Icelandic singer Olof Arnalds played an intimate set at the Victorian, a dining hall converted into a concert room. Arnalds was soft-voiced and sweet, making quips all the while. Humorously, on account of her thick accent and quiet voice, its doubtful that anyone could hear what she was saying. However, her delivery was nothing short of angelic. She deftly plucked at a lute (at least… It appeared to be one) and elegantly sang. Perfect proof in dichotomy with Jason Simon’s performance that a simple acoustic set can be engaging and entertaining.
By Raymond Flotat Posted in News Olof Arnalds, SXSW, SXSW 2010
Affecting in Any Language
In 2007, Ólöf Arnalds released her debut album Vid Og Vid to great acclaim in Iceland, where she is an active member of the folk and rock scene. Kjartan Sveinsson of Sigur Rós produced the album, which, according to her label, 12 Tónar, was chosen as record of the year by the country’s largest daily newspaper. If Vid Og Vid, which roughly translates as “Now and Then,” is only now reaching our shores, that’s because it arrives here on its own uncompromising terms: Arnalds sings all ten tracks in her native tongue and accompanies herself on guitar and charango, a ten-stringed lute that sounds like a ukulele. Read more…
By Raymond Simon Posted in High Fidelity, Reviews Olof Arnalds, Sigur Rós
The Icelandic music community is a tightly knit group of comrades where everyone seems to know and look out for each other. “It’s so easy to put something together. Everyone knows someone who has gear to use or a place to play at,” Olof Arnalds explains over the phone in a charming accent. Arnalds is a rising singer/songwriter hailing from Iceland and rapidly gaining international renown. “I think a lot of music transcends language barriers,.” says Arnalds, regarding the growing popularity of Icelandic music in America. “But I think it represents something interesting because it’s new, and Icelandic music is very young. People are curious.” Read more…
By Ryan Stabile Posted in Features Interview, Olof Arnalds, Ryan Stabile
