Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
Encyclopedia
Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson (born December 11, 1954 in Reykjavík
, Iceland
), guitar player and engineer. He is a mathematician
, an inventor, a practising polytechnic engineer, lecturer and the author of several scientific papers.
His music career started at an early age as well: Guðlaugur’s paternal grandfather had played the trumpet, horns and participated in different brass, classic and jazz bands during the 1920s until the 1940s. Encouraged by his family, Guðlaugur started singing when he was around six years old having his first performance on the Icelandic Radio in 1961. As music was taught at all levels in elementary school, he took advantage of that and built his first string instrument when he was only 10 and received his first guitar when turned 11.
when he was 11, radio since 12 and physics
since 14. Around this period, during seven summers, from nine to 15 years old, he worked with a farmer over the South-eastern coast of Iceland. The farmer was a blacksmith
and an electrician
who built small hydroelectric power plants. This way Guðlaugur started gaining knowledge in electricity and technical work while combing them with the farming tasks.
From 13 to 15 years old he worked at high school as a physics laboratory assistance and when he was 16 started to work with seismic
instruments and as an electrician until he turned 20 in 1975, and then entered at the University of Iceland
and worked as an assistant to the mathematics professor and later as a computer teacher.
Guðlaugur graduated in 1981 when he was 27 and afterwards worked in general teaching and as a science and technology tutor. Since 1987 started working in different corporations as a software and hardware specialist, and in 1991 for the Icelandic Government in diverse fields: security, coding, navigation and rescue until 1999, when he started to work independently as an inventor, lecturer, and author of several scientific papers.
From the beginning, Guðlaugur has combined his scientific research with his music career, thus his life can be split into two broad sections: music and scientific careers. He currently works at Hafnarfjörður Technical school in Iceland.
high school with specialization in mathematics
and physics
, in 1975 Guðlaugur began his studies at the Polytechnic Division of the University of Iceland
where he specialized in mathematics, physics, informatics
and electric engineering until his graduation in 1981.
His work spans through a wide range of topics: he has worked on issues related to physics and engineering, but mainly on electro-physics engineering. From an early age was immersed in electricity, sound and lightning.
He has designed electric equipments, and electronic devices for a broad series of applications, such as recording studios, power supplies for musical instruments, underwater communication systems, software and algorithms for navigation use, and has as well invented geo- and helio-thermoelectric high frequency generators, cooling systems for optoelectronic devices, to name but a few. In addition, he was written several papers that have been published on international journals and conferences, while other works remain classified.
The next project was the creation of amplifiers of musical instruments based on the principles of Shannon and Nyquist
and the adding or circuit designs and transistors to cancel all noises by connecting several amplifying devices in parallel.
In 1975 in the realm of informatics, he worked on a special software for IBM 1620
used for composition and arrangement, as well as electroacoustic transducer
s for musical instruments.
In 1976 created a television
system called multiscreen television. The idea was to have only one TV set at home, which would work as a reception and signal processor and that it could operate as many TV sets as desired in different parts of the house. This was never suitable for mass production given the risks of this high voltage distribution system, from which he acquired more knowledge for future developments.
From 1984 to 1991 Guðlaugur worked on the service and maintenance of Sinclair QL
computers and wrote many of the utilities of the operating system
for the Icelandic market. One of the most important works in 1986 came when he created a multilingual translation console. This allowed the user change the language while the equipment was in use. The word “console” was employed here to represent the keyboard and screen combination.
With this system it was possible to change the keyboard’s and screen’s drivers, and the error message system to any of the 7 available languages without having to reboot.
With the experience gained with this work, he would later be involved in the area of electronic navigation and cartography.
Following the same year, when working in theatre chains and music stands, Guðlaugur created a battery charger
, but the funds requested for further development were denied. Years later, alkaline chargers became a reality.
In 1989, under the request of a Swedish
art galley, he created an artefact for the restoration of oil painting
s. This mechanism was formed by a table warmed by internal wires which were controlled by means of a thermostat
and the painting was held on its place thanks to an air bomb. “The reason that I was recruited to design this was the astronomical cost of the equipment used by Louvre and the heavy-duty galleries. This often happens, that I am supposed to be able to make very expensive things cheaper by clever design and allying the newest technology.”
