We Used To Be Birds, But Now We're Monsters… And Men.

Of Monsters And Men recently released their stellar debut album, ‘My Head Is An Animal’, songs from which you can catch playing in nearly every coffee shop and radio station in Reykjavík, for damn good reason. The album is comprised of youthful, catchy pop murmurs, reminiscent of Edward Sharpe and Mumford & Sons—performed by some really flippin’ talented people. We caught up with lead singer, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, to chat about Airwaves and plans for the band.
Obviously your recent album, ‘My Head Is An Animal’, has been very well received so far. What’s next? Any plans to do a tour soon?
Well, we’re very interested in touring, but as of right now, we don’t have anything planned. We’re just kind of looking into all options and trying to make as many plans as we can. But yes, we definitely into the idea!

Airwaves is right around the corner. Is there a particular act you’re looking forward to seeing at the festival this year?
Definitely looking forward to Beach House, that’s probably the main one. But I think it’s more the whole experience that I’m most looking forward to. This will be my third year playing, twice with Of Monsters And Men, once by myself, and I think that when we’re not playing, I’ll just try and see as many different acts as I can.

What have you noticed change the most about Airwaves in recent years? Obviously it’s gotten much bigger, but has your view of the festival changed as it grows in popularity?
It’s gotten bigger, for sure. More bands, more tourists, more people looking to discover new music. Personally, I think Airwaves has grown a lot more interesting to me over the years. It’s like Christmas, I spend most of my time looking forward to this week; it’s definitely the high point of my year!

Of Monsters And Men are playing several shows this year, including an off-venue at KEX and three on-venue performances as well. Given the choice between playing an on-venue or an off-venue show, which do you enjoy more? Does your performance change at all?
Last Airwaves, we played twice, but this year, we’ll be doing six shows: three off-venue shows, and three on-venue. I don’t think I have a favourite, though. I love just running around all the off-venue shows, being sociable and hearing new music. Our performances are much more intimate because of this, but on the other hand, playing an on-venue means that it’s YOUR night, you know?

By Bowen Staines

The post We Used To Be Birds, But Now We're Monsters… And Men. appeared first on The Reykjavik Grapevine.