In just a few days, Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds will release his fourth studio album, re:member
This comes months after he dropped the stunning track of the same name.
Arnalds, a multi-instrumentalist known for experimentation and eclecticism, recorded the track on Stratus software, which he himself programmed over two years. The software utilises MIDI values triggered by what Arnalds plays on his piano to generate different tracks on two self-playing pianos. The result is pure beauty.
This revolutionary process doesn’t just allow Arnalds to carve out a unique sound–it breeds creation. “You get ideas that you would never get otherwise, just because this inspired those ideas,” he says of his setup. Sounds and sequences that would be impossible using conventional methods are now possible. And that opens doors in the world of experimental music. We don’t even know what’s possible, what sounds people like Arnalds might discover. It’s an exciting time for musicians and fans alike, and Arnalds is on the leading edge of revolution.
re:member is Arnalds’ fourth studio album. He’s already enticed listeners with two tracks from the album, the title track and “unfold,” which features haunting vocals from UK artist SOHN. Both tracks are accompanied by videos which explore themes of masculinity, friendship, and reawakening. They’re beautiful visual companions music that takes the listener on a sonic journey that surpasses any proper genre.
Currently, Arnalds is on a world tour promoting the new album. He’ll be at the National Concert Hall on October 1st and the Cork Opera House the following day.
This is my breaking out-of-a-shell album. It’s me taking the raw influences that I have from all these different musical genres and not filtering them. It explores the creative process and how one can manipulate that to get out of the circle of expectations and habit.
Daily and direct to your inbox