Jonsi Wins Inaugural Nordic Music Prize for 'Go'

Posted on Feb 21st 2011 1:05PM by Jason MacNeil
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Erika Goldring, Getty Images

Sigur Rós frontman Jonsi Birgisson, who performs solo as Jonsi, has won the inaugural Nordic Music Prize for his solo album 'Go.' The announcement was made Saturday at an awards ceremony and reported on the artist's site over the weekend.

"Thank you so much, thank you to all the other musicians," Jonsi said in a very short acceptance speech.

Jonsi's album was one of 12 albums nominated for the prize, other nominees included Robyn for 'Body Talk,' the Radio Dept. for 'Clinging to a Scheme' and Dungen for 'Skit I Allt.'

"The music of the winner could only have been made here, in the North" the six-member jury of journalists and label executives said in a statement on the award's site. "It sounds and almost smells like Iceland. It's brave and life affirming pop music that grabs you by the heart in flamboyant technicolour."

The prize, similar to Canada's Polaris Music Prize and inspired by Britain's Mercury Music Prize, was established last year, and comes with a cheque for 20,000 British pounds.

Jonsi spent 2010 touring behind 'Go,' and released a new concert film entitled 'Jonsi: Live at the Wiltern' earlier this month. The film contains his Oct. 17, 2010 show from Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre in its entirety and was directed by Dean Deblois. Released through iTunes, the film is currently only available in Canada and the US.

Watch Jonsi's Nordic Music Prize Acceptance Speech