Iceland’s best export is probably its music. A case in point is the wonderful band Vök. Vök’s front-woman, Margrét Rán Magnúsdóttir, has quickly become of Iceland’s best know singers. Her live performance and presence are compelling, to the point of her having some undefined charisma that I cannot quite describe. I remember seeing Vök in a small venue called Græni Hatturinn in Akureyri for the first time. I knew nothing about the band but became an instant fan when Margrét Rán came on stage and started performing. Since 2021 Margrét Rán has been a full-time member of the legendary Icelandic band Gus Gus.
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I was delighted when Margrét Rán took the time from her busy schedule for an interview. She and the band are following up with their latest album, which was released at the beginning of October 2022. My favorite song from the album is No Coffee at the Funeral, about Margrét’s grief about losing her grandfather. As someone who was also very close to his grandfather and still misses him profoundly, I can relate to the feelings expressed in that song. The song Lost in the Weekend is also fantastic. It takes me back to when I was a young cat partying around town.
Hey Margrét Rán, thank you for taking the time for this interview and your music. I love the new album from Vök. Can your fans expect to see you on tour soon?
Thank you so so much! Yes in fact we just announced a headline tour in the spring in Europe. It will be so exciting to go on the road again with Vök, it feels like ages ago!
Putting together a high-quality 12-song album, recording, and producing it is a ton of work. How does it feel to have released the new album?
It always feels great and weird at the same time. It’s a great feeling to finish something you have worked hard on for a long time but then you quickly realize that you have to find the next new thing and I find that always a bit scary. I’m experiencing that feeling these days but no worries it will pass, It always does 🙂 But I’m so happy with the outcome and we’ve had great reviews and feedback for the album.
What is next for the band Vök?
Well we’re going to follow up our new album with The European tour next spring so that’s our next mission and we’re hoping to add a couple of US dates as well so that’s really exciting for us!
Do you have any favorite activities or places here in Iceland that everybody should know about?
Well I’m a bit of a city child so my activities usually involve taking walks. I love walking in my hometown Hafnarfjörður and looking at the old houses in the old town (not in a creepy way!), they are so beautiful and cute, I’m gonna own one of these houses when i’m older. Also the city is surrounded by nature and has all kinds of fun walking trails for example in Hvaleyrarvatn, Heiðmörk and Ellidavatn.
What Icelandic musicians would you recommend to my readers around the world?
I recommend listening to Gugusar’s new album, she’s amazing and so talented. She’s 18 years old and is a crazy good producer as well as a performer and a singer. And of course Laufey she’s taking over the world by storm!
What advice do you have to those visiting Iceland for the first time?
The nature here can be a bit cruel so be careful and enjoy this surreal landscape. Also go and get yourself a ‘Bragðarefur’* in an ice cream shop called Ísbúð Vesturbæjar, thank me later 🙂
*Bragðarefur literally means taste-fox and is popular in Iceland. This is where you fill a tub with ice cream and mix it with candy or fruit. These are sold at Ísbúð Vesturbæjar ice cream shop. My favorite blend is actually a triple serving of Oreo. Don’t dare judging me!
