their first, South, came out back in 2006 and it was followed this year by South II on 1724 Records. It's a good start if you want to try Chinese post-rock.
DENMARK: All ScandinavianKlak Tik - With Ernest & George
A UK resident for the past 10 years, Søren Bonke released Must We Find A Winner - his excellent debut album as Klak Tik - in Britain in 2010, which earlier this year earned him a worldwide release on Danish labels Slow Shark Records and VME. Exclusively for MAP, here's With Ernest & George, just one marvelous example of Bonke's orchestral alternative folk.
ENGLAND: The Guardian Music BlogOh Minnows - Another Volunteer
Londoner Chris Steele-Nicholson used to be in indie trio Semifinalists. Now he makes music as Oh Minnows, with an album of synth/guitar pop called For Shadows just released on the Young And Lost Club label. The album opener, Another Volunteer, is the kind of plangent affair that gives 80s-referencing indie rock a good name, with its gently insistent drums, lush bed of synths, and vocal pitched nicely. As a recent Guardian New Band of the Day article put it: "Between optimism and despair, between the hope that a loved-one has moved on and a fear that they one day will."
ESTONIA: PopopPossimiste - Behind The Seas
Possimiste is an 18-year-old "uber-experimentalist"-bluebird-singer/songwriter from the wonderland, who likes to destroy the borders of music genres, believing in music and its existence in everything. A mysterious creature, an almost fictional character, who lives in a forest, has bat wings and is always wearing imaginary tinklers in her hair.
FINLAND: GlueRevival Hymns - Path Of Grace
Formed in the so-called Manchester of Finland that is the city of Tampere, Revival Hymns have worked hard in the past year to write and record their debut album, Feathers, which is already available to download on the band's website. Although clocking at 40 minutes, you will find just seven post-rock songs that go from slow psychedelic notes to big momentums of distortion, noise and epic choruses.
FRANCE: Yet You're FiredLa Mort De Darius - T.E.U.F
La Mort De Darius come from Strasbourg and are into electro/house. Violence is a keyword to describe their sound, and you can't do anything but dance to it (at the very least, you'll shake your hand in the air while listening). Each of their songs could have appeared on Don Rimini's The Perfect Prescription because of that same "turbine sound" that characterizes the compilation. La Mort De Darius show how good France still is at making electronic music. Listen to their remix of Katy Perry's E.T. in this brilliant video shot at Dour Festival.
GERMANY: BlogparteiTim Neuhaus - As Life Found You
Tim Neuhaus sounds fresh and ageless despite having already released six albums. His smart pop songs are driven by elaborated rhythms and his soft but catchy voice, which create a very warm feeling of melancholia. A trained percussionist, he was part of the famous Blue Man Group and accompanied rapper Clueso for several years. Meanwhile, he always wrote and recorded his own songs, with As Life Found You being maybe the best from his latest release, The Cabinet.
GREECE: MouxlalouloudaPlastic Flowers - White Walls Painted Black
Plastic Flowers builds levees of emotion with subtle sonic shifts, washed-out electronic textures and layers of instrumentation that blur together sublimely and turns hushed beats and lightly scratched guitars into overwhelmingly lush sound offerings. The single, White Walls Painted Black, off his forthcoming debut album, flows with some artful embroidery and shines exquisitely.
ICELAND: Icelandic Music MaffiaCoral - The Underwhelmer
Rock band Coral have been playing together since 2000, effectively starting their career in 2002 with the release of their nameless low-budget EP commonly referred to as The Yellow Album by listeners. Since then Coral have been unleashing their raw brand of rock 'n' roll on audiences, experimenting with classical, jazz and rock influences within a rock-quartet format. Last month they released their second album, Leopard Songs, on the Record Records label, from which The Underwhelmer is taken.
INDONESIA: DeathrockstarCupumanik - Grunge Harga Mati
Grunge Harga Mati is roughly translated as "you can't take grunge from me without killing me". You might grin but the band won't stop making music and will embark on their first Canadian tour later this year, spreading their rock music.
