Prinspóló are one of those Icelandic supergroups where you'll recognise everyone on stage from one or more bands. This lot are led by local legend Svavar Pétur Eysteinsson, of Skakkamanage and the truly wonderful but now defunct and legendary Runk. The band includes members of FM Belfast, Reykjavik! and Sudden Weather Change. So, they're pretty good, as those credentials would suggest. I had a chat with Svavar about this and that...
Hello Svavar, where are you? What are you up to?
Hi there. I'm at my home in Reykjavik where I'm planning a road trip with Prinspóló, FM Belfast, Sin Fang and Borko. We're going to Akureyri on October 22nd on a tour we call Partíthokan (The Party Fog).
The band has been touring in Eastern Europe - was that a load of fun or are you all fed up with each other now?
We did Poland in September, with a stop in Berlin. It was awesome! Polish audience took us like royals and we had so much fun. Our love to Poland and to our selves has gained very much after the tour and now we have a plan on touring Poland every year until 2054 or something.
When Prinspóló go on tour about 4 other bands lose members! How does everyone cope with that?
Well, the Prins is always number one because we have no king.
Good answer! When you play at Airwaves there will be 5 or 6 other shows happening - so why should people come and see you play?
You should because you must. The herd must follow it's Prins.
You aften spend a lot of time clearly saying something very funny in Icelandic between songs - are we allowed to know what you are saying?
Yes of course. I really suck in English storytelling, especially when I'm about to pee in my pants with stress. And sometimes, while on stage, I feel like saying something to the audience, especially when they are smiling to me, and then something long and pointless comes out of my mouth. Usually I'm in some kind of a mental blackout because of stress and I don't know where I am or what I'm saying.
I have to take the opportunity to ask you about Rúnk - that was the band that made me realise (I think in Grand Rokk in 2002) that there was a depth to Icelandic music beyond former Sugarcubes, so thank you! - It was a great band, is there any hope of you guys getting back together again?
How nice of you to say. Well, next year is the 10th anniversary of Rúnk's one and only LP Genghi Dahls. If time and money is on our side we might have a Fanta Lemon or something.
If you get together, I'll buy the Fanta Lemon! Can I also ask about Havarí? The store closed earlier this year, but is there any news about it reappearing?
We have no plans on that, and we are all pretty busy working on even worse business models than Havarí. But you should never say never. We still have a social number for the company and some debts to pay.
Have you seen the festival line-up? What are you really excited to see?
I will probably go and see what my colleagues in Reykjavík and Sudden Weather Change are up to. Both are releasing and working on very exciting stuff. Then I might check on Borko, Beach House, Dad Rocks!, Ghostigital, John Grant, Mr. Silla, Sin Fang and Sóley and what ever knocks on my ears.
You can see Prinspóló at Tjarnarbio at 8:50 on Saturday 15th (today!) - pay your respects to the prins, and bring your party hat. You'll have no regrets.
I'm an optimist. So all the anticipation of how good it would be to see Bjork in Reykjavik, at Iceland Airwaves, of how good this particular much lauded performance of Biophilia could be, could have been crippling. In fact my wildest expectations had nothing on the reality. This was music and performance at it's pinnacle, in a setting so perfectly intimate that it was hard to believe. To see a major world star performing her finest creative work in her home town, in a beautiful, brand new venue delivering crystal clear sound, with a crowd which, by her standards, must be tiny was a treat beyond all optimism.
As soon as I went into the room it was clear this was going to be incredible. A small stage, mostly at ground level hosting a range of bizarre instrumentation, some electronic and some (as promised) entirely natural - dominated by the 4 giant magnetic swinging things which doubtless have a name, but whose function is to set the beat on various songs. To one side of the stage was around 20 rows of tiered seating. To the other 3 sides just 4 or 5 steps hosting an audience never more than 7 or 8 deep kept back from the performance area by just a rope
We were asked not to take any photos, and that was almost entirely observed until the very last song. I think people guessed that Declare Independence was the climax and that this was their chance to capture this performance. Still, there were no flashes. Clearly, I'm just excusing myself - the photo above was the best my iphone could do in that room and in that light! The photo below of the choir dancing is from IcelandAirwaves on instagram, so that must be OK!
The lights dimmed just a few minutes after 8. Bjork was the last to enter the stage. She was supported by Manu Delago on the percussion, ipads, upturned woks (probably not) and who knows what else and a guy (sorry, missed the name) on keyboards, laptops and assorted electronica. There was also a harpsichordist for some tracks. As well as these three guys there was a choir of twenty or so girls who were brilliant and charming throughout, active on all but one or two tracks and dancing throughout, sometimes choreographed and sometimes freeform at the madder moments.
