Olafur Arnalds made my very favourite album of 2009 – the project, "Found Songs" which you can listen to here. For this project he wrote and recorded a song a day for seven days. The highlight, Ljósið, was the seventh. I've only managed to see him live once so far, at Airwaves last year. that show was packed and hot but somehow still serene and wonderful. This year has seen a new full album, "…and they have escaped the weight of darkness" and an extremely extensive tour taking in the far east as well as a show in Manchester with a full orchestra. I found him in Holland!…

Hi Oli, where are you right now and what are you doing?

I have just arrived in Den Haag. I'm playing at Today's Art festival here tomorrow… feeling very jet-lagged – just flew here from China where i've been on tour for a couple of weeks.

You've been touring in some fascinating places this year, for example how was China?

I went twice to China this year. It's one of the most interesting places in the world for me, not just to play but also because i'm a huge history nerd, and well.. china has got a hell of a history… Taiwan and South Korea were also huge highlights. Will go to some new places in Europe later this year like Slovakia and Greece. Really looking forward to those!

And was the Manchester show a highlight?

Yes definitely very much of a personal highlight for me, as i had never before arranged for a full orchestra. I learned a lot of things and gained a really good experience.

You have 2 shows at Iceland Airwaves 2010, will there be differences?

Well… i just found out today that i have two shows, when i looked at the schedule. And the first one actually clashes with Bloodgroup's set (Janus from Bloodgroup also plays in my live set). But yes, i plan to have some differences (and there will have to be differences if Janus is missing!).
I think we'll make one of the show just the standard ÓA show, but the other something very different, try something new.

There will be 5 or more other bands playing at the same time as you at Airwaves – so why should people choose your show?

They shouldn't really.  They should go see my other project, Kiasmos, which is playing at pretty much the same time… But then again, i'm not sure how i'm supposed to be at both places at once either…

Have you seen the festival line-up? What other bands are you excited to see?

Robyyyyn! my future wife. and Moderat.

And finally, how about a few local tips for the festival first-timers?

The off venue shows are often the best shows! and there are no queues! so don't forget about them!

—

Olafur Arnalds is playing two main shows at Iceland Airwaves 2010. On Wednesday night you can, you must, find him at Sódóma at 10:50pm and then on Saturday at 9:40pm in Idnó. Kiasmos are on Saturday night at 9pm in Apotekið. He's also playing two off-venue shows, firstly 1pm on Thursday at Nordic House and then again at the very intimate downtown hostel on Friday at 5:30.

If you're a twitterer, find and follow him here.