Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.05.2016, Page 36

The light-haired punk
rockers of Hórmónar come
together for an impromp-
tu jam session in their ga-
rage, a cosy space crowded
by instruments, speakers,
and records galore. A week
ago, this would’ve been
a regular rehearsal for
Hórmónar, but after win-
ning "Músíktilraunir," or
the Icelandic Music Experi-
ments, they’ve been put in
the same category as some
of Iceland’s most successful bands.
Overwhelmed with happiness and
still in a state of shock after their
sudden recognition, they plug in
their instruments and turn up the
volume.
The Iceland Music Experiments
has been known to be a great plat-
form for Icelandic bands. Undeni-
ably so, when looking at previous
winners like Of Monsters and Men,
Samaris, and Mammút. “The story
goes like this: we walked into my
garage, saw we had something spe-
cial and won the Icelandic music
experiments. I love that story.” Says
Örn, the drummer.
Where did it all start?
Urður (bass player): We’re all
very musical and used to perform-
ing. However, we only just started
playing our instruments when we
started the band, so we actually do
play from our hearts. We liked our
sound and enjoyed practicing. Örn
suggested we’d participate in Mú-
síktilraunir so we signed up in a
rush, right before the deadline. We
filled out the application and then
there was no turning back.
Örn (drummer): Since we are all
novices at the instruments we play,
something exciting happens when
we start jamming.
Katrín (guitar player): Yeah, we
aren’t inhibited by techniques. We
are also best friends, so collaborat-
ing is not a problem. Everything
runs smoothly because we are or-
ganized, honest and, well, loud.
Brynhildur (singer): We are a
bit manic. We sometimes end up
practicing the same song over and
over again for hours. Our lyrics are
based on our own experiences and
feelings, which makes our music a
very personal form of expression.
Therefore, getting such recogni-
tion for it is an honour.
Whose idea was the name?
Urður: Hórmónar started off as
a bad joke that stuck to us. We
started talking about hormones
and Katrín said we were more like
Whoremones. (Everyone laughs) It
was either that or the Blonde Anxi-
ety Patients.
Örn: Apparently, band names are
the main reason for band
drama, so I decided to keep
my mouth shut.
You’re a busy group, where
do you find the time to
practice?
Örn: We make the time.
We all have busy schedules,
but for the competition,
we put everything aside.
We practiced for weeks
and Katrín, Urður, and
Brynhildur all got sick. We
took the classic “show must go on”
stand and competed.
Brynhildur: Then we won! It was
such a farfetched dream for us that
we went into shock when they an-
nounced the results. We even for-
got to thank everyone. All we said
was “Thanks, life, for being amaz-
ing.”
Örn: We should use the chance
now and thank my parents for let-
ting us rehearse in the garage and
not killing us.
Katrín: And mom for babysitting!
What is your dream venue in which
to perform?
Everybody: Nasa.
Örn: Nasa holds all our best memo-
ries! I remember being sixteen and
somehow sneaking into Airwaves
and dancing at Nasa was always the
best. Performing there would be a
dream. Hórmónar has promised a
concert in the nearest future, in-
cluding Iceland Airwaves 2016.
LISTEN AND SHARE: gpv.is/hormo
Music New Music
Sturlugata 5, 101 Reykjavík
Tel: 5517030, www.nordichouse.is
The
Weather
Diaries
Bibi Chemnitz / Ena Holds the Sea, 2014 © Cooper & Gorfer
Open every day from 11 am – 5 pm
till July 5, 2016
“One of the most beautiful
exhibitions I have seen.”
Politiken
Garage Session
With Hórmónar
Words & Photos by HREFNA BJÖRG GYLFADÓTTIR
36The Reykjavík GrapevineIssue 5 — 2016