IRELAND: Nialler9Last Days Of 1984 - River's Edge
▲L▲ST D∆YS OF 1984▲▲ (to give Darren Moloney and Brian Rice's band its full name) are only on debut single status but a slot at the Berlin Festival is already lined up. It's easy to hear why. River's Edge is an Animal Collective-esque romp down the beach, conjuring up sunny climes and good vibes with a sound described by the band themselves as "beach house".
ITALY: PolaroidGazebo Penguins - Il Tram Delle 6
Gazebo Penguins are one of the best punk hardcore bands you will find in this country, on stage and on record. Their new album is named Legna, which in Italian could mean "wood" and also "bashing", but in a groovy way, or something like that. They're heavy and uplifting. The album is available for free download.
JAPAN: Make Believe MelodiesMöscow Çlub - Bikinikill
The name implies ties to chilly Russia, but Möscow Çlub hails from Tokyo and they love the summer sun. Bikinikill finds the indie-pop quartet at their most seasonally appropriate, all jaunty guitars and warm bells while the vocals melt into the surrounding sounds. Like similarly ocean-centric artists Best Coast and Beach Fossils, Möscow Çlub turns simple melodies into irresistible beach-blanket pop. Thank goodness there is a little summer left to savour.
MALTA: Stagedive MaltaThe Areola Treat - Nothing There
Formed in 2006, The Areola Treat are inspired by cult classics, 70s horror movies and awkward Japanese bands. With screeching guitars, resounding feedback, feisty punk beats and definite munchy punk vocals, they are almost reminiscent of X-Ray Spex. Nothing There is from their debut album Pleasure Machines, released earlier this year.
MEXICO: Red Bull PanameriKaKlezmerson - Zuntik
For the past decade, Klezmerson have been fusing traditional Jewish culture sounds with some Mexican roots like charanga and huapango dressed up with rock and jazz. Their third album, Siete, was recently released by John Zorn's label Tzadik. Zuntik ("Sunday" in Yiddish) is a clever and saucy piece that portrays pretty much what this seven-piece ensemble is all about. Among Klezmer-based melodies, gypsy scales and garbled guitar episodes with heavy drums, it features the voice of Hazan Moshe Mendelson, a cantor who leads the prayers in almost all the ceremonies of the Ashkenazi community in Mexico City.
NEW ZEALAND: Einstein Music Journal@Peace - @Peace
@Peace is a collaboration between Auckland hip-hop artists Lui Tuiasau, Tom Scott, Christoph El Truento, Hayden Dick and Brandon Haru. The group have been getting praise for their discerning take on life in New Zealand's largest metropolis, delivering a realist's viewpoint referencing pop culture, politics and poverty and the challenges facing an ageing Generation Y. The group's debut self-titled album was released in July and can be downloaded from Bandcamp.
PERU: SoTBLas Amigas De Nadie - Clones De Pan
Rock was not invented only for men. Las Amigas De Nadie are a band of five girls aged between 23 and 26. They're nice, but they aren't going to be smiling at the world looking for sympathy. Their only mission is to create music as they go, sometimes mixing up punk rock with hip-hop. Capsula is their first LP and is available for free from their website - listen to Clones De Pan and soak up its essence.
PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?Dear Telephone - The Door Was White
Dear Telephone, named after Peter Greenaway's Dear Phone, are a quartet. One of their members is also in Peixe:Avião (featured in August 2010's MAP) and both bands belong to a new indie label called PAD. Dear Telephone create an electro-acoustic sound and last month released their debut six-track EP, Birth of A Robot.
ROMANIA: Babylon NoiseThe MOOoD - Stay Right
"Spread The MOOoD!" is their motto and you will understand why after listening to one of their songs. With an electric and infectious Brit/indie sound enriched by the unique timbre of the voice, The MOOoD makes you wanna hear more of their music with every song you listen to. After five years of making themselves known on the Romanian indie scene, the guys released their very-much-awaited-by-the-fans debut album, which starts like this.
