Arstidir

Artist Information

Biography

ÁRSTÍÐIR

“Árstíðir is similar to some other Icelandic bands in that they sound big and orchestral like Sigur Rós and, like Ólöf Arnalds, they strike that magic balance between intimacy and mystery.”
Beverly Bryan - MTV Iggy

“Shit. I mean, wow. Where to begin? Can mere words even do justice to the emotion Árstíðir evoke?” /Louise Petersson, The Reykjavík Grapvine


Árstíðir is a vocal­-based band from Reykjavík with a sound unique to the Icelandic music scene. Over the four years since Árstíðir’s formation the band has released two records praised by trendsetting music critics, had two number­-one hits on Icelandic radio, made several TV appearances in Iceland, Sweden, Russia, and the Czech Republic, and played sold out venues all over Europe.

Árstíðir’s arresting six-part vocal harmonies and lush instrumentation set them apart, effusing a warm tide of resonant acoustic and baritone guitars, virtuosic piano, and melismatic strings. The result is an uncommonly wide spectrum of sound, driven by the members' exceptional vocal range.

Consequently, Árstíðir’s music is a rare composition of the clear-cut and the complex. Their songs are easy to fall in love with, yet mixed with diverse influences such as progressive rock, indie, classical chamber music, and Icelandic folk music.

HISTORY

Árstíðir was formed in Reykjavík in the summer of 2008 by Daníel Auðunsson, Gunnar Már Jakobsson and Ragnar Ólafsson. In the fall Árstíðir took on a fourth member, renowned cellist Hallgrímur Jónas Jensson, while their first single Sunday Morning topped the charts of Icelandic National Radio. In December Árstíðir’s concert at the historic Fríkirkjan church in Reykjavík was recorded and released as an EP, Live at Fríkirkjan. It was mixed by multi-instrumentalist and producer Ólafur Arnalds, a friend of Árstíðir who has continued to collaborate with the band on their second album.

In 2009 Árstíðir snowballed into a six-piece when they were joined by piano prodigy Jón Elísson and virtuoso violinist Karl Aldinsteinn Pestka. Following the release of their eponymous debut album in June, Árstíðir embarked upon a lengthy tour of Iceland while the single Með Hallandi Höfði became another number-one radio hit. The fall brought more high-profile performances, including the main stage of Iceland Airwaves.

During 2010 Árstíðir's debut album was officially released in Sweden by Adore Music/Border and acquired international distribution through Norwegian-based Phonofile/Artspages. In the summer and fall, Árstíðir toured Scandinavia and Russia and were met by sold out venues, local fan clubs, and high praise by both audience and media.

In 2011 Árstíðir recorded their second album Svefns og vöku skil. The album was recorded at the legendary Icelandic studio Hljóðriti with Ólafur Arnalds as producer, and mastered by the acclaimed German composer/producer Nils Frahm.

In July 2011 Árstíðir attracted the attention of the German media, making two appearances at the renowned Bardentreffen festival in Nuremberg, and continuing for a two-week tour in the Czech Republic and Austria, which included a performance on Czech National Radio as well as Czech Republic’s most popular morning TV program. October same year the band returned on a sold-out tour to Russia representing Iceland’s largest foray into the Russian Federation to date.

In 2012 Árstíðir toured for five months across Central Europe, the Baltics, Germany, Netherlands and Russia, performing shows in eleven different countries, with two acclaimed performances at the Colours of Ostrava Festival and a celebrated show in Moscow in the International House of Music where the band was joined onstage by an eight piece string orchestra.

On the 25th of October 2012 Árstíðir released Tvíeind: an EP containing remixes of their songs by various international electronic artists.

Árstíðir have recently won the 21st Eiserner Eversteiner European Folk Music Award, and will be invited to play at the awards ceremony on the January 26, 2013 at the Malzhaus concert hall in Plauen, Germany.

