Úlfur Eldjárn - Nantes Proposal

Short bio:

Úlfur Eldjárn is a composer, electronic and experimental musician based in Reykjavík, Iceland, also a member of the legendary Apparat Organ Quartet . His album The Aristokrasia Project is a cinematic mix of synth pop and minimal string arrangements, exploring themes of space travel, science and artificial intelligence. On Field Recordings: Music from the Ether , he experiments with old mechanical instruments, a home made drum robot and other unusual sound sources. He recently collaborated with electro artist Null+Void and Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan to create a haunting string version of their track Where I Wait (feat. Dave Gahan) - Aristokrasia Version . Úlfur has composed soundtracks for films, TV, stage and other media, including orchestral scores Innsaei: The Sea Within and the Bernard Herman inspired Ash (Original Soundtrack from the Film “Ash”) . Úlfur collaborated with Jóhann Jóhannsson on his last film score Mandy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) , starring Nicholas Cage.

Úlfur has experimented with new and interactive forms of music, often in collaboration with his brother Halldór Eldjárn . ‘The Infinite String Quartet’ invites listeners to create infinitely many different versions of the piece through an interactive website (infinitestringquartet.com). Reykjavík GPS is a location based music experience for smartphones to be enjoyed in downtown Reykjavík.

More Info:

Úlfur Eldjárn instagram twitter facebook

Selected projects: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRpLjBDoZbJeUa3zcArE7nCqMUqKbgdz5iGDImaMagzHmO6FY1YAdlaD_zVt_Of4mzlcIxdBIy-NY_h/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Nantes Music Residency Proposal

During my stay in Nantes I would like to work on the following projects:

Nantes GPS - a location based composition inspired by the city of Nantes featuring performances by local Nantes artists. The composition is like a soundtrack for the city of Nantes. To listen you need to walk around a certain area in Nantes and listen through on your smartphone - the music changes according to your location.

Based on my previous work for Reykjavík - Reykjavík GPS.

Reykjavík GPS - Reykjavík Music City Video on Vimeo Reykjavík GPS on Vimeo

Piano / Woodwind / Electronics improvisations. Working on and developing a live performance program using piano, woodwinds and live electronics. I perform live on a piano, woodwinds and other instruments. I use live looping and pedals to create instant soundscapes and and sonic ideas based on the acoustic sounds.

This could include a live performance and workshop in Nantes.

Performance examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnhxizqKuSQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yie72-VyM-U

Aristókrasía An electronic music project with visuals.

During my stay I will work on ideas and recordings for those 3 projects, as much as the time allows, and hopefully perform or host a workshop. I’m also hoping to collaborate with some local musicians and performers. Hoping to be inspired by the city of Nantes and its people. Hoping to get into contact with similar minded musician, artists and industry people and allowing the stay to impact my projects.