RUSSIA: Big EchoMotorama - Ghost
Motorama is a new-wave, twee-pop band from Rostov inspired by Scandinavian music and romance of the 80s. Their musical mood is closely related to the visual part, full of northern nature, military aesthetics and clippings from 50-year-old magazines.
SCOTLAND: The Pop CopArches - Like Fireworks (radio edit)
If a band's ambition is related to the epicness of the music then Arches' goals must be stadium-sized. Like Fireworks is the sort of song someone with the pedigree and studio budget of Doves or Elbow would release as the first single from a new album, not the first offering from an unsigned Glasgow group. Immerse yourself in its colossal choruses here and on the promo video.
SINGAPORE: I'm Waking Up To...The Psalms - Johnny Mnemonic
Fiercely upfront and dizzyingly discordant, The Psalms have been shaking things up in the music scene here, with growing expectations on their upcoming debut album. The band's Ishmael's Wishlist EP offers a raw glimpse of things to come, with its arresting spiral of chaotic rock delivered at breakneck speeds. All donations through the EP's digital download on Bandcamp will benefit Acres, a Singaporean organization promoting active community involvement in animal protection.
SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!MacGyver Knife - Stumble
Stemming from a high school band and after almost a decade of jamming in a garage, MacGyver Knife was born in 2008. They recently released their debut album Sewing Legends, with Stumble as their first single. It is a song that changed their sound as a band, establishing their more edgy indie approach, one that is evident throughout their debut offering and is a refreshing take on the local music scene.
SOUTH KOREA: Indieful ROKJiyeon Kim - Dear May
Jiyeon Kim may be one of the most interesting artists in Korea right now. She records sounds from her environment, mixes them with synthetic sounds on the computer and uses her own voice to explore the musical spectrum further. Still on a journey to find her musical direction, once she's found her style she'll look into releasing an EP, but has yet to decide whether to do it by herself or through a label. Dear May started out as a short memo on a friend's blog but turned into beautiful, tranquil and very captivating song.
SPAIN: MusikornerLenticular Clouds - Hermanos Humanos
Lenticular Clouds is more than a just project, it's a trip through the biggest secrets of modern physics as Albert Zaragoza Gas, the man behind the music, defines it. Listening to the album as a whole certainly is almost a magical experience, but we're pretty sure there are scientific explanations for all those ethereal sounds that navigate through the deep yet bright seas of aether pop and chillwave. Hermanos Humanos, the second song on the album, is the perfect tune for chilling outdoors, thinking of what we are and where we come from.
SWITZERLAND: 78sOctanone - None
Lucien Montandon, known for his drum skills with ALT F4, takes his first steps as an electro live act under the name of Octanone. He is a born beat junkie who plays with a drum pad, Loop Station and Kaoss effects. None (which comes with a superb video) is available as a free appetizer. We're looking forward to his debut EP which will be released in September.
UNITED STATES: I Guess I'm FloatingHoliday Shores - Spells
IGIF has loved on Holiday Shores for a long time and nothing makes our love swell like a new release. The band are preparing to bring out their sophomore album New Masses For Squaw Peak and lead single Spells is a track I haven't stopped spinning since first hearing it in June. It slowly pulls you in with a driving bass line and fetching guitar riff before exploding in a flurry of keys and percussion.
VENEZUELA: Música y MásBrew Army - Down To Hell
Army Brew is one of the leading exponents of hard rock in Venezuela. With just one listen to their music you can hear right away influences from bands like Pantera and Ozzy Osbourne. They are about to finish their first album, which includes Down To Hell as the first single.
August 14, 2011
228. Song of the Week is "Supersonic Situation" by Ruddinn
Song of the 228. Week is Ruddinn's "Supersonic Situation", a track featured on his 3rd Album "I need a vacation".