Bjork herself was wearing the dress and that wig from the album cover. The wig is incredible, it appears to be held on by an inch wide black chin strap, and it has the effect of making her already tiny features and frame become even tinier.
I'm not going to try to run through the show. It was an incredible nearly two hours. It was perfect. She seemed nervous at first but within 3 or 4 tracks was very clearly enjoying herself enormously, I guess she had a lot of friends and family in the audience. Oh, and that voice. That voice. The voice that first got me interested in Iceland back in the Eighties is still in wonderful working order from quietest whisper to the rasping but tuneful screams. She danced, she ran around the stage in circles, she sat down and sipped at tea.
I overheard more than one conversation on the way out around the topic of best gigs ever. This has few peers. For the Bjork stattos out there, I did get the setlist, so here's what she played:
Thunderbolt
Moon
Crystalline
Hollow
Dark Matter
Hidden Place
Mouth's Cradle
Isobel
Virus
Sacrifice
Vertebrae By Vertebrae
Where Is The Line
Mutual Core
Cosmogony
Solstice
(encore)
One Day
Nattura
Declare Independence
The Grapevine review of last night is here. You can still get one of 200 tickets for Sunday's show by queuing at Smekkleysa on Sunday morning. I really suggest you do.
Mr David Berndsen, or "Berndsen" as we know him is a regular Iceland Airwaves favourite. He wears his flawless eighties influences high up on his sleeve for all to see. His shows are all about giving the crowd a good time. They're usually full of locals too, that's always a good sign.
Hello - Where are you and what are you doing right now?
I am having a cup of coffee, and preparing for Airwaves and planning to move to Porto next monday!
Wow! Good luck! When you play at Airwaves there will be 5 or 6 other shows happening - so why should people come and see you play? what should we expect?
People who are in a good mood and want to have a good time should see us play! or if you just want to chill you can see something else! There are a lot of fun bands playing this year.
Is it fair to say that you're a guy who loves the music of the 80s? Are there any bands in particular who influence your sound?
I love the 80´s music, and all things about it, the synths, the look, the sounds. I am mostly influenced by OMD, Duran Duran and The Twins.
But you have a beard! (a very excellent one) there weren't many beards in music in the 80s were there?
Ha Ha... I don´t know if my beard is considered to be 80´s! It's just a twist on things.
I've just recently heard your excellent song with Bubbi Morthens - how did that collaboration happen?
We used to work on a radio program together, and fooled around making a song and couple of months later we did a song and it became a mega hit.
Have you seen the festival line-up? What are you really excited to see?
Excited to see Oculus, Hermigervill, Gus Gus and a lot of cool stuff.
What are your tips for first-timers at Iceland Airwaves?
I recommend people to just walk around downtown and see whatever that's always so fun, just see thing you don´t know nothing about!
And that, my friends, is THE BEST TIP for Iceland Airwaves, go and discover stuff you don't know. Do as Mr Berndsen says! You can see Berndsen at Iceland Airwaves 2011 at Hresso on Wednesday at 4pm, at i8 on Friday at 4pm and his main show on Saturday is in Nasa at 9:40pm. Synthtastic.
At Iceland Airwaves last year, a band called Yunioshi arrived determined to have fun, make friends and entertain. They succeeded brilliantly and I know I'm not the only person delighted to see them back in town again for Iceland Airwaves 2011. I don't spend a whole load of my Airwaves time watching acts from outside Iceland, but this lovely bunch will be on that short list for the second year in a row. Good work them. Here's the story...
Hi again! I'm excited that you're going to be around again this year in Reykjavik - how has your year been?
We've been quite nicely busy so far this year. Plenty of festivals both in the UK and abroad. A couple of highlights have been playing in Toronto for Canadian Music Week back in February and then the amazing Dot to Dot festival in the UK. We managed to pack out the venues and get people dancing. The venue we played in Toronto was burlesque themed - the topless bartop dancing ladies were a little distracting during the set - but something we should encourage more at our gigs we think!
