múm

múm

múm performing at the Aldrei fór ég suður festival in Ísafjörður, 2009
Background information
Origin Iceland
Genres Electronic, folktronica, glitch, experimental
Years active 1997–present
Labels Fat Cat
Associated acts FM Belfast
Members
Gunnar Örn Tynes
Örvar Þóreyjarson Smárason
Ólöf Arnalds
Eiríkur Orri Olafsson
Hildur Guðnadóttir
Sigurlaug Gisladottir
Samuli Kosminen
Róbert Sturla Reynisson
Past members
Gyða Valtýsdóttir
Kristín Anna Valtýsdóttir

múm (Icelandic pronunciation: [muːm]) are an experimental Icelandic musical group whose music is characterized by soft vocals, electronic glitch beats and effects, and a variety of traditional and unconventional instruments.

Contents

History

The band was formed in 1997 by original members Gunnar Örn Tynes and Örvar Þóreyjarson Smárason, who were joined a year later by twin sisters Gyða and Kristín Anna Valtýsdóttir. According to Kristín, the band's name was not intended to mean anything. In 2002, after the first American tour, Gyða left the band to return to her studies in Reykjavík. Shortly after Gyða left, Ásthildur Valtýsdóttir joined for singing duties and Serena Tideman replaced Gyða on cello for a European tour. Then the ensemble evolved to include Ólöf Arnalds and Hildur Guðnadóttir. In early 2006, Kristín also left the band, although it was not officially announced until November 23 of that year.[1]

Despite the departure of some of its members múm has remained together as a collective of musicians. Their fourth album, recorded during 2006, was released on 24 September 2007, entitled Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy.

múm toured the East Coast of the US with German musician Volker "Hauschka" Bertelmann In November 2007,.[2] They returned in Spring 2008 with the same set list. Both tours included songs from the album, Go, Go Smear the Poison Ivy.

On 27 August 2008, they announced on their official website that "Múm is quietly but surely [working on] their new album. No release date has been etched in stone, but every day will bring it closer." múm also released several pictures of themselves during the recording process on their My Space page.

During a 22 May 2009 concert in Burgos, Spain, múm played songs from their newest album Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know. It was released as a download through Gogoyoko on 17 August 2009, and on CD on 24 August 2009.[3]

Múm will launch in December 2011 an EP with traditional Icelandic Christmas songs. There are two songs plus one extra track.[4]

Discography

Albums

Compilations

EPs

Singles

Notes

External links