Olof Arnalds Interview: SXSW 2010

A classically- trained violinist, composer and singer, this sweet and sassy songstress is a key note within Reykjavik's incredibly pure and energetic music scene. Part of the experimental electronic múm collective, Ólöf Arnalds has also collaborated with Sigur Rós' Kjartan Sveinsson.

Released in 2007, her acclaimed solo debut solo, 'Við og Við,' is now available in the US and SXSW attendees will get to sample to her impending follow-up.

Describe your sound in your own words

The foundation is various plucked acoustic instruments moving through different harmonies under a voice melody -- all recorded at the same time. Then, sometimes other instruments are added on top of that, preferably in live, whole takes like the rest of the music.

How did your band form?

I started out alone, recording my album 'Við og við' with [Sigur Rós'] Kjartan Sveinsson. For my second album I started collaborating closely with davíð Þór jónsso [David Thor Jonsson]. So now David and I are a touring duo. He also co-produced my second record 'Innundir skinni.'

What are your musical influences?

Vocal music from all over the world: American folk, classical music, Icelandic '50s music and the music of my Icelandic colleagues and collaborators. I really like getting exposed to new music in a one-on-one dialogue with a friend enthusing about it.

How did you come up with your band name?

It's the name in my passport, skipping the middle name Helga.

What's your biggest vice?

Sparkling wine.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Bobby from the 'Dallas' TV series.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

The relaxing new-age music that's played in yoga class or when you go get a massage.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

One time, I was traveling on a tour bus and I had a hard time sleeping, so sometimes in the night I would sit in the front chatting with the bus driver who was a very nice man in his 50s from Texas. We chatted about life, basic things -- family, childhood, stuff like this -- and stories from the ranch he used to have before he got divorced. I'm always interested in people.

At the end of the tour in L.A. I felt a bit weird when the band got woken up in the middle of the night because this very nice driver friend of mine had brought a very loud, trashy lady to the courtyard of the motel and managed to create such a scandal that he almost got us all thrown out of there!