August 13, 2011
GusGus "Add this song" Live @ NASA on 18. June 2011
GusGus Live @ NASA venue
"Add this song"
Gusgus - Add This Song (live @ Nasa 2011.06.18) from Gusgus
"Add this song"
Gusgus - Add This Song (live @ Nasa 2011.06.18) from Gusgus
Thievery Corporation feat. Emiliana Torrini "Until the morning" Unofficial video
Thievery Corporation feat. Emiliana Torrini
"Until the morning", from the 3rd T C Album "The Richest Man in Babylon"(2002)
Another song from the album
"Heaven's gonna burn your eyes"
Emiliana Torrini
"Until the morning", from the 3rd T C Album "The Richest Man in Babylon"(2002)
Another song from the album
"Heaven's gonna burn your eyes"
Emiliana Torrini
Úlfur Úlfur "Lupus Lupus" Video
Úlfur Úlfur
"Lupus Lupus"
Directed by Davíð Eldur Baldursson
Assistant director: Þorbjörn Einar Guðmundsson
Úlfur Úlfur @ Facebook
"Lupus Lupus"
Directed by Davíð Eldur Baldursson
Assistant director: Þorbjörn Einar Guðmundsson
Úlfur Úlfur @ Facebook
Upcoming gigs in Reykjavík in August 2011 - An Update
Route 101
Where to go the next weeks to enjoy some live music downtown 101 Reykjavík?
I suggest you enjoy some local DJ's.
Wednesday 17. August 2011
Alfons X @ Kaffibarinn @ 22:00
Benni Hemm Hemm & Markús & The Diversion Sessions @ Faktorý @ 22:00 - Admission 1000 IKR
Thursday 18. August 2011
DJ Einar Sonic @ Bakkus @ 22:00
Lay Low, Lockerbie & Of Monsters and Men @ Faktorý @ 22:00
DJ Danni Deluxe @ Prikid @ 22:00
Friday 19. August 2011
Rökkurró & friends @ Faktorý @ 22:00 + DJ Gisli Galdur @ 00:00
Saturday 20. August 2011DJ KGB @ Bakkus @ 23:00
Reykjavik Culture Night - Menningarnótt
Tuesday 23. August 2011DJ HalliValli @ Kaffibarinn @ 22:00
Wednesday 24. August 2011
Extreme Chill @ Kaffibarinn @ 22:00
Friday 26. August 2011
GusGus @ NASA @ 21:00
Saturday 27. August 2011
GusGus @ NASA@ 21:00
August 10, 2011
Sleepless in Reykjavik WebTV Show 2011 - Episode 4
Sleepless in Reykjavik WebTV Show 2011
Episode 4 feat. Vicky & Apparat Organ QuartetThe Sleepless In Reykjavik WebTv Show 2011 - Episode 4 from Gussi - Sleepless In Reykjavik
Mr. Silla & Sóley Summer Concert @ Bakkus on Friday 12. August 2011
Mr. Silla & Sóley
Sumar-tónleika
Summer Concert
@ Bakkus
Friday 12. August @ 22:00
Doors @ 21:30
Free Admission
August 8, 2011
Pétur Ben & Eberg "Numbers Game" Útgáfutónleikar/Release Concert @ Sódóma on Friday 11. August 2011
Útgáfutónleikar
Release Concert
"Numbers Game" Pétur Ben & Eberg
Friday 11. August 2011
@ Sódóma Reykjavík
Supporting Act: Ourlives
@ Sódóma Reykjavík
Supporting Act: Ourlives
Doors @ 21:00
Admission: 1500 IKR in advance
Guests on the Album include Mugison, Sigtryggur Baldursson, Nói (Leaves), Gísli Galdur, María (Amiina) og Hildur (Amiina).
Projekta in the Spotlight @ IMX
PROJEKTA is a new music management and export consultancy based in London, Reykjavik and Brussels. It was formed by three individuals: John Rogers, the face of UK indie label Brainlove Records and an experienced music industry multi-tasker & publicist; Vasilis Panagiotopoulos, a manager and publicist working with clients such as SPOT Festival, Popkomm, Kimi Records and Icelandic quintet Rökkurró; and Hildur Maral, an active player in the Icelandic industry and a member of the Iceland Airwaves advisory board, having worked in various capacities with the Bedroom Community label, Reykjavik Film Festival, her own Jonsvaka festival.