So, Yunisohi, what did you enjoy so much about Airwaves 2010 that you want to do it all over again in 2011? (see also their awesome video diary from last year below)
Airwaves is such an awesome festival. I think we might even go so far as to say our favourite festival to play. Last year we met some amazing people, played to the best crowds who just got involved, played some amazing venues from half-pipes to cosey cafés. Whats not to like!? We're so lucky to have made some really good links with Reykjavik over the last few years - it feels like our home from home. I think the crammed gig at Kaffibarinn, the crazyness of Bakkus and the shear oddity of playing in a hairdressers will long stay in my mind as unforgettable moments!
You don't appear on the official line-up, so what are you up to?
We're semi-official! Airwaves don't tend to book international artists year on year, but such is our love for the festival and Iceland we've booked some great off venue shows - Barbara on Wednesday at 9pm, Bar 11 as part of the Gogoyoko line up on Thursday at 8pm so far - and maybe one more to be confirmed!?
We're also arriving a week early to tour with our good pals Bloodgroup which we're really looking forward to. We'll be playing their hometown on one night so it will be a real honour to play with them there. We're playing The Green Hat in Akureryi on Saturday 7th followed by The Slaughterhouse in Egilsstaðir on Sunday 8th before a few of us take a slow drive back to Reykjavik along the South Coast. Its gonna be amazing exploring more of Iceland.
Have you had a chance to look at the line-up? Anything you're particular keen to see?
There are some great bands as usual. International ones like Beach House, Yacht, Niki & the Dove and SBTRKT will be great to see - but for me I really want to see some of my favourite Icelandic bands like Hjaltalin, Lay Low and Utidur. We're bound to catch up with Svavar Knutur in Hemmi & Valdi at some point and if we could bump into Bjork that would be pretty amazing! Of course, we'll be watching Bloodgroup every chance that we get too!
What are your tips for bands playing this year? and for Airwaves punters?
Simply, just enjoy it! We've always had the best experiences in Reykjavik. The crowds are truly amazing and the music that you get to see is just astonishing. You can find it anywhere and everywhere. You'll grow to love the eggy water too!
Do you have any new music coming out? And please tell us how we can buy your wonderful tunes...
We've released a new single this year "Invisible" available at bandcamp where you can also find other tunes as well as some free downloads. We're also working on tracks for the new release and hope to have at least one extra new tune in the set for October. We may also have something extra up our sleeves for the Icelandic crowds - we just hope we have the time to pull it off! Everything else is available on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon as well as through RVKs very own Gogoyoko.
So, yes, please, go and make friends with and listen to and dance with Yunioshi in Reykajvik this week. And after that befriend them further on facebook & twitter.
For A Minor Reflection are four young guys from Reykjavík who have grown from a hard rock duo, via a bunch of Pink Floyd covers, to the very wonderful post-rock soundscapers they are today. If this sounds like your thing you must catch them at Iceland Airwaves 2011 on Wednesday at 3pm at Kex, and then their main show on Friday in the Art Museum (Listasafn) at 9pm. If they don't sound like your thing, try them anyway - you may be pleasantly surprised and they tell jokes between songs. I had a chat with Kjartan Holm...
Hi Kjartan! Where are you, and what are you doing right now?
Right now we're in Reykjavík, Iceland and we have just finished recording an EP album which we're going to release at the end of September or the beginning of October. We're in the middle of the mixing process along with getting ready to go to China in four days.
Who's in the band?
The band consists of four 22 year old, pretty different guys who make music together. And drink beer with each other in-between. They're names are Kjartan Holm (guitar, keyboards, samples), Guðfinnur "Guffi" Sveinsson (guitar, keyboards), Elvar Jón "Elvis" Guðmundsson (bass, saxophone) and Andri Freyr Þorgeirsson (drums).
I heard that you used to play covers of Pink Floyd - is that true? Which other bands would you like to cover?
Yeah that's right. To begin with, before we had the guts to write our own material, we used to cover Pink Floyd massively. Mostly Comfortably Numb though, because of the epic guitar solo. Guffi and I, we are the egocentric ones in the band... I would like to cover Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" or Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" because they're just amazing. We're all big 80's suckers.
Who isn't! Your next record is being funded over at pledge music - how is that going? It seems like a really sensible way to get a record made.
The Pledge campaign is going incredibly well! We've reached 100% already and we have almost 40 days left. When a Pledge campaign reaches it's limit, it can still go further, so I encourage everyone who's interested in making a pledge to do so.
When you play at Airwaves there will be 5 or 6 other shows happening - so why should people come and see you guys?
People should come to see our show because we give it all we got in our live performances. It's energetic, quiet/loud, atmospheric, has visuals and extra instruments on stage, so yeah... We promise one heck of a show! And between songs, Guffi and I do stand-up. Something for everyone!