In 1989 Guðlaugur designed a circuit called Mark – special indicator for drummers in live. It was a device that marked the difference between two notes and displayed the results with LED
lights. This creation was useful when the musician worked with sequencer
s and computerized beats; thus the performer could keep in time with the artificial beats.
A unit of this device was designed for Sigtryggur Baldursson
, who at that time was working with The Sugarcubes
.
In 1993 created a representation of geocentric coordinates with integer words of limited bit size which allowed the compression of geographical coordinates without losing accuracy.
In 1996 cooperated with the University of Iceland, the Sea Research Institution (HAFRÓ) and Radíómiðun to create a database based on 10-year fishing reports from Icelandic waters classified with coordinates, dates, species and catch weights. The system was complimented with a software interface used for queries and an electronic cartographic system. This catch prediction system allowed the user to know where fishing banks were located and it also was updated as new data was registered helping determine fish migration paths. Presented at the International Fisheries Exhibition in Iceland, it represented a step further in the fishing industry.
Later, he designed an underwater acoustic transmitter which worked under the principle of silence modulation. The information was transmitted from the fishing equipment on the silent breaks of certain frequency. This device could operate for a long time without recharging thanks to a low-power syntesizer which was phase-locked to the system clock. Further development on the transmitter by VAKI-DNG allowed the creation of a catch sensor for trawling.
Another work related to this device was the topological discrimination system, which allowed determine whether a certain latitude and longitude were inside or outside a specific area. For this task tens of millions of coordinates had to be sort into different fishing grounds, legal areas etc. Therefore a theorem from the complex contour integration was used to determine the location of certain point within a predetermined area. By integrating the function f(z) = 1/(z-a) around a certain path, 2π was obtained if the point a was inside the contour and zero, if it was outside the contour. Further calculus helped transform the contour integral into a sum of arch functions. Ultra-high-speed-integer algorithms were used on Motorola 68K and Risk processors.
In 2005 the system was adapted to the cartographic and navigational system, MaxSea. The applications span from cost protection, establishment of risk areas, fishing limits, etc. The system was introduced to the Icelandic Cost Guard, rescue units and air traffic authorities.
In 1998 worked on an underground magnetic sources detector in homogeneous material. This project was the attempt to retrieve the wreckage of a Dutch
freighter which was carrying gold and diamonds and then sank in Southern Iceland in the Seventeenth century. Guðlaugur designed a SQUID
sensor to detect the presence of magnetic and gravitational fluctuations in sandy grounds. This project was put on hold, until the necessary funds are gathered.
This topic has gained currency during the past decades due to the controversy caused by cell phones, the high rates of people suffering of cancer
(mainly children and the elderly) registered in areas where there are exposed to high tension lines. This work made him render his services to Orkulausnir, a company created by his colleague and friend Brynjólfur Snorrason. Later, Guðlaugur joined Helgi Geirharðsson, founder of Eco-Electrics á Íslandi, with Bogi Pálsson as an investor.
An area of interest derived from this study was the interference isolation to equipments used in recording studios.
In 1988, while working as a science professor at the University of Iceland, he published his own text books. The first one was Mathematical Reference Manual and it was followed in 1990 by the equivalent version for physics. Both publications were used by university and pre-university students.
By early 1990s started working with multiplex modems, GPS tracking systems for ships, data transfer between ships of dissimilar equipments, underwater communication systems, software used for the fishing industry, three-dimensional
underwater surface maps, etc.
In 1999 authored a paper titled The Physics of Action: Addressing Thermomagnetism, Nuclear Structure and Gravitation, which was published in 2001 after being introduced in various institutions and the University of Iceland. On this paper, Guðlaugur outlined about the states of matter, from an electrical stance, where states are denied as ion
-solid
, ion-liquid
, plasma
and photon
s, and he delved into the gravitational considerations from the Newtonian
gravitational theory in comparison with Einstein's Special Relativity
. In addition to this, he explained how in such changes of states, there are a series of thermal, electric, magnetic, optical acoustic, structural and gravitational phenomena. This paper also referred to the trapped light, which is related to Hubble radius, the frontier that marks the threshold of visible Universe
based on the Expanding Universe Theory
, in which galaxies
are withdrawing from us at higher speeds as the distance increases; therefore, in the Hubble radius, galaxies would be travelling at the speed of light
.
