On Song: Ólafur Arnalds

What was the music your parents liked and do you think it’s influenced you at all?
My parents never listened to much at home, i think they more enjoyed just listening to us kids practice. They did listen to some Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel and stuff. I like S&G but never liked the Beatles.

What posters did you have on your wall as a kid?
Mostly just pictures of cars.

Which songs or albums would you play at a party?
Recently it’s been The Go Find for starting out and Moderat for later nights.

Which songs remind you of a rainy day?
Closing In by Jeniferever

Which album do you seek solace in when you are feeling sad?
Bon Iver – for emma forever ago

Which album would you play when you wanted to get down to some lovin’?
The XX

What music was, or would be, the “first dance” at your wedding?
In Iceland the first dance is always a traditional waltz. So unless i marry a foreigner i think that’s just it. I don’t know…

What was the first gig you went to as a paying customer?
I think Sick of it All in Iceland ’98.

Name the one song you think everyone should hear.
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

Which one artist do you think not enough people know about?
Bloodgroup from Iceland

What’s the best thing you’ve heard recently?
Change of Heart by El Perro Del Marr

Dead or alive, what 5 acts would you have play with you at a festival?
Efterklang, Owen Pallett, Max Richter, Sigur Rós and Nils Frahm

We’d like you to make us a mix-tape. Pick five tracks with a theme of your choice.
My favorite classical tracks at the moment:
Melodie (from Orfeo ed Euridice) – Gluck (Fritz Kreizler piano/violin arrangement)
Dedication, Loyalty – Nils Frahm
Arvo Part – Cantus In Memory Of Benjamin Britten
Adagio – Barber
Freibad – Hauschka

And finally, who would win in a fight: a stoat or a goat and why?
What’s a stoat?