BREAKING NEWS: Jóhann Jóhannsson Leaves Apparat Organ Quartet

Revered Icelandic analog-electronic band Apparat Organ Quartet have announced that founding member Jóhann Jóhannsson has left the band.

According to a press release sent today by their management, Jóhann’s decision to leave the band was prompted by scheduling clashes between his solo compositional projects and live bookings for Apparat Organ Quartet, resulting in the band playing shows as a four-piece. The departure is perfectly amicable although bittersweet for all parties as it will allow each of them to focus on their respective projects, yet marks the end of an era.

Apparat Organ Quartet are currently focusing on touring more and writing new material. It is unclear at this point if they will search for a new band member to fill in for Jóhann.

Formed in 1999 by Jóhann, Úlfur Eldjárn and Sifhvatur Ómar Kristinsson, the band have released two full-length albums together and toured extensively over their career. Most recently, they played sans-Jóhann at the well-received Reykjavík Calling showcase in Seattle last week, held in collaboration with Iceland Naturally and KEXP radio.

Apparat Organ Quartet play on Friday at Harpa Silfurberg, 22:10.