The most interesting tracks are those which feature the South Iceland Chamber Choir in the Pärt-like ‘Raddir’ and the brass trio in ‘Dalur’. Their contributions give a slightly rough hew to Arnald’s... — Gramophone Magazine, January 2017

Island Songs is the innovative brainchild of BAFTA award winning composer Ólafur Arnalds, alongside acclaimed film director Baldvin Z (BBC’s Trapped, Life in a Fish Bowl).

Ólafur will travel to 7 towns across Iceland where he will collaborate with 7 local artists, and at each location he will create, record and perform a new composition with the artist. He will deliver the audio and video the following day. Mercury Classics will release one audio track and one live performance video, each Monday.

Island Songs is a real-time interactive project that will evolve in the digital space, hosted via a bespoke website. Arnalds’ dedicated fanbase will be able to follow him on his travels via Facebook live-streams, Snapchats, Instagram, Twitter and Apple Connect.

Ólafur’s journey will also be chronicled by acclaimed film director Baldvin Z. The 7-week period will result in an hour-long music film, including conversations exploring music, history and identity, to create a powerful musical portrait of their native land. Marketing and promotional plans for phase two will be shared in the summer.

This is the most ambitious project that Ólafur has ever undertaken, creatively and logistically.

Track Listings
Disc 1
1Àrbakkinn
21995
3Raddir
4Öldurót
5Dalur
6Particles
7Doria
8Study for Player Piano