Life Full of Random Adventures

Þórunn Antonía is an Icelandic singer who has been far away from home the last four years collecting rock n roll stories to fill her book. She's been in bands since she was a kid. She moved to London impulsively and has never looked back with regret. She's coming home to play at Iceland Airwaves with her band Fields who have been touring worldwide.

Where is home these days?

In a suitcase around the world.

Whats your favourite gig so far?

Fuji Rock on my birthday this summer was euphorically exciting and surreal.

How did Fields come together?

Through the power of mutual friends.

What is it like being in a band with these guys?

It's great. I think we get on extremely well for a bunch of people who are glued together all the time; there is lots of love and the musical chemistry was instant.

You're the only girl; any troubles?

Ha ha... no, not really, apart from them ALWAYS having to wait for me since I have no sense of time. And the bass player Mattie trying to set me up with any bearded handsome men when hes drunk! I also think it helps that I have four wonderful brothers back home so I'm very comfortable around boys and enjoy their company.

Do you miss Reykjavík?

Yes, very much since my family lives there and I love and miss them so much.

What bands had you been in before?

Me and my childhood friends used to wear spandex leotards and sing into hairbrushes but that probably doesnt count. When I was about 14 I was in a rock band in Hafnarfjörður with guys who are now members of Sign and Úlpa. Then I sang with this crazy hip-hop band called The Faculty; we released one album but I soon realised that I was better kept in other musical directions. I started a band with my father Magnús Þór, from there my solo album those little things were born. Then I was in The Honeymoon, then Junior Senior and now Fields.

How is Fields different?

Its much louder and it was a challenge to play the keyboards while singing. I hadnt done that before, at least not in front of other people, and for the first time in years I got nervous before playing live shows... its a buzz I had missed.

What was Fields doing before?

They all used to play in bands before and Nick was a teacher, Mattie was a hairdresser, Jamie worked in advertising and Henry I met when he used to play in a band with my ex-boyfriend.

Are you happy?

Yes, its a weird life though as I hardly spend more than a night in each place and it can be very isolating, its a bubble and there is no time for anything else. No family, lovers or friends or any sort of personal life. It sometimes leaves me empty but I never forget that Im lucky enough to be able to make a living out of what I love the most. Other pleasures have to wait.

Your music is...

Loud, beautiful mixture of shoegaze, folk, harmony, a little psychedelic and a touch of electronic.

Are you making a statement musically or otherwise?

Not that Im aware of, I try my best to live by a no-bullshit honest approach to life.

Rock n roll stories?

Ha ha... Ive got enough to fill a book!

Crazy fans?

Mad as a bag of frogs and thats the way I like it.

Are you on a mission?

Always.

What influences you?

People, stories, music, love, hate. Im easily influenced.

How do you picture your future?

If my life continues being as full of random adventures as it has been so far I cant at all predict what will happen... something epic.

What do you most look forward to at Airwaves?

Playing Fields music for the first time at home. We cant wait! Its my favourite festival and the guys have never been before. This will be my fifth with the fourth band.

hannabjork@reykjavik.com

photo by Charlie Strand