Instrumentation

Gunnar Már Jakobsson - Vocals, Guitar
Hallgrímur Jónas Jensson - Vocals, Cello
Jón Elísson - Vocals, Piano
Daniel Auðunsson - Vocals, Guitar
Karl James Pestka - Vocals, Violin, Electric Violin
Ragnar ólafsson - Vocals, Baritone Guitar

Discography

Albums:

Tvíeind EP (Nivalis, 2012)

Svefns og vöku skil (Nivalis, 2011, Beste!Unterhaltung, 2012)

Árstíðir (Nivalis, 2009 and Adore Music/Border, 2010)

Live at Fríkirkjan EP (Nivalis, 2008)

Singles:
Ljóð í sand (2011)
Shades (2010)
Ages (2009)
Látum okkur sjá (2009)
Sunday Morning (2008)

Official Website

http://www.arstidir.com

Links

• Facebook
• Last.fm
• Twitter
• MySpace
• Bandcamp site
• Jango.com

Audio

• Shades
  Listen   Download
• Tarin
  Listen   Download
• Lost in You
  Listen   Download
• Heidin
  Listen   Download
• Ljóð í sand
  Listen   Download
• Nu gleymist eg
  Listen   Download
• Days & Nights
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Nú gleymist ég
• Ljóð í sand
• Shades
• Tárin
• Days & Nights
• Lost in You

Video

Ljóð í sand (Live on Icelandic TV).mp4

Árstíðir - Shades (Official Music Video).mp4

Photo Gallery

Press

• The Indie Artist of the Month [+ Show ]
  

  “In fact this sextet is more akin to a well-arranged chamber orchestra with 70's folk songwriters li...“In fact this sextet is more akin to a well-arranged chamber orchestra with 70's folk songwriters like Simon & Garfunkel or Cat Stevens (or Jose Gonzales to use a more contemporary reference) whispering in the wings while Michael Nymanconducts Rachels and Penguin Cafe Orchestra at center stage”

• Harmony Throughout the Seasons [+ Show ]
  

  Árstíðir Isländische Harmonie durch alle Jahreszeiten TEXT: ULRICH JOOSTEN Aus Island kommt ...Árstíðir
  
  Isländische Harmonie durch alle Jahreszeiten
  TEXT: ULRICH JOOSTEN
  
  Aus Island kommt nicht nur Asche. Der zweitgrößte Inselstaat Europas ist bekannt für die wilde Schönheit seiner Naturwunder, der Gletscher, Geysire, Wasserfälle und aktiven Vulkane. Musik und Kultur blühen in Reykjavík, der nördlichsten Hauptstadt der Welt, in einer vitalen und kreativen Klub- und Kneipenszene, inspiriert von der internationalen Popmusik, aber zunehmend auch von der eigenen, isländischen Volkskultur. Spätestens seit Sigur Rós oder der Sängerin Björk weiß man, dass die Insel immer wieder auch international erfolgreiche Künstler hervorbringt.
  
  „Deutschland und Árstíðir – das könnte eine glückliche Verbindung werden!“
  
  Árstíðir (isl. „Jahreszeiten“) heißt Islands jüngster Exportschlager. Ihre Erfolgsformel: drei akustische Gitarren, Cello, Violine und Piano – und dazu ausgefuchste sechsstimmige Vokalharmonien. Die heimische Natur und das Wetter spielen in den melancholischen Liedern des Folkpopsextetts eine zentrale Rolle. „Die Jahreszeiten in Island lösen Emotionen aus, die in unsere Texte einfließen“, sagt Sänger und Gitarrist Ragnar Ólafsson. „Und diese Gefühle finden ihren Nachhall in den Arrangements unserer Musik.“
  
  Es lässt sich nicht eindeutig feststellen, welche Einflüsse Árstíðirs Sound prägen. Zu unterschiedlich sind die individuellen musikalischen Biografien der einzelnen Bandmitglieder. „Wenn wir zusammen spielen versuchen wir einfach, schöne Musik zu schaffen. So gesehen ist ‚Schönheit‘ ein Haupteinfluss für unsere Musik“, meint Ólafsson.

• Concert in Osnabuck [+ Show ]
  

  Hardly anyone in the audience knew Arstidir beforehand, yet by the end of the evening they were clap...Hardly anyone in the audience knew Arstidir beforehand, yet by the end of the evening they were clapping and cheering and stomping their feet so hard the floor was shaking – literally /.../ When the last note rang out, I felt at peace with the world and smiling.

