Árstíðir

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Árstíðir
Árstíðir at TFF Rudolstadt, 2013.
Árstíðir at TFF Rudolstadt, 2013.
Background information
OriginReykjavík, Iceland
GenresIndie, classical music
Years active2008–present
LabelsNivalis, Beste Unterhaltung
MembersKarl James Pestka
Gunnar Már Jakobsson
Ragnar Ólafsson
Daniel Auðunsson
Websitewww.arstidir.com

Árstíðir (English: Seasons) is an Icelandic indie-folk band with classical, progressive rock and minimalist elements.[1] Aside from the genre-mix in their music the defining characteristic of this band is that all four members sing.

The band formed in 2008 in Reykjavík as a trio, consisting of Daniel Auðunsson (guitar), Gunnar Már Jakobsson (guitar) and Ragnar Ólafsson (baritone guitar). When they recorded their first album Árstíðir Hallgrímur Jónas Jensson (cello) and Jón Elísson (piano) joined the band. In 2010, the band became a sextet with Karl James Pestka (violin). In the end of 2013 Jón Elísson and Hallgrímur Jónas Jensson left Árstíðir and the remaining quartet rearranged.

Currently Árstíðir is composed of members Karl James Pestka (violin), Gunnar Már Jakobsson (baritone guitar), Daniel Auðunsson (guitar) and Ragnar Ólafsson (piano). At their concerts, they are supported by a cellist. Since founding the band, they have released three albums, one live EP and two studio albums.[2][3] Árstíðir have always been an independent band. In Iceland, they have their own record company and in Germany they have a cooperation contract with Beste Unterhaltung. In 2014, they are recording their third studio album which has been successfully funded via Kickstarter and is supposed to be released in September.[4]

Discography

Studio

  • 2009: Árstíðir (English: Seasons)
  • 2011: Svefns og vöku skil (English: Sleep State Return)
  • 2015: Hvel (English: Spheres)
  • 2016: Verloren Verleden (English: Lost Past) in collaboration with Anneke van Giersbergen

Lives & EPs

  • 2009: Live at Fríkirkjan (Free Church) (EP)
  • 2012: Tvíeind (Remix EP)[5]

Viral Video

Árstíðir became known to a wider internet audience in 2013 when a viral YouTube video showed them performing impromptu, Heyr himna smiður ("Hear, Smith of heavens", a 13th-century Icelandic hymn) at a train station in Wuppertal, Germany. The video was shot by their PR manager after they had played a concert at a venue in the train station.[6]

The a capella was noted for improvising with the vaulted acoustics of the train station to effect the echo chambers of a monastic chapel.[citation needed]

Awards and nominations

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2009 Album "Árstíðir" #1 in Iceland Album Chart Nominated
2012 Folkherbst in Plauen, Germany Eiserner Eversteiner, Jury Award [7] Won

References

  1. ^ "hudba - novinky - Islandští folkaři Árstíðir na českém turné". Muzikus.cz. Retrieved 2011-08-13.
  2. ^ Icelandic Artists, musicians, bands - Arstidir
  3. ^ Artists - Line-up - Iceland Airwaves
  4. ^ "Árstíðir's Kickstarter campaign".
  5. ^ "Tvíeind by Árstíðir - gogoyoko". Retrieved 2012-12-16.
  6. ^ Youtube video of Árstíðir's improvised performance
  7. ^ "Eiserner Eversteiner - list of winners (German)".

External links


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