Have you seen the festival line-up? What are you really excited to see?
The festival line-up this year is really nice. What I'm most excited to see is Iceage from Denmark!
Any tips for first-timers at Iceland Airwaves?
The tips I have for first-timers at Iceland Airwaves is just to go and see and do as many things as your body and mind allows you to do! There is a reason why Iceland Airwaves is so highly appreciated by Icelanders and people from all over the world. It's simply one of a kind!
Thank you Kjartan, enjoy Iceland Airwaves 2011!
You can catch For A Minor Reflection twice during Iceland Airwaves 2011, at Kex on Wednesday at 39m then their big show at the Art Museum on Friday night at 9pm.
My instinct is to dislike (not really!) those Brits lucky enough to have settled in Iceland, especially when they end up "in bands", "with girls" or "working at grapevine", but they always turn out to be such lovely people. So I must wholeheartedly recommend that you see and befriend the half British, half Icelandic, all excellent four-piece Porquesi during iceland Airwaves 2011. You will have plenty of opportunity (see below), for Porquesi are one of those bands who seem to be trying to play more shows than any other. I managed to squeeze myself into their insanely busy schedule of gigging and social networking...
Hello PORQUESÍ! Where are you and what are you doing right now?
Good evening! We have just come back from a “hard day” at the office, taking photos with the awesome Matt Eisman of musicinfocus.net and we’re now just relaxing at Skúli’s place with some pizza and beer, just going over a mix for a radio programme we recorded last week. All in all, just working hard and playing hard.
Who's in the band?
Two Vikings: Skúli Jónsson (Guitar, Vocals, Piano), and Egill Jónsson (Bass Guitar) and two Anglo Saxons: Russell Harmon (Guitar), and Jonathan Baker (Drums).
I like your name (I told you this would be unprofessional)! Why did you choose it?
The name? Just because. Haha, nah, well “porque si” means “just because” in Spanish. Skúli and Egill lived in Spain for a year when they were younger, so the Spanish influence came from there. But we chose the name one night when we were all drunk on San Miguel and just thought that taking a Spanish name would be appropriate. And yeh, basically, just because.
So you are half from the UK and half Icelandic? A very nice mixture? How did you meet then? Are some of you Brits that are lucky enough to live in Iceland?
Yeah, that is right. We are a nice blend of England and Iceland. Russell moved here for his girlfriend, and then Jonathan came over for an internship at The Reykjavík Grapevine, and also met a girl. From there, we all just met through mutual friends, and mutual musical interests. One thing lead to another and here we are. Now we are BFF!
When you play at Airwaves there will be 5 or 6 other shows happening - so why should people come and see you guys?
There are lots of great bands and artists playing over Airwaves at the same time, so it is definitely a difficult decision; one that we are facing ourselves. However, if there is anyone out there into intense, emotive, live rock music, then they should check us out. We like to think we put on a good show, so why not?
Have you seen the festival line-up? What are you really excited to see?
Phewww, there are so many bands that we all want to go check out. Probably too many to mention, but for instance Liturgy, Deathcrush, Reykjavík!, For a Minor Reflection, Agent Fresco, Swords of Chaos, and Dope D.O.D are all on our to see list. We also highly recommend the Icelandic bands Gang Related, Vigri, Andvari, and Musik Zoo.
Any tips for first-timers at Iceland Airwaves?
See as many bands as possible, drink as much as possible, and just have a good time basically. The festival is always amazing, so just enjoy the experience.
So, yes, you ought to check these nice guys out, here are your chances...
October 12th at 4pm in Reykjavík Backpackers.
October 13th at 2pm in Reykjavík Downtown Hostel then again at 8:50pm in Amsterdam.
October 15th at 3pm on the street at Hringa on Laugavegur and at 4pm at Macyard (Sirkus)
And finally, phew, on October 16th at 8:30pm in Dillon.
After all of that you are going to want to get to know them even better, so you buy the debut album from gogoyoko or at all the great record stores of Reykjavik 101. You can make follow, stalk and "poke" them on twitter, facebook, bandcamp, myspace (yes!), soundcloud and gogoyoko. Phew - how do they get the time?
I've never quite dared to do this before, but people always want suggestions of which local bands to go and see at Iceland Airwaves 2011. And whilst I could, in all truth, wholeheartedly recommend 30 or 40 bands that I know would not ever be a let down, the number I've been asked for by 2 separate people is 5. So with huge regret aimed at the bands not on the list (and I'm leaving Bjork & Gus Gus, you all know they're great right?), deep breath, here goes...