• Svefns Og Vöku Skil (review) [+ Show ]
  

  “As soon as you hear the first bars of the opening “Ljóð í sand” you cannot but be fascinated by thi...“As soon as you hear the first bars of the opening “Ljóð í sand” you cannot but be fascinated by this music. The album “Svefns og Vöku Skil” is a gem that people should not miss. Valuable and highly recommended.” 20/20

• Intense Dream Folk-Pop [+ Show ]
  

  These violins create a dreamy, sometimes symphonic sound, harmony vocals fits in seamlessly, beautif...These violins create a dreamy, sometimes symphonic sound, harmony vocals fits in seamlessly, beautiful arrangements with the magic, sound totally dreamy.

• Svefns Og Vöku Skil (review) [+ Show ]
  

  Most striking are the delicate and never obtrusive vocal arrangements, often accompanied by spotted ...Most striking are the delicate and never obtrusive vocal arrangements, often accompanied by spotted piano sounds, acoustic guitar and the excellent strings. Chance is up trumps in mood somewhat stronger when seem to creep seemingly rock elements - you can hear in this context in "Shades."
  The effects seem to be strongly influenced by Icelandic folklore, and classical music shimmers to some extent through again and again. This was treated with modern elements, very accessible...

• Arstidir - a secret weapon of Iceland
  

  Live interview ( translated into Russian)

• Svefns Og Vöku Skil (review) [+ Show ]
  

  This album is distinguished by the fact that it is purely organic, no visible trace of modernity is ...This album is distinguished by the fact that it is purely organic, no visible trace of modernity is corrupting the impression that time has no authority over the work.
  After the first effects of choirs - the latter appearing of an acoustic arrangement or a scathing attack of progressive metal, with nervousness and controlled power that entails. In the end, thanks to Arstidir for attracting sympathy, beyond an undeniable writing talent, this ability to foster imagination and invent atmospheres.

• Arstidir - Conquered by Iceland [+ Show ]
  

  Listening to them alive, there is a unique opportunity to trace the delicate work of these masters, ...Listening to them alive, there is a unique opportunity to trace the delicate work of these masters, to feel how the music is being born right at your eyes. Those musicians don't send any message, don't declare any special meaning, don't pretend that they are "cool musicians on a cool stage", they just ... sing. More over, they ARE this singing.

• Svefns og voku skil ( Review) [+ Show ]
  

  What's nice is case of Arstidir - is that it does not divide their art pieces for a serious and pop... What's nice is case of Arstidir - is that it does not divide their art pieces for a serious and popular. It's a tradition of old songs, it's also the tradition of classic parlor associated here with the pop ballad, the early music but also some surprisingly modern-sounding, almost from the future.
  The music as simple as shaking hands. Goes straight to the heart.

• Iceland is a masterpiece in the music world [+ Show ]
  

  Arstidir represents a very distinct musical world. In fact, their music mixes overseas and Icelandi...Arstidir represents a very distinct musical world. In fact, their music mixes overseas and Icelandic indie music melodies. The result is - melancholy mood, but with unique flavor. The beauty of the human voice and musical harmony meet each other on this album.

• Svefns Og Vöku Skil (review) [+ Show ]
  

  I really can not pronounce their name and I just do not understand one word of what they are singing...I really can not pronounce their name and I just do not understand one word of what they are singing about, but I do love the heavenly sound of their music and their vocal harmonies. With the hype about contemporary Icelandic performers in Europe, "Arstidir" might soon become a big act in our region.

• Svefns Og Vöku Skil (review) [+ Show ]
  

  “Árstíðir, which translates to “Seasons”, simply make beautiful music, movingly beautiful.” Rating: ...“Árstíðir, which translates to “Seasons”, simply make beautiful music, movingly beautiful.” Rating: 12/15

• Svenfs Og Vöku Skil (review) [+ Show ]
  

  Árstíðir sound graceful and beautiful, thanks to their varied and perfectly harmonizing voices and s...Árstíðir sound graceful and beautiful, thanks to their varied and perfectly harmonizing voices and strings.

• Svefns Og Vöku Skil (review) [+ Show ]
  

  “Many of their songs have hit potential. Their broad sound spectrum retains the qualities of an acou...“Many of their songs have hit potential. Their broad sound spectrum retains the qualities of an acoustic album, thanks to the six voices and the careful instrumentation. Check out their “Days & Nights”.” Album rating: 8/10.