Guðlaugur’s work is also focused on thermoelectricity as a means to solve the problems derived from Iceland’s short endowment of energy resources. By 1999 he and Pétur Pétursson
and Reynir Arngrímsson founded Varmaraf, a company whose goal was the boosting of thermoelectricity as a possible way to generate electricity
from geothermal sources taking into advance the advantageous conditions in Iceland (for more information, see geology of Iceland
). The three original members owned a third of the company shares, until the group was extended with the arrival of Dr. Þorsteinn Sigfusson in 2000, balancing the share distribution to a quarter per member. The board of directors expanded in 2003 with the entrance of Japan Steel Works Ltd.
Varmaraf has extended its activities to the construction of heat exchanger
s, hydrogen
storage devices, with several applications on technology.
At the age of 14 he had found that it was possible to obtain ethanol from etangas and his interest in photosynthesis
, led him years later to the idea of using tuned laser
s and a nano
-structured catalyst to aid the photosynthesis process by radiating CO2 and H2O molecules and then the bounds would break and merge to form carbohydrate
s like CH3OH, C2H5OH or C3H7OH, which could be separated by distillation
.
By 1999He formed a task force to evaluate the possibility of using artificial photosynthesis to extract CO2 from the water-saturated atmosphere. The process involved sunlight and laser beams powered by the Icelandic hydroelectric power grid. He worked In the idea of creating fuel from the atmosphere and called airbrew, where the term brew refers to a brewery that uses air As the main source to make ethanol instead of sugar.
It was during this period that Varmaraf was established As a leading thermoelectricity company In Iceland. The research was focused, among other things, on the creation of a thermoelectricity-powered greenhouse and Guðlaugur Óttarsson had the idea of turning greenhouses into a large−scale project In order to counteract global warming. For example, there are many aluminum plants In Iceland which emit huge quantities of CO2, so by year 2004 he proposed building greenhouses for each aluminum plant that would consume all the CO2 released by the aluminum plant into the air. Further research on this topic is currently underway.
In 2000 he worked on several papers such as The Accumulated Extraction, Optimising Electrical Connections for Hot and Cold Terminals, A Relativistic Thermoelectromagnetic Theory, work by which he was invited by the NASA
’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
. This paper was published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) in 2003.
In 2002 introduced a paper titled The Ladder Hypothesis and again in 2003, the IEEE published another of Guðlaugur’s work, A Ladder Thermoelectric Parallelepiped Generator
In 2002 worked with Þorgeir Jónsson and David A. Hubbell in a 2 year project financed by the Research Council for Traffic Safety (RANNUN, for the Icelandic initials) to the thermoelectric harvesting in road structures. United States, Italy and Iceland where the chosen countries where temperature profiles were analysed at surface level and at 1 meter depth. The importance of this study was that the idea of using thermoelectricity to light traffic signals and other road structures during the night. Three reports where the result of this research and the group patented a LED system lamp illuminated by the administration of thermoelectric heat, particularly useful for devices using hi-flux LEDs, including traffic lights, emergency signs and airport runway applications, among others.
Other works are: Factoring Cubic Polynomials for Circuit Theorists, Orka, Varmi & Vinna (Energy, Heat & Work), Light as the 5th State of Matter and the Limitation of its Transport Capability, Hreyfing Massa í Þyngdarsviði Newtons (Orbits of Point Masses in Newtonian Gravitational Fields), On the Binary Nature of Triad Structures in Subatomic Entities, among others.
Steinblóm played punk versions of renowned artists as Bob Dylan
and his British counterpart Donovan
, besides some original songs composed by Guðlaugur himself, and some folk songs. At that time, he was experimenting with homemade electro-acoustic guitars and amplifiers. Steinblóm did some gigs in Reykjavík and the suburbs.
