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Of Monsters and Men

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Not to be confused with Of Mice & Men.

Of Monsters and Men
Of Monsters and Men performing in 2015
Background information
OriginGarðabær, Iceland
Genres
DiscographyOf Monsters and Men discography
Years active2010–present
Labels
Members
Past members
  • Árni Guðjónsson
Websiteofmonstersandmen.com

Of Monsters and Men is an Icelandic indie folk/rock band formed in Garðabær in 2010.[7][8] It consists of lead singer and guitarist Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, singer and guitarist Ragnar "Raggi" Þórhallsson, lead guitarist Brynjar Leifsson, drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, and bassist Kristján Páll Kristjánsson.[9][10]

The band won the Músíktilraunir in 2010, an annual Battle of the Bands in Iceland.[11] In 2011, Of Monsters and Men released an EP titled Into the Woods. Their 2011 debut album, My Head Is an Animal, reached the No. 1 position in Australia, Iceland, and Ireland, as well as on the US rock and alternative charts, while peaking at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200 album chart, No. 3 in the UK, and top 20 of most European and Canadian charts. Its lead single, "Little Talks", was an international success, reaching the top 10 in most music charts in Europe, including No. 1 in Ireland and Iceland, and No. 1 on US Alternative Songs.

Of Monsters and Men won the 2013 European Border Breakers Awards.[12][13]

History

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2009–2010: Formation and early work

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The band was formed in 2009, when Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir decided to add additional members to her solo project, Songbird. Of Monsters and Men entered 2010's Músíktilraunir, an annual music competition held in Iceland, as a quartet, with Nanna (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Brynjar (electric guitar), Raggi (backing vocals, melodica, glockenspiel), and Arnar (backing vocals, melodica, glockenspiel, tambourine). Raggi came up with the band name.[14]

Following Músiktilraunir, the quartet added two more members, Árni (accordion/keys, backing vocals) and Kristján (bass, backing vocals), and continued to tour in Iceland and work on new songs.[15][better source needed] They were invited to perform at the 2010 Iceland Airwaves festival, and it was there that the Seattle-based radio station KEXP recorded them performing "Little Talks", from a living-room session.[16]

2011–2013: My Head Is an Animal

[edit]
Main article: My Head Is an Animal
Of Monsters and Men performing in New York City in April 2012

Of Monsters and Men signed with Record Records in February 2011, for the release of their debut album in Iceland.[17] In March, they went to Studio Sýrland in Reykjavík to record and produce it. In August, Philadelphia's Radio 104.5 began playing "Little Talks" and propelled the band to nationwide popularity.[18] The album, My Head Is an Animal, was released in Iceland in September 2011 with both it and "Little Talks" hitting No. 1.[9]

With success in Iceland and growing popularity in the United States, the band signed with Universal for a worldwide release of the record.[19]

Of Monsters and Men issued the EP Into the Woods on 20 December 2011, which featured four songs from their debut album, and later put out My Head Is an Animal in the US, on 3 April 2012.[20]

The band performed at the Newport Folk Festival on Rhode Island on 29 July 2012, at Osheaga in Montreal on 3 August 2012, and at Lollapalooza in Chicago on 5 August 2012. They also toured several European countries, including Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Sweden.[21] On 5 October 2012, the group appeared on the PBS music show Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders, performing "Mountain Sound".[22] Árni Guðjónsson subsequently left the band.[23]

Trumpeter Ragnhildur Gunnarsdóttir joined Of Monsters and Men on their 2012 tour as a session player.[24]

The group performed "Little Talks" and "Mountain Sound" on Saturday Night Live on 4 May 2013,[25] and they played at the first annual Boston Calling Music Festival, on 26 May 2013.[26]

Their song "Dirty Paws" was featured in a trailer for the 2013 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and the iPhone 5 introduction video released in September 2012.[27] They contributed the track "Silhouettes" to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack, and their song "Sinking Man" is featured on The Walking Dead: Original Soundtrack – Vol. 1.[28]

2014–2018: Beneath the Skin

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Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir in 2015
Main article: Beneath the Skin (Of Monsters and Men album)

Of Monsters and Men began working on a new album in August 2013.[29] In an interview published on 6 May 2014, Nanna stated that the album was forthcoming, but that the band had not decided on a release date yet. They officially began recording on 3 November 2014. At a listening session in February 2015, the band announced that their yet-to-be-named second album would come out later in the year.[30] They later posted a teaser video on their site for the album's first single, "Crystals".[31] It was released on 16 March 2015, along with the tracklist and other details about the upcoming record, titled Beneath the Skin, set to be released on 8 June.[32] The album and single artwork was created by artist Leif Podhajsky.[33]

