This year’s Artist To Remember is Biogen. We asked Jónas Guðmundsson to pay tribute. Below are Jónas’s four essential tracks.
Ajax – “Ruffige”
A monument for the Icelandic rave era. When released in 1992, it became an anthem for Icelandic clubgoers. The music was raw, fast and aggressive—in the spirit of the rave scene that had recently conquered Britain and mainland Europe. This track was a starting point not only for Ajax, but also for the drum & bass legend Goldie, who provided the vocals (except for the gorgeous Lesley Gore sample). IDM kings Aphex Twin and Squarepusher have both expressed their love for this tune—and it still warms the heart of those who manned the dancefloors in Tunglið in 1992-1993.
Biogen – “Afloat”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuz0N4ykBQ4
Simple, fragile and beautiful. This track came out on a 12” in 1998 and showed how expert a craftsman Biogen really was. It’s repetitive, yet manages to evoke emotions that few artists can pull off. Often this track would serve as a soundtrack on the German late-night chill-out television program ‘Space Night’.
Sigur rós – “Syndir Guðs (Biogen Remix)”
Two musical titans meet. What more can we say? Jónsi whispers to his listeners to create while Biogen provides the hypnotic beat. You never knew what to expect from Biogen and this is a fine example of his diversity as an artist.
Biogen – “Thanatazone”
Many of us have memories of Biogen doing his “biodance” (trademark pending) during concerts as his erratic beats and twisted basslines possessed him onstage. It’s something different. He called it weirdcore!
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