The end of the band came when Guðlaugur moved from Reykjavík to Laugarvatn in order to assist high school.
Lótus was the next group. Created when being at the Laugarvatn high school, the group was active since 1972, and then in 1974 and 1975 and played all over Iceland in 1974 when the country celebrated its 1,100th anniversary (Iceland was founded in 874). Lótus was basically a rock band whose members were Óttarsson and Guðjón Sigurbjörnsson both on electric guitars, Böðvar Helgi Sigurðsson on electric bass, Guðmann Þorvaldsson on drums, and the vocalist Sigurður Ingi Pálsson.
The music performed by Lótus was in the style of jazz
-rock of Dave Brubeck
and some original songs written by Guðlaugur, including arrangements to Mozart
and Beethoven
in a rock style.
Just like his first band, Lótus did not release any record, but they did some two-track recordings although they are believe to be lost..
Lótus disbanded in 1975 when Guðlaugur returned to Reykjavík to study at the Polytechnic Division of the University of Iceland.
He joined Sextettinn (Sextet) in 1977 when he was at University. On this group he joined guitarist Sveinbjörn Baldvinsson, Gunnar Hrafnsson (bass), Stefán Stefánsson (saxophone), Guðjón Hilmarsson (drums), and finally Kristín Jóhannsdóttir the vocalist. The music of Sextettinn was made of original themes performed in several different styles from country
-rock, pop
-rock to pop-jazz
. This group was an important core of original and creative song writing.
Sextettinn gave several gigs throughout Iceland and also had a presentation at the local TV station, however, Guðlaugur stayed for a short time, as University studies were taking most of his time. The remaining members of the group followed on under a different name: Ljósin í Bænum, (The Lights of the City) and released an album still popular in Iceland.
Shortly after, Guðlaugur joined a group called Galdrakarlar & Wilma Reading (The Wizards & Wilma Reading) during the boreal summer of 1977. This band was very important and consisted of brass, keyboards, guitars, bass and drums. The band toured Iceland and gave around 30 concerts. Wilma Reading
the vocalist, was the leader of the group. She was an Australian singer and actress with roots in Broadway
and Hollywood.
The music style of Galdrakarlar & Wilma Reading was mainly jazz-oriented musicals with influences from George Gershwin
, Louis Armstrong
, Oscar Hammerstein II
to Duke Ellington
.
The members of Galdrakarlar & Wilma Reading, besides Guðlaugur and Wilma Reading, were: Birgir Einarsson (trumpet), Hlöðver Smári Haraldsson (keyboards), Hreiðar Sigurjónsson (clarinet and saxophone baritone), Pétur Hjálmarsson (electric bass), Sófus Jón Björnsson (drums), Stefán Stefánsson (saxophone soprano and flute).
and Guðlaugur Óttarsson joined Þorsteinn Magnússon in guitars, Hilmar Örn Agnarsson in electric bass, the vocalist Magnús Guðmundsson, and Sigtryggur Baldursson
, the drummer.
The first concert with Þeyr took place on January 28 at the Hótel Saga. Þeyr was a group very sophisticated with a deep philosophical and physic inspiration, since all its members were by then intellectuals in music
, science
s, philosophy
, religion
and even magic
: “We were looking for a kind of ‘Theory of Everything’ which would unite all known disciplines of mankind into one coherent structure of wisdom. One man’s religion is another man’s magic, one man’s science is another man’s religion, etc... The very fact of us being here on Earth is both magical and religious, as well as scientific and philosophical. We went deeply into the ancient Nordic wisdom (before 800 A.C.) as well as the Middle Age
’s alchemy
as well as the dawn of the Galilean
/Newtonian
era up to the present Einstein
/Heisenberg
era”.
By that time, Guðlaugur was musically influenced by Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky
, Alexander Scriabin
, Joy Division
, Holger Czukay
, The Birthday Party
, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nina Hagen
, David Byrne
, Yes
, Genesis
, Grateful Dead
, and John McLaughlin
.