In May 2015, the band issued dates for a tour to promote the record. The North American leg of the tour ran from 5 August 2015 to 17 October 2015.[34][35] The track "Thousand Eyes" was featured in the preseason advertising for Jessica Jones.[36] Of Monsters and Men appeared in a cameo on the episodes "The Door" and "Blood of My Blood" of Game of Thrones, as stage musicians.[37]

On 21 May 2017, the band posted a picture on their Instagram account, with the caption "Album 3. Let's do this!!!".[38] In October 2017, it was announced that they had hit one billion streams on Spotify, becoming the first Icelandic band to do so.[39]

2019–present: Fever Dream and Tíu

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Main article: Fever Dream (Of Monsters and Men album)

On 2 May 2019, Of Monsters and Men released "Alligator", the first single from their third album, Fever Dream, which came out on 26 July.[40] On 11 July 2019, they issued the track "Wild Roses". On 26 July 2019, it was followed by "Wars".

On 9 September 2020, the band unveiled a single titled "Visitor", along with a music video.[41] On 8 April 2021, the single "Destroyer" came out.

On 9 June 2022, Of Monsters and Men released the documentary Tíu, accompanied by an EP of the same name, at the 2022 Tribeca Film festival, as a celebration of the ten-year anniversary of My Head Is an Animal.

This was followed by a special live acoustic performance of their new songs "Visitor", "This Happiness", and "Lonely Weather".[42]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

  • Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir – lead vocals, guitars, piano, organ (2010–present)
  • Ragnar Þórhallsson – co-lead vocals, guitars, melodica, glockenspiel (2010–present)
  • Brynjar Leifsson – lead guitars, melodica, tambourine, backing vocals (2010–present)
  • Kristján Páll Kristjánsson – bass guitars, egg shaker, backing vocals (2010–present)
  • Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson – drums, percussion, melodica, glockenspiel, accordion, keyboard, piano, acoustic guitar, backing vocals (2010–present)

Former members

  • Árni Guðjónsson – accordion, piano, organ, keyboards, backing vocals (2010–2012)[23]

Touring members

  • Ragnhildur Gunnarsdóttir – trumpet, accordion, keyboards, piano, floor tom, tambourine, backing vocals (2010–present)[43]
  • Steingrimur Karl Teague – piano, keyboards, organ, accordion, backing vocals (2012–present)
  • Bjarni Þór Jensson – guitar, percussion, keyboards (2015–present)
  • Sigrún Kristbjörg Jónsdóttir – trombone, percussion, accordion (2015–present)

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Of Monsters and Men discography

