To celebrate the launch of Björk's Biophilia, and mark a decade since she joined PRS for Music, M has put together a week of exclusive features, interviews and videos.
We have explored the Icelander’s latest project and spoken with some of the key collaborators that helped bring it to life. You can access all the content here...
We have explored the Icelander’s latest project and spoken with some of the key collaborators that helped bring it to life. You can access all the content here...
First up, we speak to Björk herself:
Her new Biophilia project comprises of an album, bespoke instruments, 90-minute documentary, app suite, world tour and music education workshops.
She talks to M about her manifesto, and explains: 'I feel technology has caught up with us and now people like me, who believe it or not, are not really good with gadgets, can be more intuitive and tactile while writing music.' Read the full interview here.
Her new Biophilia project comprises of an album, bespoke instruments, 90-minute documentary, app suite, world tour and music education workshops.
She talks to M about her manifesto, and explains: 'I feel technology has caught up with us and now people like me, who believe it or not, are not really good with gadgets, can be more intuitive and tactile while writing music.' Read the full interview here.
Behind the Biophilia app suite:
We take a look at the ground-breaking apps, and find out how they are pushing the boundaries of fan-participation. App designer and digital artist Scott Snibbe explains his involvement in the project and explains how music apps are a natural progression that take music back to its roots.
'Music was always interactive until vinyl records were invented,' explains Scott.
'In the 19th century the app was sheet music, and you’d get this sheet music and play it with any instrument you wanted... Apps bring music back to what it naturally is – an interactive, participatory experience.'
To read more and watch videos of the apps, click here.
We take a look at the ground-breaking apps, and find out how they are pushing the boundaries of fan-participation. App designer and digital artist Scott Snibbe explains his involvement in the project and explains how music apps are a natural progression that take music back to its roots.
'Music was always interactive until vinyl records were invented,' explains Scott.
'In the 19th century the app was sheet music, and you’d get this sheet music and play it with any instrument you wanted... Apps bring music back to what it naturally is – an interactive, participatory experience.'
To read more and watch videos of the apps, click here.
Next up, we hear from digital analyst and freelance journalist Stuart Dredge about how upcoming artists can learn from these latest developments. 'It’s becoming one of the boxes you have to tick: you’ve got a website, you’ve got a Twitter feed, a Facebook profile and the app is the fourth thing that’s becoming standard,' he says.
To find out more, click here.
Profile of a sound sculptor:
Björk worked with sound sculptor and composer Henry Dagg on the song Sacrifice. Henry has invented the Sharpsichord pin barrel harp and has been crafting electronic and acoustic instruments since he was a child. He's played musical saw for Bob Geldof and Keane and last year even serenaded Prince Charles with his inventive cat piano.
He talks to M about his varied career and the invention that first caught Björk's eye. He also tells us what's next for the Sharpsichord and you can watch a video of his collaboration with singer-songwriter Hannah Peel. Click here for more.
Björk worked with sound sculptor and composer Henry Dagg on the song Sacrifice. Henry has invented the Sharpsichord pin barrel harp and has been crafting electronic and acoustic instruments since he was a child. He's played musical saw for Bob Geldof and Keane and last year even serenaded Prince Charles with his inventive cat piano.
He talks to M about his varied career and the invention that first caught Björk's eye. He also tells us what's next for the Sharpsichord and you can watch a video of his collaboration with singer-songwriter Hannah Peel. Click here for more.
Behind the scenes of the live show:
We speak to Björk's production manager Peter van der Velde about Biophilia Live, and find out how the world 'residency' tour is taking shape.
'It took me a while to fully get my fingers under what Björk was trying to do and it’s always a challenge to find out what she really has in her head. Generally it’s a test-and-trial procedure – throw balls up in the air and see which ones she hits,' he confides.
Read the full interview here.
You can also read our review of Björk's only UK festival appearance this year here.
We speak to Björk's production manager Peter van der Velde about Biophilia Live, and find out how the world 'residency' tour is taking shape.
'It took me a while to fully get my fingers under what Björk was trying to do and it’s always a challenge to find out what she really has in her head. Generally it’s a test-and-trial procedure – throw balls up in the air and see which ones she hits,' he confides.
Read the full interview here.
You can also read our review of Björk's only UK festival appearance this year here.
Early collaborators and electronic pioneers Plaid:
In our two-part interview with electronic duo Plaid, we find out about their early work with Björk, which took them from being bedroom techno-heads to world renowned electronic pioneers.
We also hear more about the making of their new album Scintilli, and find out why they think the format may eventually become irrelevant for established artists.
Click here for part one and here for part two.
In our two-part interview with electronic duo Plaid, we find out about their early work with Björk, which took them from being bedroom techno-heads to world renowned electronic pioneers.
We also hear more about the making of their new album Scintilli, and find out why they think the format may eventually become irrelevant for established artists.
Click here for part one and here for part two.