The company has a growing roster of exciting and original artists, working to create a robust international framework and strategy for their releases, publishing, publicity and booking. The acts on the company's roster include Greek indie-rock quartet FILM, Icelandic five-piece Rökkurró and UK artist Napoleon IIIrd, who's second album "Christiania" received universal praise in the UK's music media upon it's release last November. Plans are afoot to bring "Christiania" out Europe-wide in 2011 and to continue the success of his recent European tours, industry showcases and festival appearances.
The most recent PROJEKTA signing was Apparat Organ Quartet. This legendary Icelandic electronic ensemble's five members include celebrated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson and four other seasoned veterans of the Reykjavik music scene. The band have been going for over a decade and have a very impressive live history that includes performances at thePompidou Centre and Central Park in NYC, Roskilde, Pukkelpop, and London's ICA. The band are about to release their second studio album "Pólýfónía" via Danish label Crunchy Frog, and plans are in motion to unleash their incendiary live show across Europe later in 2011.
Interview with Vas, John and Hildur.
What is all this Projekta business then?
Vas: Well, “ekta” in Icelandic means “authentic”. We thought combining the words “projects” and “ekta” made for a good description of what we do.
Who is involved in this thinly disguised plan for World Domination and what are yr backgrounds?
John: I’ve been working in the industry for the last decade now, first as a music writer and editor, then on the other side of the fence as a print & online publicist for everyone from Warp to Moshi to One Little Indian to IMX and EMI. During this time I started a DIY indie label called Brainlove, doing pretty much everything - A&R, producer hookups, product management and design, dealing with distributors, events, booking, publicity planning, international development, and lots of tedious but essential day-to-day label matters. Add it all together, and there’s a good overview of how shit gets done that I think translates into the right skill set for management. This step with Projekta feels very natural.
V: I’ve got a completely different background: European politics and media, but I’ve always had a great love for music and anything around it. A few years ago I started freelancing for various UK music media such as Clash, Drowned In Sound and Wired.co.uk. and started to manically attend all European showcase festivals and conventions. I gradually got to learn how the industry works and made some contacts, which eventually earned me a few clients in media and management, such as doing press for Spot Festival in Denmark and management for the emerging Icelandic act Rökkurró.
H: As for me, the guys approached me since we already knew each other a little and they knew of my previous experience in various fields of the Icelandic music business. They are both lovers of Icelandic music and wanted to work closely with Icelandic bands. It felt really natural and of course I was on board, the project sounded exciting.
You've already signed a few pretty cool acts, can you tell us about them?
J: I’ve been working with Napoleon IIIrd for years now - I saw him at his second ever show, I was astounded by the imagination and talent on display, and it’s gone on from there. It feels great to watch his music and his profile flourish, especially internationally - there’s been a huge response to his last record, “Christiania”, and deservedly so. Our other (newest) UK signing is Gazelle Twin, a dark, surreal and brilliant solo artist. Have a look at her website for an interactive stream of her debut record, “The Entire City”... www.gazelletwin.com
V: FILM are well-known in Greece - where I’m originally from - and have done some serious gigging, with support slots for The Cure, Flaming Lips, Iggy and The Stooges, Placebo and New Order. Unfortunately due to the isolation of the local music business they had no profile abroad. I helped them out by bringing them to Spot Festival, Popkomm and Iceland Airwaves but also by organising a collaboration with Rökkurró’s lead singer, Hildur Kristín, a release on Kimi Records and a remix by FM Belfast. That led to my collaboration with Rökkurró, securing a publishing deal and a series of successful European appearances.
How did you get AOQ on board? Did you bribe them with star wars figures, for example?
V: Yeah, their favourite figure was Chewbacca! It also played a role that Hildur was doing press for them already...
H: I had been working with them some months ago promoting their album Pólýfónía in Iceland. I’m a fan of the band and so are Vas and John so it felt natural to approach them right away, and lucky for us they felt the same way.
J: I’d seen them at Airwaves and had my mind fully blown, so I’m very happy to working with this band. What they do is really special, it’s right up my street.
What will you be taking care of for them?