Reykjavik! are a phenomenal live band (not from Reykjavik - I know, those crazy Icelanders). If you situate yourself within 20 yards of the stage, you are quite likely to become part of the show as Boas inevitably gets itchy feet and begins to wander, either through or over the crowd, to involve as many people as possible. But amongst the visual chaos is some seriously powerful rock riffing and song-craft, you'll come away with the tunes lodged in your brain for days afterwards. They're about to release their third full length album, which judging by the previews, looks to show no let-up in quality from their first two and although they aren't officially playing until the Sunday when all the members finally coincide in Reykjavik, they will be well worth waiting for. You will leave sweating, grinning and a fan for life.
I've never seen or heard anything quite like Ghostigital. Let's get the basics out of the way - Yes, that is Einar from the Sugarcubes. Over recent years he has teamed up with electronics genius Curver to create the most original, pounding, crunching electronic music you'll ever uncover. Across Curver's sounds come Einar's words - they're random but somehow also tell you a story. They're funny and they're magical. The live experience will make your teeth shake, and your eyes widen. Like Reykjavik!, Ghostigital are also readying a new album (also their third), and the taster single, Don't Push Me, is one their finest moments to date. Unmissable.
Mugison looks like, and is, a former North Atlantic fisherman. Musically he has been ever-evolving and always crucial. At my very first Iceland Airwaves his show was highlighted to me by the good people at 12 tonar record store as the one, single show I must not miss. I've been addicted ever since. He's moved from a one-man-band armed with acoustic guitar and laptop to a balls-out rocker chosen to tour North America with Queens Of the Stone Age - now he moves between the two, and all points in between, effortlessly. Since the QOTSA tour he's re-recorded his earlier quieter numbers as rock songs. Now, you can never be sure quite what you'll be getting. At Iceland Airwaves last year he was joined on stage by 2 special guests - first a pogoing, spitting metal front man and then a choir of schoolgirls. The songs are always great. Most songs from his album, Mugiboogie, are pretty much adopted by the natives as unofficial national anthems. His most recent output has been in the Icelandic language culminating in a brand new album released this very week. His shows are as strong as his records. Highly recommended. 02 Murr Murr (live) by mugison
Olafur Arnalds makes music that is not my natural habitat. I think we can call it Modern Classical, or even Electronic Classical. Whatever, it's spellbinding, it's beautiful and live, it makes my jaw drop. Like many others, I was tempted in by his fascinating "Found Songs" project of a few years ago for which he wrote and recorded one song per day for a week - each was available immediately as a free download. From there I explored his earlier work and since then his newer stuff. I've seen his shows at Iceland Airwaves each of the last two years, and in London twice in that time also. It's really quite odd and refreshing amongst the insanity of Airwaves to watch a show, always packed solid, where the audience is in respectful and then enraptured silence until the final note of each song has faded. Do yourself a favour, take this experience and keep an eye next week here, on his new project, "Living Room Songs", if it's half as original and exciting as Found Songs, it will be a real treat.
The 5th spot would normally have been for the amazing FM Belfast. I can't believe that we won't get news of an Iceland Airwaves 2011 appearance or two from this absolutely brilliant live band. And if and when that happens, then I command you to be there (in your underwear). But since I can't 100% guarantee that they will be there, and with remorse directed at, amongst others, Retro Stefson, Mammut, Prinspolo, Petur Ben, Nora, Sin Fang, Bloodgroup, Sykur, Quadruplos, Endless Dark, Thorir, Sudden Weather Change & Vicky, let's talk about the mighty, mighty HAM. I've only seen them the once, last year, but I'll be doing my best to be there again this year as they take to the Iceland Airwaves stage. HAM (the capitalisation is crucial, and an indication of the noise) are probably Iceland's biggest ever hard (understatement) rock band, they were first active in the late 80s but until last year's reunion for Airwaves had been off the scene for some time. They reformed last year and the show was packed with Icelanders (always a good sign for music and mayhem). Oh, and they're Bjork's favourite Icelandic band so if you plan on doing any Bjork-spotting, that show might be a good place to be! Since last year's reunion, they have recorded and just released a brand new album, which sold out it's initial production in weeks. Let's hope the stores are re-stocked before Airwaves!
So there you go, my five point plan for utter Iceland Airwaves brilliance. And bring your wallets too, all 5 have just released or are just about to release new albums. Happy Days!
