Back in November 2018, KEXP took our annual trip to Reykjavik for the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. Over the span of four days, we broadcasted live from the renowned KEX Hostel, streaming live video of performances from Icelandic artists and other acts from the festival lineup. We’ll be rolling out these videos over the weeks to follow. One of the days was a series of tribute performances to the late Icelandic composer and songwriter Jóhann Jóhannsson at arts venue Mengi with Apparat Organ Quartet, Skúli Sverrisson and Ólöf Arnalds, and Kira Kira, joined by Jóhann Jóhannsson's father Jóhann Gunnarsson. Writer Dusty Henry reports:
The whole day illuminated the powerful talent and influence of Jóhannsson’s music, but it was also a chance to see how he had personally affected the lives of artists in his community. The accolades and awards he received in his lifetime were surely deserved, but the real prize was always his music and his spirit. To get to experience the heart of his music once again, in his hometown no less, is a priceless treasure. One that’s a joy to now share with the rest of the world.
Read the full report here.
Recorded November 11, 2018.
Songs:
Apparat Organ Quartet: "123 Forever" & "Monoprix"
Jóhann Gunnarsson with string quartet: "The Theory of Everything”
Ólöf Arnalds and Skúli Sverrisson: “Saknaðarljóð”
Skúli Sverrisson: “Mandy Love Theme”
Kira Kira: "A Miracle Is A Shift In Perception From Fear To Love” & "Talk To Your Hands”
Audio Engineer: Matt Ogaz
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Alaia D'Alessandro, Scott Holpainen & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Justin Wilmore
