Hailing from Reykjavík, three-piece post-punk band Virgin Orchestra is shaking up the music scene. The experimental band is known for their eclectic sound, forged from the diverse backgrounds of its members. Their unique combination of live instruments—guitar, cello, bass, and vocals—melds seamlessly with innovative programming and avant-garde soundscapes. In May 2023, they released their debut album “fragments,” a body of work that is as dynamic and deft as they are. With their innovative sound and electrifying performances, Virgin Orchestra is carving out a distinct niche in the world of experimental music.
In anticipation of their set at Iceland Airwaves, the trio curates a playlist for Schön! and answers some rapid-fire questions.
Hey Virgin Orchestra! What are you up to right now?
Celebrating the release of our new single ‘banger’ and getting ready to play Iceland Airwaves!
If someone asked you what your origin story was, how would you describe it?
Three weirdos from different backgrounds got together and made music.
Describe your style in 3 words.
Aggressive, graceful and moody.
What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?
Stef has a photographic enlarger in her wardrobe that she never uses. We mostly thrift clothing and don’t really have anything expensive in there. Stef also has a vintage blood coral necklace from her great-great-something grandma that she also never uses.
What was the last book you read?
Rún reads “Viktoría” by Knut Hamsun a few times a year. Statistically, it is probably the most frequent “last read” book of the band.
What is your favourite thing to do in Iceland?
Go to the pool.
If you could play at any venue, which one would it be?
Barrowlands in Glasgow.
Where are you happiest?
In the moor in the countryside. The smell of nature, the sun is out and everything is soft.
If you had an hour to spend with anyone from history, who would it be and why?
Rún would like to meet her great-great-grandma, she was a mystic who threw “gatherings”. Stef would like to meet Jesus and see if they were an anarchist who would endorse rioting. Starri would also like to meet Rún’s grandma.
If someone had a free day in Iceland, what places do you recommend they visit?
Any pool and all of them.
Who would play you in the story of your life?
Stef: Chloë Sevigny.
Starri: Tilda Swinton.
Rún: Matt Lucas.
What’s one song that you’d like to listen to the first time again?
“Atom Heart Mother Suite” or “Wuthering Heights.”
An underrated song/artist you love?
Starri: Rowland S. Howard.
Stefanía: Team Sleep.
Rún: Jórunn Viðar.
The track that describes your coming-of-age story?
Stef: “Hairspray Queen” by Nirvana.
Rún: “Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right” by Bob Dylan.
Starri: “Sometimes” by My Bloody Valentine.
An album that you’d put in a time capsule?
Plantasia – Mort Garson.
A lyric that you love and the song it’s from?
“Mother is juicing watermelons on the breakfast island
And with frail hands she grips the NutriBullet
And the bite of its blades reminds me of a future
That I am in no way part of
And in a wall of photographs
In the downstairs second living room’s TV area
I become her father
And complain of mediocre theatre in the daytime
And ice in single malt whiskey at night
Of rising skirt hems, lowering IQs
And things just aren’t built like they used to be
The absolute pinnacle of British engineering.
I’m more than adequate
Leave Kanye out of this
Leave your Sertraline in the cabinet
And fuck me like you mean it this time, Isaac”
Black Country, New Road – “Sunglasses.” The single (2019) version. Fucking iconic.
A track that reminds you of a happy moment?
Starri: Slowdive – “Kisses.”
Rún: The Kinks – “All Day and All of the Night.”
An Icelandic artist or song you’re obsessed with?
We love Kælan Mikla.
A song that you discovered recently that you love?
Starri: Kino – “Blood Type.”
Stef: The Fat White Family – “Touch The Leather.”
Best record to get you out of a funk?
Starri: The Clash – “The Clash.”
Rún: Beverly Glenn-Copeland – “Keyboard Fantasies.”
What’s the last song you searched for on Spotify?
Stef: Svala – “Was That All It Was.”
Starri: Sonic Youth – “Shadow of a Doubt.”
A song you wish you wrote?
Britney Spears – “Toxic.”
Iceland Airwaves takes place from the 7th – 9th November 2024, tickets and travel packages are available now in partnership with Icelandair.
