Introducing: Leaves

06 January 2010, 18:52 | Written by Rich Thane

(Tracks)

Another month, another line-up of outstanding Nordic talent heading to the capital. This month, the line-up for Ja Ja Ja has been curated by Drowned in Sound editor Sean Adams, who has decided to showcase indie pop outfit Leaves, Norway’s fuzz-rockers Simon Says No! and dynamic Icelandic troupe Sudden Weather Change.

Ja Ja will take place at The Lexington, London (5 minutes walk from Angel tube) on 21st January. For tickets and further information on Ja Ja Ja click here…

We caught up with Leaves to find out what we can expect from their set… Look out for more interviews with this months lineup over the next few days!

Formed early in 2001 Leaves began when Arnar Guðjónsson and Hallur Már Hallsson rented a house in downtown Reykjavík. They were joined by old friends Arnar Ólafsson (guitar, vocals), Andri Ásgrímsson (keys) and Bjarni Grímsson (drums) and settled on Leaves as a band name – a reference to Five Leaves Left, the first album of English folk legend Nick Drake.

Leaves played their first gig at the Iceland Airwaves festival in october 2001. A recording contract soon followed with London based B-Unique records and then Dreamworks. The band played all over the U.K. with bands such as Doves, The Coral, Electric Soft Parade and Athlete and supported pop giants Duran Duran in their hometown Reykjavik.

Despite some changes in personnel, the band is now 8 years old, an age few bands reach in Iceland, and has developed consistently. Their new album We Are Shadows is due out next year, and is already being toted as the band’s best to date.

For people out there that have never heard of you. Give us three reasons why they should?
The music, the music, the music

Tell us a little about where you’re from. Do your surroundings affect the music that you create?
We’re all born and raised in Reykjavik. I think your surroundings always affect the music, art or whatever you are creating. Being from Iceland, I guess it pushes you into more dramatic and epic directions. Just think of volcanoes, glaciers, mountains and Jon pall (strongest man in the world 83-90).

If you could have played on or written any song, what would it be?
‘God Only Knows’ by Brian Wilson.

How did the band come in to being? And where did the name come from?
It started with Arnar and Hallur renting a house in downtown Reykjavik where they started recording some songs that Arnar had written. Soon more friends joined the group and the band was given a name that was taken from Nick Drakes album Five Leaves Left.

What is the most memorable gig you have played, and what can we expect of your live set at Ja Ja Ja
Our last gig because our gigs just keep getting better. You can expect to hear some good music.

If you were asked to curate your own Ja Ja Ja night, which three acts would you choose and why?
Leaves, Eberg and Bang Gang…because our favored drummer plays in these bands.

We’d like you to make us a Nordic themed mix-tape. Which five tracks would you choose?
Sigurros – Gobbledigook
Bjork – All Is Full Of Love
Ampop – Your Dream
Bang Gang – Find What You Get
Mew – Silas The Magic Car