By spring 1981 their first single was on the streets. It was Life Transmission
which contained the title song, the first work sung in English by the band. By autumn they came up with Iður til Fóta
, a four-track single and its cassette version featured "Brennu-Njálssaga", the soundtrack to the film by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
about Njál's saga
.
By late 1981 Þeyr released an album titled Mjötviður Mær
, which contained songs like "Iss", "Þeir" and "2999" that could be deemed as attempts to create a futuristic pop style thanks to the use of voice distortions and additional beats and keyboards. On this record “Úlfur” stands out for embodying an angry voice style turning it into one of the most important, with “Mjötviður”, an instrumental song, and “Rúdolf”, an antifascist song performed in a rock anger mood.
In 1982 Þeyr released their last album with the title of As Above...
. This work contains English versions of the group’s hits. An important song of this record was “Killer Boogie”, since it is considered as an attempt to achieve an international position. Also by 1982 the group performed on a concert in Reykjavík which was recorded and went out as a live concert release named Rokk í Reykjavík
(“Rock in Reykjavík”). This concert gathered some of the most important bands at that time like Purrkur Pillnikk
and Tappi Tíkarrass
. Þeyr appeared in this compilation with two songs: “Killer Boogie” and “Rúdolf”. By the same year the group released an EP titled The Fourth Reich
which contained a stronger use of percussion and rhythmic efforts than previous works, songs that stand out in this respect were “Zen” and “Blood”, with a deeper rock-style music.
Also by 1982, Jaz Coleman
, the singer of Killing Joke
, had moved to Iceland because he feared that the end of the world was looming. Once there, he collaborated with several music bands, but above all with Þeyr, and even created a group originally called Iceland, but subsequently renamed Niceland
by Guðlaugur. Although this group was formed by Coleman and Þeyr’s musicians, it did not include Þorsteinn Magnússon, the other guitarist.
After rehearsing for weeks, Niceland was ready to record 5 songs in 1983, but two of them were not finished; the three recorded songs were: “Guess Again”, “Catalyst” and “Take What’s Mine”. They have never been released officially and still remain as unpublished material.
In 1983 Þeyr released the last singe: Lunaire
and by June of the same year the band broke up.
In 2001, next to the support of family members and friends, he released a CD to commemorate Þeyr’s 20th anniversary. This CD contained newly discovered mixes of Iður til Fóta y Mjötviður Mær, and thus the CD was named Mjötviður til Fóta
and it is currently the only available record of Þeyr. The other records have never been reissued because the masters are believed to be lost.
, the vocalist of Purrkur Pillnikk
, Einar Arnaldur Melax kaeyboardist from Medúsa
, Björk Guðmundsdóttir
, vocalist of Tappi Tíkarrass
and bassist Birgir Mogensen from Spilafífl when Ásmundur Jónsson from Gramm
(the most important record company in Iceland at that time) wanted to create a new band with all the cutting-edge artists at the moment to perform for the last edition of the radio program Áfangar which had been cancelled. After composing and rehearsing for two weeks the group appeared under the name of KUKL (“Sorcery“, in Medieval Icelandic).
Although the style of music performed by KUKL was a type of dark gothic rock
in the style of Killing Joke and innovative references of The Fall's post punk, it was later defined by Björk as “existential jazz-punk-hardcore”. KUKL’s music had rich compositions with a very advanced tonal structure, as Guðlaugur points out: “We had more in common with Stravinsky and Scriabin than with the Sex Pistols
. We were also beyond the politics of the hippy, rock and punk thinking. We were driven by our musical discoveries and creative urge.”
While touring through Iceland, they performed with the pro anarchy group Crass
and subsequently visited the United Kingdom
in a series of gigs with Flux of Pink Indians
.
Their first release was the single Söngull
in 1983, a version of “Dismembered”, corresponding to their following release of The Eye
, an album that came to light in 1984. With respect to this work, Sounds
magazine gave it 5 stars (excellent) for expanding the music imposed by Crass Records
. With decaying metals, disrupted rock sounds and vocal inflections of “Assassin” that show the essence of this album. There are as well other songs like “The Spire” that stands out with central phrases overlapped to background lines and the song “Anna”, maker of a threatening environment.
