Floating Iceberg: An Interview with Ólafur Arnalds

"When composing for others, I try to make their individual performance style a part of the composition."

Born in the suburb of Reykjavik, Ólafur Arnalds (www.myspace.com/olafurarnalds) started off as an underground kid who seems too cool to be a classical musicians sitting quietly behind a piano. Despite the fact that he's now into crossover between classical and pop, he's still open for new possibilities - opening for Sigur Rós in 2008 was evidence for that. Before performing in Beijing this Saturday (Apr 3) as the last stop of his China tour, as well as a part of the JUE Festival art/music event series, we talk to the Icelander about his rock heritage, future plans and composing styles.

the Beijinger: Is it true that you were in a metal band?
Ólafur Arnalds: Yes, actually I was more in punk/hardcore bands than metal. I kind of grew up within this underground scene, so played in lots of bands. Still love it actually, but my own music is taking up all my time now.

tbj: Did you experience any trouble combining live elements (i.e. piano, strings) with pre-recorded materials?
ÓA: No, not really. You just have to be really thorough while making them. I make everything in pro tools and use recordings of strings and piano with it to listen to it, and make sure it goes well together before rendering out just the parts that I have pre-recorded live (which is usually some electronic percussion, effects and heavily treated synths and sounds).

tbj: How did growing up in Iceland influence your songwriting?
ÓA: The society is very musical, so it probably has everything to do with me becoming a composer. Kids are very much encouraged to go to music school. The music scene is very active so that's also very encouraging.

tbj: There's a strong cinematic elements in your music. Have you thought about writing film soundtracks?
ÓA: Yes, and I'm already doing a few such projects on a smaller scale - I've written for a few advertisements and theatre. I love writing for visual arts. I'm currently also in talks about my first full movie score, but it's too soon to say anything about that.

tbj: What's your favorite original soundtrack then?
ÓA: There are a few, but I think my most recent favorite would be Max Richter's soundtrack for Waltz With Bashir (Vals Im Bashir).

Ólafur Arnalds' music video of "Ljósið"

tbj: Have you been thinking about exploring other genres?
ÓA: I'd like to keep going in this direction, but hopefully I'll still evolve and not repeat myself. I like exploring crossovers to different genres but still keeping the base within the neo-classical genre.

tbj: What are the differences between writing for yourself and composing for other musicians?
ÓA: When composing for others, I try to make their individual performance style a part of the composition. That is, to have something that couldn't be there if I was performing it myself. That way the people I'm composing for/with affect the end result.

tbj: I'm not going to ask about "how was it like opening for Sigur Rós", but I am going to ask who do you mostly want to perform with?
ÓA: I'd like to perform with them again actually, as it was great. But mostly I like being on my own, having my own show. You could say I'm a control freak. I like things my way.

Ólafur Arnalds performs at The Star Live on April 3 (Saturday), supported by Ding Ke. Tickets at 5150 9199. RMB 100, RMB 70 (advance), RMB 50 (students). 9pm. 3/F, Tango, 79 Heping Xijie (50m north of Yonghegong subway station), Dongcheng District (6425 5677). 东城区和平西街79号糖果三层（雍和宫桥路北50米）