Iceland review - 2014, Side 10

8 ICELAND REVIEW
XQ
1. How would you describe your new album, Sudden
Elevation?
I would describe it as an acoustic album, played on multiple
instruments, mostly played by myself. Skúli Sverrisson produced
it with me. I constantly write music, so when I make a record
I choose from the existing songs in my head. Actually, I see
Sudden Elevation as a whole and in my mind it is my strongest
release so far.
2. What can you tell me about the recording process?
Sudden Elevation was recorded in a wooden cabin by the sea in
hvalfjörður. We were totally out of contact with the outer world for
two weeks; no phone or email.
3. This is your third album, and the first one in English. Why
did you decide to change from Icelandic?
I just felt like singing in a language people understand, since just
one out of 50 concerts I play are in Iceland.
4. When did you start making music and what was your first
song about?
I was in my first teen band when I was 15. I can’t quite remember
what the first song was about … the lyrics were quite abstract
because we wanted to be very different.
5. You’re trained in classical violin, why did you turn to the
guitar?
I had difficulties understanding notation so I found a friend in the
guitar because I taught myself to play it.
6. What is the most beautiful place you’ve performed in so
far?
the old people’s home in Gimli, Winnipeg, audience-wise.
Actually I’m involved in a group of artists who have opened a new
really beautiful performance space called Mengi on Óðinsgata,
which is also a store that sells new art, music, books etc.
7. If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be?
probably one of my two sisters; we sing a lot together.
8. When you wish to get lost in Iceland, where do you go?
for a walk to laugarnestangi by the Reykjavík seaside.
9. What is your favorite song?
they keep changing. I think my new favorite now is pharrell
Williams’ ‘happy’ because the tune is so catchy, the message
simple and the 24-hour interactive video is a masterpiece.
10. Next up?
I’m recording a new album which will be released in spring 2014,
followed by extensive touring. 
the MultI-tAlented MuSIcIAn Ólöf ArnAldS
on heR neW AlBuM, the MoSt BeAutIful
plAce She hAS peRfoRMed In, A fRIendly
GuItAR And hoW to Get loSt In IcelAnd.
CaBIn
MusIC
Culture Club
BY Ásta anDRésDóttiR PHOtO BY PÁll stefÁnssOn