V: Their much awaited sophomore album Pólýfónía will be released in Europe on 2 September on Danish label Crunchy Frog. A UK-release will follow in November. We’re in charge of coordinating all practical aspects, be it talking to their labels and various booking agents around Europe, arranging travel or coordinating PRs in various territories. I think artist management is all about taking care of the practicalities as well as keeping an eye on the bigger picture and coming up with bright ideas...
You are based in "London, Reykjavik and Brussels" - doesn't this interfere with the all-important alcohol-bonding rituals of a fledgling company?
J: We try and squeeze in some time working in the same city each month, which means a lot of travelling, but I love travel so that’s fine by me. We find that working together, we spark off each other and good ideas happen fast, so it’s important to create those windows of time. But the combined reach of our network, being based in three different countries, is a huge bonus for the company, and our bands, and helps things unfold quickly.
V: Yeah, already in 2011 we met in Oslo, Reykjavik, London, Brussels, Tallinn, and Cologne.
H: There was some drinking & bonding.
Talking of which, was the company conceived on a napkin in a cafe/bar? Or is there some other anecdote connected with the inception?
V: John and I have been talking for a long while about the sheer amount of talent in Iceland and the almost complete lack of management. That got us into thinking...
The key overlap of interests - aside from yr musical passions - is...ICELAND! Does that feel like one of the major glues that binds you all?
J: Iceland is definitely one of the things that brought us together. We all have a love for the place and it’s people and music.
H: I met both John and Vas because of Icelandic bands I had been working with. So it definitely has some say in it!
What other artists have you signed from Iceland and who else do you have your sextet of beady eyes on?
V: For the time being Apparat Organ Quartet and Rökkurró. In the last few weeks we met a few other acts and we are waiting for some others to record new material. We are definitely interested in working with more Icelandic artists.
Why does the world need another Management Agency?
J: Well, you could say the democratisation of recording technology means bands are developing earlier than ever - so there are more “finished product” artists emerging from bedroom studios with release-ready music at very early stages. And in the thorny, complex, fragmented world of the music industry, it takes years to even get orientated and get a grasp on how things work, between press, publishing, booking, labels, legal... artists need managers, or they’d never have time to make music. We’re here to guide things and make it work.
What sets you apart from other Management Agencies? As in, why should bands sign with you, y'know, aside from the obvious fact you're all lovely and charming and genuine and have great experience in the music industry and loads of really helpful connections?
J: Well, I think different companies have different ideas and aesthetics and ways of approaching things, and I feel like Projekta has quickly established an identity that rings true with the kind of artists we want to work with. We all want both our methods and our roster to be as much about respecting and understanding the art-form as managing the business - we want to establish a benchmark of quality in the acts we sign. When people really love what they’re working with it makes everything work so much better.
The company has a growing roster of exciting and original artists, working to create a robust international framework and strategy for their releases, publishing, publicity and booking. The acts on the company's roster include Greek indie-rock quartet FILM, Icelandic five-piece Rökkurró and UK artist Napoleon IIIrd, who's second album "Christiania" received universal praise in the UK's music media upon it's release last November. Plans are afoot to bring "Christiania" out Europe-wide in 2011 and to continue the success of his recent European tours, industry showcases and festival appearances.
The most recent PROJEKTA signing was Apparat Organ Quartet. This legendary Icelandic electronic ensemble's five members include celebrated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson and four other seasoned veterans of the Reykjavik music scene. The band have been going for over a decade and have a very impressive live history that includes performances at thePompidou Centre and Central Park in NYC, Roskilde, Pukkelpop, and London's ICA. The band are about to release their second studio album "Pólýfónía" via Danish label Crunchy Frog, and plans are in motion to unleash their incendiary live show across Europe later in 2011.
Interview with Vas, John and Hildur.
What is all this Projekta business then?
Vas: Well, “ekta” in Icelandic means “authentic”. We thought combining the words “projects” and “ekta” made for a good description of what we do.
Who is involved in this thinly disguised plan for World Domination and what are yr backgrounds?
