Ja Ja Ja // Lára Rúnars

Born and raised in Reykjavík, Lára Rúnars developed a love of music while growing up listening to her father playing and recording with legendary Icelandic band Grafík. Through him Lára was first introduced to artists such as Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Nick Cave.

Lára released her first album, Standing Still in Iceland in 2003 and the following year saw her collaborate with Damien Rice, both performing live and recording together. Lára was inspired by Stina Nordenstam and the Cardigans for her second album Þögn (Silence) in 2006 performing songs on that album in Icelandic.

Her infectious breakthrough album Surprise is out now on Icelandic independent Record Records and is a delicious slice of indie-pop. With a string of hit singles in her native Iceland, Lára is now looking to continue her success overseas. The video for the single ‘In Between’ sees Lára collaborate with some of Reykjavík’s foremost creative talent for a fun and uniquely Icelandic eye candy.

Lára Rúnars will appear at the TLOBF sponsored Ja Ja Ja Club Night, taking place this Thursday (18 November) at The Lexington, London. The event, curated by Stephen Bass of Moshi Moshi Records will also feature performances from Champagne Riot and Niki & The Dove. More information can be found here.

For people out there that have never heard of you. Give us three reasons why they should…..
I’m something fresh and new, pure and Icelandic, entertaining and fun.

Tell us a little about where you’re from. Do your surroundings affect the music that you create?
I grew up in the capital and in a magical town called Ísafjörður. It’s a town surrounded by mountains and trees. In the winter it used to snow so much that people couldn’t get out of their houses. It was there I first fell in love with nature, art and people.

If you could have played on or written any song, what would it be?
‘Halleluja’ by Leonard Cohen – the song is perfect.

How did the band come in to being?
My band members are my sister, her boyfriend, my husband and two uncles.

What is the most memorable gig you have played, and what can we expect of your liveset at Ja Ja Ja?
It’s gonna be insane. Crazy, funny and beautiful. Or crazy, sexy, cool like TLC.

If you were asked to curate your own Ja Ja Ja night, which three acts would you choose and why?
At the moment it would be the Swedish girl Lykke Li, Fever Ray and then the crazy Icelander Mugsion.

We’d like you to make us a Nordic themed mix-tape. Which five tracks would you choose?
I would only choose Icelandic Music because there’s so much good stuff going on here.
1. Benny Craspo’s gang – Night time
2. Rúnar Þóris – Fall
3. Mugison – Stingum af
4. Ensími – Aldanna Ró
5. Lifun – einstök ást