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Organization Nominated work Award Result
2012 MTV Video Music Awards "Little Talks" Best Art Direction Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards Of Monsters and Men Best Push Act[44] Nominated
2013 ECHO Awards My Head Is an Animal Best International Newcomer Nominated
Best International Rock/Pop Group Nominated
Juno Awards "Little Talks" Video of the Year Nominated
Billboard Music Awards My Head Is an Animal Top Rock Album[45] Nominated
EBBA Awards European Border Breakers Award[46][47] Won
2015 Icelandic Music Awards Crystals Pop Song of the Year[48] Won
Of Monsters and Men Live Performer of the Year[49] Won
Beneath the Skin Pop Album of the Year Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Archived 29 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine." The Tonight Show. NBC Universal Media, LLC.
  2. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Radio Biography". iHeart Radio. Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Of Monsters and Men on World Cafe". World Cafe. NPR/WXPN. 20 June 2012. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017.
  4. ^ "Of Monsters and Men: 'We found we could bond better by telling each other fairytales'". the Guardian. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Of Monsters and Men | Biography, Albums, Streaming Links". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Republic Records". Republic Records. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  7. ^ Garðabær heiðrar Of Monsters and Men RÚV, 10 January 2013
  8. ^ "Making Records to Reflect the Seasons". themusic.com.au. 18 January 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Of Monsters and Men Facebook Page". Facebook. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  10. ^ "Of Monsters and Men in exultant Philadelphia debut". Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on 29 March 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  11. ^ "Músíktilraunir – English". Musiktilraunir.is. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  12. ^ "The European Border Breakers Awards". mmeawards.eu. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  13. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Win EBBA Award". icelandreview.com. 9 January 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  14. ^ Chan, Tracie (1 March 2012). "An Interview with Of Monsters and Men with Nelson Nyabuto: On Monsters, Jugglers, & Their First US Tour". Austinist. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
  15. ^ "Of Monsters and Men: Iceland's Folk-Pop Stars". Paste Magazine. September 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  16. ^ "Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks; KEXP". KEXP. 16 October 2010. Archived from the original on 27 April 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  17. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Sign with Record Records". Record Records. 3 February 2011. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013.
  18. ^ "Best New Releases, April 3rd, Vol. I – Of Monsters and Men, The Lumineers, Max and the Moon, Lux, Black Mountain, Twin Steps | Best new indie rock music songs, albums, bands, artists, and festivals". Indierockcafe.com. Archived from the original on 6 April 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  19. ^ "Universal Signs Icelandic Band Of Monsters and Men". Iceland Review. 23 October 2011. Archived from the original on 10 December 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  20. ^ "Friday on My Mind: KEXP's Most Viewed in-Studio Sessions". KEXP. 9 March 2012. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  21. ^ "Nanna (nannabh89) on Twitter". Twitter.com. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  22. ^ "Of Monsters and Men: Global Hit | Sound Tracks". PBS. Archived from the original on 30 July 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  23. ^ a b "Fannst ekki spennandi að spila Little Talks fimm sinnum á dag" [Didn't find it exciting to play Little Talks five times a day]. visir.is (in Icelandic). 5 September 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  24. ^ "Twitter / nannabh89: @DarkeningAbyss Ragga is a". Twitter.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  25. ^ Wete, Brad (5 May 2013). "Of Monsters and Men Perform 'Little Talks' and 'Mountain Sound' on 'SNL'". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on 9 May 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  26. ^ "Home » Boston Calling Music Festival". Bostoncalling.com. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  27. ^ "Apple – Introducing iPhone 5". Apple Inc. on YouTube. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  28. ^ Phares, Heather. "The Walking Dead: Original Soundtrack, Vol. 1". Allmusic. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  29. ^ Michael Baggs. "Of Monsters & Men to start new album in August". gigwise.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2014.
  30. ^ Balitin, Steve. "Of Monsters and Men Preview Tracks from Long-Awaited Sophomore Album at L.A. Listening Session". billboard.com. Archived from the original on 1 March 2015. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  31. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Release Video for 'Crystals'". Never Enough Notes. Archived from the original on 15 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  32. ^ "Beneath The Skin". Recordrecords.com. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
  33. ^ "Of Monsters and Men—Crystals". Archived from the original on 15 March 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  34. ^ "Of Monsters and Men 2015 North American Tour Schedule". 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
  35. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Announce North American Headliner Tour Dates; Release 'Hunger' Video". 26 May 2015. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
  36. ^ "'Jessica Jones' Trailer Has a Perfectly Dark Sound". bustle.com. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  37. ^ Michael Calia (22 May 2016). "Music on TV: Inside Of Monsters and Men's Cameo on 'Game of Thrones'". Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016.
  38. ^ Album 3. Let's do this!!! ofmonstersandmen – Instagram
  39. ^ grapevine.is (5 October 2017). "Of Monsters and Men First Icelandic Band with 1 Billion Spotify Plays – The Reykjavik Grapevine". grapevine.is. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017.
  40. ^ "Fever Dream. 26 July. Thank you for your incredible support of "Alligator". Our album will be out this summer, and we're really proud of it! You can pre-order a different version of the vinyl every 16 days, starting today! Link in bio!". Twitter.com. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
  41. ^ Of Monsters and Men – Visitor (Official Music Video), 9 September 2020, retrieved 9 December 2021
  42. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Unveil New TIU EP & New Track "Lonely Weather" & Premiere TIU Documentary at Tribeca Film Festival". Top40-Charts.com. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  43. ^ "Of Monsters and Men: 'We found we could bond better by telling each other fairytales'". theguardian.com. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  44. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Nominated for Europe MTV Award". icelandreview.com. 21 September 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  45. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Preview Tracks from Long-Awaited Sophomore Album at L.A. Listening Session". billboard.com. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  46. ^ "The European Border Breakers Awards". mmeawards.eu. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  47. ^ "Of Monsters and Men Win EBBA Award". icelandreview.com. 9 January 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  48. ^ "Winners of Iceland Music Awards". icelandreview.com. 7 March 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  49. ^ "Winners of Iceland Music Awards". icelandreview.com. 7 March 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
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