John: I’ve been working in the industry for the last decade now, first as a music writer and editor, then on the other side of the fence as a print & online publicist for everyone from Warp to Moshi to One Little Indian to IMX and EMI. During this time I started a DIY indie label called Brainlove, doing pretty much everything - A&R, producer hookups, product management and design, dealing with distributors, events, booking, publicity planning, international development, and lots of tedious but essential day-to-day label matters. Add it all together, and there’s a good overview of how shit gets done that I think translates into the right skill set for management. This step with Projekta feels very natural.
V: I’ve got a completely different background: European politics and media, but I’ve always had a great love for music and anything around it. A few years ago I started freelancing for various UK music media such as Clash, Drowned In Sound and Wired.co.uk. and started to manically attend all European showcase festivals and conventions. I gradually got to learn how the industry works and made some contacts, which eventually earned me a few clients in media and management, such as doing press for Spot Festival in Denmark and management for the emerging Icelandic act Rökkurró.
H: As for me, the guys approached me since we already knew each other a little and they knew of my previous experience in various fields of the Icelandic music business. They are both lovers of Icelandic music and wanted to work closely with Icelandic bands. It felt really natural and of course I was on board, the project sounded exciting.
You've already signed a few pretty cool acts, can you tell us about them?
J: I’ve been working with Napoleon IIIrd for years now - I saw him at his second ever show, I was astounded by the imagination and talent on display, and it’s gone on from there. It feels great to watch his music and his profile flourish, especially internationally - there’s been a huge response to his last record, “Christiania”, and deservedly so. Our other (newest) UK signing is Gazelle Twin, a dark, surreal and brilliant solo artist. Have a look at her website for an interactive stream of her debut record, “The Entire City”... www.gazelletwin.com
V: FILM are well-known in Greece - where I’m originally from - and have done some serious gigging, with support slots for The Cure, Flaming Lips, Iggy and The Stooges, Placebo and New Order. Unfortunately due to the isolation of the local music business they had no profile abroad. I helped them out by bringing them to Spot Festival, Popkomm and Iceland Airwaves but also by organising a collaboration with Rökkurró’s lead singer, Hildur Kristín, a release on Kimi Records and a remix by FM Belfast. That led to my collaboration with Rökkurró, securing a publishing deal and a series of successful European appearances.
How did you get AOQ on board? Did you bribe them with star wars figures, for example?
V: Yeah, their favourite figure was Chewbacca! It also played a role that Hildur was doing press for them already...
H: I had been working with them some months ago promoting their album Pólýfónía in Iceland. I’m a fan of the band and so are Vas and John so it felt natural to approach them right away, and lucky for us they felt the same way.
J: I’d seen them at Airwaves and had my mind fully blown, so I’m very happy to working with this band. What they do is really special, it’s right up my street.
What will you be taking care of for them?
V: Their much awaited sophomore album Pólýfónía will be released in Europe on 2 September on Danish label Crunchy Frog. A UK-release will follow in November. We’re in charge of coordinating all practical aspects, be it talking to their labels and various booking agents around Europe, arranging travel or coordinating PRs in various territories. I think artist management is all about taking care of the practicalities as well as keeping an eye on the bigger picture and coming up with bright ideas...
You are based in "London, Reykjavik and Brussels" - doesn't this interfere with the all-important alcohol-bonding rituals of a fledgling company?
J: We try and squeeze in some time working in the same city each month, which means a lot of travelling, but I love travel so that’s fine by me. We find that working together, we spark off each other and good ideas happen fast, so it’s important to create those windows of time. But the combined reach of our network, being based in three different countries, is a huge bonus for the company, and our bands, and helps things unfold quickly.
V: Yeah, already in 2011 we met in Oslo, Reykjavik, London, Brussels, Tallinn, and Cologne.
H: There was some drinking & bonding.
Talking of which, was the company conceived on a napkin in a cafe/bar? Or is there some other anecdote connected with the inception?
V: John and I have been talking for a long while about the sheer amount of talent in Iceland and the almost complete lack of management. That got us into thinking...
