Jónsi: Boy Lilikoi
First came a side project from Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi Þór Birgisson and his partner Alex, called Riceboy Sleeps. Only six months later we’re seeing the first glimpses of a solo album by Jónsi, simply called Go. The album will be release in 2010 via XL Recordings, the same label that Sigur Rós is signed to.
On December 1st he launched his website for his debut solo album, offering an mp3 for those who sign up on his email list. As of yet, the website consists of an Jónsi’s name, but clicking on the letters of his name teases you with song samples.
For those that have longed to hear Jónsi sing in English, you’re in for a treat. He began recording the solo album this summer with Alex and Peter Katis (Interpol, The National, Tokyo Police Club) after hearing his work with Fanfarlo. Sigur Rós’s website stated in May: “The album will be largely acoustic and feature string arrangements from contemporary classical composer Nico Muhly (Grizzly Bear, Antony and the Johnsons). According to Nico, Jónsi’s solo music can be described as ‘ecstatic.’”
As for more Sigur Rós music, we’re informed that the band has also been hard at work on scoring a soundtrack:
“Seven Sigur Rós songs and one Jónsi & Alex song comprise most of the soundtrack to the new british film, The Boys Are Back. The songs featured in the film are Illgresi, Festival, Fljótavík, Straumnes, Ára Bátur, Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur, Samskeyti and Indian Summer.”