Further Information

About Ylja and the Icelandic Folk Songs

10 years ago, two young women with gigantic tonsils and a deep passion for harmonized vocals crossed paths. In Flensborg College Choir, to be exact. Upon getting to know each other, they discovered a mutual love for the same choir songs. After a while, one had the courage to ask the other to join her for the annual singing contest of the colleges. She had always dreamed of being a singer on stage, ever since she was a little girl. And wouldn't you know it, they both had that same dream.

Wonderful things came to pass. Out went the tonsils! It was time for the powerful voices to break out into the ever wondrous realms of creation. They practised and practised, usually in each others beds. Anything from Simon & Garfunkel to Gnarls Barkley was tried. But before they knew it, their own songs started taking shape.

Back to the now, 10 years later - and with two pairs of tonsils, vanished with the wind, the passionate duo celebrate a decade of friendship and working together as Ylja. The path behind them has seen two albums come to light along with numerous concerts in various countries, nominations for the Icelandic Music Awards and last but not least, the ever joyous collaborations with extraordinary talented musicians, sound engineers, promoters and other wonderful people that work in the field of music and arts.

There was absolutely no question in their minds; This significant event should be celebrated with the release of a new album.

Traditional Icelandic folks songs have always been a big part of Ylja's performances. In light of their mutual passion, they decided to do an album with their favourite folk songs.

They began collecting possible songs for the album. Their friends and families also had a hand in the process by chipping in their favourites. The collection was at last narrowed down to 10 great pieces that felt as a strong cohesive collection of the history of Icelandic folk songs.

The next step was choosing the right captain to sail this ship. With deep admiration from them both, Guðmundur Óskar was assigned for the project. Best known for being a member of Hjaltalín, Guðmundur Óskar has also played with the likes of Tilbury, Snorri Helgason and Helgi Björnsson - to name a few. Not only a great bassist and guitarist but also a very talented producer that has moved more into the field of musical directory and production as well as composing for various theatres and plays - his latest one being Hafið at the National Theatre.

Guðmundur Óskar joined in and as these words are being written, the three are finishing the final draft for the album that will be named Dætur (Daughters).

First single of the new album

For a deeper experience, folklorist Pétur Húni has written a summary - describing the story and creative aspect behind each song. These stories will be featured in both the CD and vinyl version of the album.

By releasing this album, the girls want to honour the national heritage and make these songs more accessible in modern fashion. The intend the album to be timeless in a way - for its music to live for years to come.

List of the songs:

Vísur Vatnsenda-Rósu
Heyr himnasmiður
Einsetumaður einusinni
Grafskrift
Hættu að gráta hringaná
Ó mín flaskan fríða
Veröld fláa
Stóðum tvö í túni
Bíum bíum bambaló
Móðir mín í kví kví

Other instruments:

Magnús Örn Magnússon - Percussion
Örn Eldjárn - Electric guitar
Viktor Orri Árnason - Strings
Guðmundur Óskar Guðmundsson - Bass, guitar, piano and all other instruments that we could think of.