Music News

Icelandic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ásgeir has shared a first taste of his forthcoming new material via a live video recorded in his Reykjavik studio, alongside announcing a string of tour dates throughout February and March in Europe and the US. The tour, which includes two rare intimate London shows, will feature a stripped back acoustic set, showcasing new material alongside fan favourites taken from the enigmatic artist’s previous albums ‘In The Silence’ and ‘Afterglow’.

Tickets go onsale today via this link: https://www.asgeirmusic.com/shows

Following the success of Ásgeir’s ‘Straight To Vinyl’ projects, in which he embarked upon a 24hr marathon of recording fan requests straight to vinyl on his lathe cutter, and more recently in which he invited artists at 2018’s Iceland Airwaves to do the same, the musician will record songs straight to vinyl live on stage during the tour. Lucky fans in the audience will receive their very own one-of-a-kind 7” vinyl by the globally renowned artist, which they’ll be able to collect at the end of the show.

FULL LIST OF 2019 TOUR DATES:
EU
Feb 13^th // Stockholm, Sweden // Cirkus Skandiascenen
Feb 14^th // Oslo, Norway // Kulturkirken Jakob
Feb 15^th // Copenhagen, Denmark // Bremen Teater
Feb 17^th // Stuttgart, Germany // Mozartsaal
Feb 18^th // Leipzig, Germany // Taubchenthal
Feb 20^th // Nijmegen, Netherlands // Stevenskerk
Feb 21^st // Amsterdam, Netherlands // De Duif
Feb 22^nd // Brussells, Belgium // The OLV kerk
Feb 23^rd // Kortrijk, Belgium // The church of St Denijs
Feb 25^th // Cologne, Germany // Gloria Theatre
Feb 26^th // Paris, France // Cafe De La Danse
Feb 28^th // London, UK // Islington Assembly Hall
2^nd March // Istanbul, Turkey // IKSV Salon

USA
12^th March // USA, Brooklyn // National Sawdust
13^th March // USA, Boston // Arts at the Armory
15^th March // CAN, Montreal // Cabaret Lion d’Or
16^th March // CAN, Toronto // Church of the Redeemer
19^th March // USA, Minneapolis // Cedar Cultural Center
22^nd March // USA, Los Angeles // Masonic Lodge
23^rd March // USA, San Francisco // The Lodge

BIOG:
Ásgeir released his sophomore record, ‘Afterglow’ on One Little Indian (UK) to worldwide praise from fans and critics alike. The monumental album was a career-defining moment for the musician, who’s follow up to debut album ‘In the Silence’ had been anticipated by devoted fans worldwide. A truly thoughtful musician and somewhat of a perfectionist, Ásgeir left behind the folk-tinged acoustics of his debut, crafting an intense yet pure melancholic electronica sound for his follow up. Yet the heart of the record remained quintessentially ‘Ásgeir’, with his hallmark delicate flourishes and melodic sweeps.

Winner of the 2012 Album of the Year at the Icelandic Music Awards, ‘In the Silence’ sold so many copies that it is estimated one-tenth of the population now owns that release. The ubiquity of the album (entitled Dýrð í dauðaþögn in Iceland) also caught the attention of musician John Grant, who immediately recognised Ásgeir’s musical talent and ended up translating the lyrics into English for the international version of the album. The album became the fastest selling debut from a home-grown artist in Iceland, breaking all previous records and outselling Björk and Sigur Ros by a long way. At just 20 years of age, Ásgeir had become an overnight sensation.

The introverted and humble artist couldn’t have predicted the immensity of his success off the back of ‘In the Silence’ – coming from the Icelandic town of Laugarbakki, populated by just 40 people. The same year, Ásgeir sold out two shows at Sydney Opera House, one at Shepard’s Bush Empire and played a mesmerising show at London’s Union Chapel, which sold out months in advance. He returned to play a sold-out Koko and later, The Roundhouse, following the fantastic reception for ‘Afterglow’.

Praise for ‘Afterglow’:
“There’s a tight-knit intimacy and soulfulness to the album that feels familial and warm, even as the music itself carries a glacial chill. There’s nothing conventional or expected about Afterglow, an album that submerges all ego and blissfully loses itself in oceanic imagery and crystalline soundscapes. At the same time, the songs are instantly familiar, like old friends, departed loves, or bittersweet remembrances.” NPR

“Wonderful moments such as the chaotic creativity of “Here Comes The Wave In”, the bold ballad “New Day” and the elegiac “Hold”
Uncut

“Asgeir became the toast of Iceland with his gorgeous debut album…he’s returning with an edgier, electronic element to his sound” – Evening Standard

“Afterglow is an absolute treat for the ears, with chattering electronic melodies, glitchy stop-start sections, and warm synth swells.”
Metro

“This latest release looks to pave the way for global domination.” NOWNESS

“A taut and gleaming piece of electro-pop, R&B-smooth keys creating a reflective pool off which Ásgeir’s shimmering vocals bounce.” – Consequence of Sound

“Gorgeous trip-hop piece where he parallels the vocal stylings of Justin Vernon and the darkness of James Blake”
The Observer

“An exciting example of what’s to come, the Icelandic superstar is set to go global.” 
Wonderland