The key overlap of interests - aside from yr musical passions - is...ICELAND! Does that feel like one of the major glues that binds you all?
J: Iceland is definitely one of the things that brought us together. We all have a love for the place and it’s people and music.
H: I met both John and Vas because of Icelandic bands I had been working with. So it definitely has some say in it!
What other artists have you signed from Iceland and who else do you have your sextet of beady eyes on?
V: For the time being Apparat Organ Quartet and Rökkurró. In the last few weeks we met a few other acts and we are waiting for some others to record new material. We are definitely interested in working with more Icelandic artists.
Why does the world need another Management Agency?
J: Well, you could say the democratisation of recording technology means bands are developing earlier than ever - so there are more “finished product” artists emerging from bedroom studios with release-ready music at very early stages. And in the thorny, complex, fragmented world of the music industry, it takes years to even get orientated and get a grasp on how things work, between press, publishing, booking, labels, legal... artists need managers, or they’d never have time to make music. We’re here to guide things and make it work.
What sets you apart from other Management Agencies? As in, why should bands sign with you, y'know, aside from the obvious fact you're all lovely and charming and genuine and have great experience in the music industry and loads of really helpful connections?
J: Well, I think different companies have different ideas and aesthetics and ways of approaching things, and I feel like Projekta has quickly established an identity that rings true with the kind of artists we want to work with. We all want both our methods and our roster to be as much about respecting and understanding the art-form as managing the business - we want to establish a benchmark of quality in the acts we sign. When people really love what they’re working with it makes everything work so much better.
August 7, 2011
Third Album of Ruddinn "I Need a Vacation" Released
Heiða wrote the lyrics for the song "Too Distant For Us". Skapti Soulviper sings on the song "Supersonic Situation". Bertel wrote 2 songs together with Jed Stephens. Elvar of Hellvar, Gunnar Sigurðsson & Jed Stephens played the bass. Recorded by Aron Arnarsson, George Kant, Jed Stephens & Óskar Páll Sveinsson. Mastered by Aron Arnarsson.
"Music Theory"
Music theory by ruddinn
"Music Theory"
Music theory by ruddinn
Rökkurró Says Goodbye (for now) Concert @ Faktorý on 19. August 2011 @ 23:00
Hildur Kristín is moving to Japan to finish her studies and will stay there for 11 months.Even though the news that the pop diva Leoncie is moving back to Iceland is definitively tempting we have come to the conclusion that Rökkurró is nothing with out Hildur. For that reason they decided to go on hiatus while she takes this short trip to the land of Sumo wrestling and Toyota cars.
Kveðjutónleikar @ Faktorý
Friday 19. August 2011
Rökkurró
Agent Fresco
Útidúr
Úlfur Úlfur
Admission: 1000 IKR
Doors @ 22:00
Song of the 227. Week is "Góða tungl" by Samaris
227. Song of the Week is the song by Músíktilraunir 2011 Winner Samaris "Góða tungl" of the "Hljóma Þú" EP.
Buy the Album @ Gogoyoko
Buy the Album @ Gogoyoko
August 4, 2011
August 1, 2011
Upcoming gigs in Reykjavík in August 2011
Route 101
Where to go the next weeks to enjoy some live music downtown 101 Reykjavík?
I suggest you enjoy some local DJ's.
Thursday 4. August 2011
Snorri Helgason "Winter Sun" Release Show @ Faktorý @ 20:00 - Supporting act Prinspóló
Tickets @ MIDI (1490 IKR) or 2000 IKR @ Door
DJ Einar Sonic @ Bakkus @ 22:00
Friday 5. August 2011
Rockabilly Night @ Bar 11 @ 22:00
Grapevine Grassroots @ Hemmi & Valdi @ 21:00 - Free Admission
Singapore Sling @ Sódóma Reykjavík @ 22:00
Thursday 11. August 2011
Coral "Leopard Songs" Release Show @ Faktorý @ 22:00 - Free Admission
Friday 12. August 2011
Agent Fresco @ Bar 11 @ 22:00
Saturday 20. August 2011
Reykjavik Culture Night - Menningarnótt
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