Ever since his indie rock group Hjaltalín exploded onto the scene in 2007, Högni has been one of the best known contemporary musical writers in Iceland.
A multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer, he was soon recruited by famed electronic group GusGus for songwriting, singing and touring – resulting in a strong international following. In 2017, he released his eclectic first solo album Two Trains, where Högni wrote for string orchestra, a male chorus and electronics.
Over the last decade, Högni has become one of Iceland’s leading composers for film, television and theatre where he received the Icelandic Academy Award (Edda) as ‘the composer of the year’ in 2021. Some of his latest works include the score for the first Icelandic Netflix series ‘Katla’ directed by the acclaimed Baltasar Kormakur and focus features ‘Touch’ set to be released in 2024 by the same director. Högni has also collaborated with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra where his ‘Symphony no. 1 – Eternal Return’ was premiered in 2022.
Recent Work
Project XO
Project XO, an interactive dance installation featuring a soundtrack by Högni took place 17-19 april 2020. The project is a cutting-edge dance installation devised by New Movement Collective with collaborators Kai Lab, Visualpilots and FENYCE Workspace. This unique encounter invites members of the public to wear a robotic exoskeleton which will move their body in a precise choreography. The robotic suit both subdues and empowers the wearer, as we watch this haunting interaction and wonder about who the ambiguous ‘creator’ behind the movement is. You can take part as a participant wearing the robotic suit or as an audience member by watching the interaction in the intimate setting of our dance studio.
Symphony No.1 - ‘Eternal Return’ - Commissioned by the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra
Music for film
Music for Brainwaves
A rather unique collaboration between Högni’s label Erased Tapes, scientists at Goldsmiths College, University of London and hotelier citizenM. Music for Brainwaves features music from Högni alongside Michael Price and Ben Lukas Boysen, using frequencies isolated by the Goldsmiths’ scientists, that have measured and proven mental impact. More on the project on Erased Tapes’ website:
