Lay Low: Expecting A Sweet Summer

Hallo Lovisa - how are you today and what are you up to?

Hello! I am really good. I've had a great lazy sunday in Reykjavík, where I live, it's the best! 

These days I'm writing for my next album, a process that I really enjoy. Expecting a sweet summer...

 

We like the sound of that. How was the tour with Of Monsters And Men? Any funny stories you can share?

The tour was really great. The longest US trip I've taken so far. I was over there for 6 weeks. OMAM are really getting big over there, so it was great to be there and see how things are going. I've followed the band since they were starting in Iceland. I was really glad when they asked me to join them on this tour, and like I thought they are a great traveling party. I got to stay on their bus and was treated like one of the gang. All the shows went really well and the audience was great, I hope to be back in the US soon.

 

Sounds great! What has your favourite touring stop-off been so far and why?

I would probably have to say all the cities that I've never visited before like Minneapolis, Chicago, Billings... I really enjoy going to new places and just walk around with out having a clue where I'm going. Sometimes I hop on a random bus and try to figure my way around town. 

 

I usually make a mission of just finding a good bookstore. I think I managed to do that in nearly every city on the tour. My suitcase was of course ridiculously heavy on my way back to Iceland. 

 

The sign of a good trip... You're very kindly releasing a free download of your single 'The Backbone' - tell us a bit about the song, and what inspired it?

It is a song that has been bumping in my head for some time now. I finally went to record it with my friend Magnús. It's a song that was inspired by a sticker that I bought many years ago which says "Have a Nice Forever" and a smiling sun just beside the text. It has been hanging in my office for some time, and then one day, out of the blue this small sentence triggered the song The Backbone.

 

It's certainly important to have a bit of a 'backbone' in this here music business - but what else have you learned since entering into this crazy world of showbiz?

I've learned to try and trust my own instinct and take all decisions with calmness and security. Be honest and not do things that I don't want to do. To say "No, thank you" is something that I had to learn. It is also important to keep in touch with the people that listen to and buy your music. 

 

How's the album going? Any surprises up your sleeve?

I'm working on the new songs at the moment, and I'm pretty excited to hear the outcome myself. I'm not sure if I want to give out all the surprises... but I can tell you that I'm working on getting wonderful artists to help me out a little bit with a song or two.

 

You're going to be at the SPOT festival in Denmark in May! Who are you most looking forward to catching there?

Yes, I'm playing at SPOT this year, my first time and I'm pretty excited... it's always fun to play at festivals and catch other bands. I have to admit that I still haven't had time to look at the line up. Will do it right now! I bet there are plenty of bands that I'd like to see.

 

And who are you listening to at the moment?

These days I'm listening to Fleetwood Mac because I'm recording a cover with great Icelandic artist this week, and they are one of my favourites.  Also listening to Amory Sivertson who I met and played a show with in the US, and also I am really enjoying St. Vincent's latest album... it has been in the player for some months now and of course the new US album from Of Monsters and Men...

 

Naturally! Thank you Lay Low!