• VACKERT SÅ DET FÖRSLÅR [+ Show ]
  

  Nya släppet “Svefns Og Vöku Skil” innehåller tolv spår. Sedan förra plattan har man fokuserat mer på...Nya släppet “Svefns Og Vöku Skil” innehåller tolv spår. Sedan förra plattan har man fokuserat mer på arrangemangen och mixningen av musiken. Musiken är intensivt drömmande och det är lätt att bli nästan fast i Árstíðirs musikaliska värld. Vackert så det förslår.

• From Volcano with Love [+ Show ]
  

  From the first sounds it's obvious - Arstidir is the best gift of this autumn. You just sit in the h...From the first sounds it's obvious - Arstidir is the best gift of this autumn. You just sit in the hall, listen and dream "I wish it would never stop".

• Svefns og voku skil ( Review) [+ Show ]
  

  “Listening through the entire CD you can lean back and enjoy the music, let your thoughts wander and...“Listening through the entire CD you can lean back and enjoy the music, let your thoughts wander and relax. This is really something for those who enjoy Nordic music.

• Take an Icelandic Chamber Pop Vacation with Árstíðir! [+ Show ]
  

  There is something at once familiar and enchantingly strange about Reykjavik chamber folk band Árstí...There is something at once familiar and enchantingly strange about Reykjavik chamber folk band Árstíðir. (Pronounce it a bit like our-stee-der.) Maybe it’s got to do with the smooth way they combine classical and Icelandic folk influences.
  
  Something about it tugs at you. Did you hear it in a dream? Did you hear something like it when you were very small? Árstíðir is similar to some other Icelandic bands in that they sound big and orchestral like Sigur Ros and, like Ölöf Arnalds, they strike that magic balance between intimacy and mystery. But beside those comparisons, the sextet is, if not utterly unique, at least very uncommon.
  
  Among their uncommon attributes are uncommonly perfect vocal harmonies and uncommonly haunting melodies. Here, in this video, you can watch them perform in an uncommonly beautiful setting, the Fríkirkjan church in Reykjavik. It’ll make you want to pull on a bulky sweater and slide into a seat in the audience. Or make you feel like you already have. Either way, it will probably leave you craving a real Icelandic getaway. If you can’t afford one, you can at least grab the live EP they made from that concert. Or even get their self-titled debut LP.
  
  See why Árstíðir could be good for tourism:

• At six votes...
  

  If you think that Iceland is only Björk and Sigur Rós, listen to Árstíðir!

• Concert Review of Árstíðir [+ Show ]
  

  Even though many of the songs are in a language we don’t understand, the fragile beauty of their mus...Even though many of the songs are in a language we don’t understand, the fragile beauty of their music and the harmony of it speaks to every soul.

• The Joy of Discovery [+ Show ]
  

  Each of their songs, whether it's a poignant ballad or the troubling Kill Us which sounds surprising...Each of their songs, whether it's a poignant ballad or the troubling Kill Us which sounds surprisingly brutal when performed live, penetrates the depths of the soul. Árstíðir’s music sends you on an amazing journey from which you return astonished and full of gratitude.

• Sheer Magic [+ Show ]
  

  Shit. I mean, wow. Where to begin? Can mere words even do justice to the emotion Árstíðir evoked dur...Shit. I mean, wow. Where to begin? Can mere words even do justice to the emotion Árstíðir evoked during two too short hours at Fríkirkjan?
  
  They master their instruments and their powerful harmonies sound almost like a full blown choir at times. And I mean, who doesn’t love some string action?
  
  I don’t know if it’s the church thing, but seriously—this evening may in fact be the closest I have ever come to worship.

Setlist

Ages
Heiðin
Distance
Sunday Morning
Látum okkur sjá
Kill Us
You Just Have to Know of Me
Vonarneisti
Næturylur
Brestir
Lost in You
Days & Nights
Orð að eigin vali
Meðan jörðin sefur
Við dagsins hnig
Hvar
Nú gleymist ég
Til hennar
Shades
Tárin

Basic Requirements

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