Since 2010, Lost in Concert has been in the cataloging business. A group of writers and photographers who share a love for live music, the site has made it its mission to attend shows and bring the concert experience back to those who couldn’t be there. Its vivid photography and clear, enthusiastic words give readers the feeling that they were, sharing that special “had to see it” feeling that only a live show can give.
Jonsi
Review: Sigur Rós’ Valtari
Sigur Rós: Valtari (XL, 5/29/12)
“Ekki Múkk”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Sigur_Rós_Ekki_Múkk.mp3|titles=Sigur Rós: “Ekki Múkk”]Things haven’t looked good for Icelandic “post-rock” act Sigur Rós in recent years. In light of the front-man Jónsi’s well-received solo album Go and massive world tour, an “indefinite hiatus” looked more like an end. The band even scrapped an entire album that it recorded in 2009. Speculation about the band’s future has been intense: when it announced its sixth studio album, Valtari, rumors ranged from the overly optimistic (that it was one of two new albums) to the dire (that the quartet was splitting up for good).
The truth turned out to be a bit muddier. The band wasn’t breaking up, but multi-instrumentalist string arranger Kjartan Sveinsson was sitting out the forthcoming tour. In other news, the band is releasing a “mystery film” for each song — videos made by directors working independently of one another. As for Valtari, the band’s new album, it makes a statement of its own.
Jónsi & Fifty Nine Productions: Taxidermy Fire Inspires Darkness-to-Light Aesthetic
For his tours in support of his solo debut Go, Sigur Rós front-man Jónsi teamed up with design company Fifty Nine Productions to create a visceral experience for concertgoers — a dark, decaying landscape slowly overwhelmed by color and light.
Chromatic: The Crossroads of Color and Music, out now!
The wait is over! A year in the works, ALARM Press’ collection of color-driven musicians and visual artists is finally here.
Concert Photos: Jónsi @ the Vic
Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi has been touring tirelessly for the past year, playing songs from his first solo album, Go (XL). The live show has been acclaimed by critics far and wide, and with good reason: with design help from Fifty Nine Productions, it is an absolute spectacle. For those hoping to go behind the scenes and perhaps relive the magic, the forthcoming ALARM book Chromatic: The Crossroads of Color and Music details the tour from its inception to its first performance.
ALARM contributing photographer Samantha Hunter attended Jónsi’s recent show at the Vic in Chicago and captured the action — from costume changes to dramatic visual projections — in vivid color.
MoogFest 2010: A look at the electronic festival’s move to Asheville
Despite its history and charm, Asheville, North Carolina isn’t widely known as a destination for music and culture. Many associate the town with the Blue Ridge Parkway, hippie drumming, and maybe Black Mountain College, a progressive institution that closed in 1957 but once was a center for artists like Merce Cunningham and John Cage. But look deeper and you’ll also find a contemporary music scene, classy bars, and a population of locals that are culturally aware and proud of their town.
And they’re nice — like deep-South nice. Maybe that’s why Robert Moog decided to spend the last 25 years of his life there.
Contest: Win passes to Moogfest 2010 in Asheville, NC
Another week, another contest from ALARM. This time, we’re giving one reader a chance to win a pair of weekend passes to Moogfest, a major three-day electronic festival that has moved from New York to Asheville, North Carolina. Total retail value of these babies is $369. Moogfest 2010 is taking place in venues all over Asheville during Halloween weekend, Oct. 29, 30, and 31.
Moogfest 2010 unveils big names and hidden gems
The beloved, yearly music festival known as Moogfest is back. Usually held in New York City, Moogfest 2010 will be in Asheville, North Carolina, Robert Moog’s former home, to honor the late legend’s contributions to modern music. AC Entertainment has released its ever-expanding lineup, featuring artists carving out their own places in history as creative pioneers.
Taking place over Halloween weekend, from October 29-31, Moogfest 2010 will host performances in venues all over the historical city. Our favorites include El-P, Matmos, Jon Hopkins, Dan Deacon, DJ Spooky, Massive Attack, Four Tet, Jónsi, and RJD2.
Jónsi tours, offers chance to win artwork
You know Jón þór Birgisson, or Jónsi, as the guitarist and vocalist for Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, with trademarks such as his falsetto voice and use of cello bow on guitar, but the artist has set out on his own with debut album Go. The album, featuring nine songs drawn from material crafted during his time with Sigur Rós, is arranged in collaboration with classical composer Nico Muhly and exhibits album artwork by his sisters Inga and Lilja.