Johann Johannsson is one of the most active participants in the new Icelandic music scene. He is one of the founders of Kitchen Motors Band, the art organization/think-tank/record label which specializes in instigating collaborations, promoting concerts and exhibitions, performances, chamber operas, producing films, books and radio shows based on the ideals of experimentation, collaboration and the search for new art forms. [www.kitchenmotors.com]

Johann founded Apparat Organ Quartet in 1999, who have played various European festivals in the last two years to great acclaim and which will release their debut album later in the year 2002. Apparat Organ Quartet is a band as innovative and meticulous as Sigur Ros, but who sound nothing like it. This year it has grown into a phenomenal force, playing soul-stirringly portentous mechanical music, equal parts progressive rock and horror film soundtrack, reminiscent of older acts like Goblin and Kraftwerk and newer ones like Stereolab and Trans Am.

Neil Strauss, New York Times

Johann has also produced and written music with artists as diverse as Marc Almond ["Stranger Things" album], Barry Adamson and Pan Sonic, The Halfer Trio, Magga Stina and many others. He's also written music for the theatre, documentaries and soundtrack music for 3 feature films.

Johann's latest album "Englaborn" is was released on Touch Records last year and has received excellent critique.

Johann Johannson: Odi et Amo [mp3]

back to top