New York, NY (Top40 Charts) BAFTA-winning artist, composer, musician and producer Ólafur Arnalds releases the music video for his new single "ekki hugsa" via Mercury KX/Decca/Universal Music. Filmed in his native Iceland, the title of the new release translates as 'don't think' and features uplifting synthesized melodies combined with acoustic cello hooks, resulting in Ólafur's distinctive, multi-layered sound. "The video is about not overthinking and getting lost in a moment. When you turn off the noise in your brain so much creativity can be discovered inside of yourself." - Ólafur Arnalds
The video, produced and directed by Arni & Kinski, features a highly-choreographed routine created by Asrun Magnusdottir and
Alexander Roberts, showcasing both contemporary and traditional steps.
"ekki hugsa" features Ólafur's ground-breaking new software, Stratus, which transforms the piano into a unique and entirely modern instrument. The Stratus Pianos are two self-playing, semi-generative player pianos and the centrepiece of Ólafur's latest works. The custom-built software controlling the pianos is the result of two years of work by Ólafur and audio developer Halldór Eldjárn.
The algorithms generated from Stratus were also used to create the innovative cover artwork for his album, re:member, as well as the single artwork for "ekki hugsa". Developed by FELD studio for digital crafts in Berlin, the generative tool created hundreds of variations based on the notes played by the Stratus pianos. Via a cyanotype process, digital images are printed on film using Ólafur's musical notes.
Following sold-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall in May and Sydney Opera House in November, Ólafur is continuing to bring his ground-breaking live show on a worldwide tour including dates in Canada. He plays Roy Thomson Hall tonight in Toronto and Eglist St. Jean Baptiste in Montréal today, February 9.
In 2018, Ólafur and his team performed over 70 shows around the world and will bring the total up to 110 in 2019, with many more dates to be announced.