By September 14, 1984, KUKL performed in Paris
, from which they recorded a cassette edited by French independent record label V.I.S.A.
with the title of KUKL à Paris 14.9.84
. KUKL continued with another album titled Holidays in Europe (The Naughty Nought)
in 1986 and it was also released through Crass Records. This work is far much complex and all wind instruments were replaced by keyboards and bells. Songs like “A Mutual Thrill” have an exquisite mélange of pop and an experimental post-indie sort of music.
At this moment, Þór Eldon Jónsson, the guitarist of Medúsa had been dating Björk and she became pregnant, so KUKL became into a very exhausting task. Plus, Einar Örn was studying in London
and when he came back to Iceland in the summer of 1986 decided that KUKL was over and a new project should be set up in order to deal with the group’s expenditures. That is how The Sugarcubes
came into being. KUKL thus broke up. Guðlaugur y Birgir Mogensen were the only musicians who did not continue on the new project.
The Elgar Sisters
was a group created by Guðlaugur and Björk which coexisted with KUKL, although it lasted a little bit longer. This group in spite of not having released any album, managed to record 11 songs in from 1984 to 1986. Guðlaugur Óttarsson not only took the place as an electric and acoustic guitarist, but also was responsible for the composition of most of the songs. Björk, besides of being the vocalist, composed three songs (two with Guðlaugur). So, The Elgar Sisters could be seen as their duo project.
Besides them, Elgar Sisters had the presence of other musicians: Birgir Mogensen in electric bass, Einar Melax in keyboards, Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
(HÖH) in keyboards and synthetic drums, Sigtryggur Baldursson in drums and percussion and Þorsteinn Magnússon in electric guitar.
Only a few songs recorded by Elgar Sisters came to light through Björks’s solo career and on Guðlaugur’s solo album released by late 2005.
(Megas), Björk, Birgir Baldursson, and Haraldur Þorsteinsson. This group, which was active between 1990 and 1991 was established after the release of Hættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið Stella
, an album by Megas in 1990. The band did many concerts in South-western Iceland, in the outskirts of Reykjavík and later in rural areas of Northern Iceland, but by this period Björk was no longer a member. Hættuleg Hljómsveit never released any record.
MÖK Trio was a group formed by bassist Tómas Magnús Tómasson (mainly known by his work in Stuðmenn), Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, and Guðlaugur. In fact, the name stemmed from the initials corresponding to the middle name of each member. Their first gig was approximately by 1992. MÖK Trio did not use to play regularly and they never released any album. Their last presentation was in August 2001 at Galdrahátíðin á Ströndum, Reykjavík.
INRI: was a project of Magnús Jensson. Guðlaugur joined Magnús and played extensively through Iceland in irregular periods from 1993. Some tracks were recorded in 1995.
GVDL: was a group created in 2001 with Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and bassist Georg Bjarnason for the arrival of the American band Fuck
. In fact, the initials GVDL correspond to Fuck switched a place. This band only had one performance at Kaffi Reykjavík.
’s album Those Who Do Not
. This work was produced by Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Guðlaugur Óttarsson put in use one of his inventions, the P-Orridgemeter. It was a device that could be programmed within any given pulse of frequency and be activated by them to make an identical structure and pattern for other sampled sound. By this means, digital or sound samples were “played” by individuals who were not present in the space-time sense. For instance, a vocalist could activate a bells sound. This could be recorded as an identical pattern and then the voice was erased.
In 1987 the tracks of this work were reissued with a different name, Live in Reykjavik
, an album which was released by Temple Records
, the record label owned by Genesis P-Orridge
.
Collaborations with Megas: Guðlaugur has contributed with several albums by Megas
, the Icelandic rock father, as a guitarist, arranger and composer. His first contribution was in 1987 for the album Loftmynd
and in 1988 appeared again on Höfuðlausnir
which featured Björk and Rose McDowell as backing vocalists.
By 1990 Guðlaugur added guitars on Hættuleg Hljómsveit & Glæpakvendið Stella
, an album featuring The Sugarcubes
. In 1992 appeared on Þrír Blóðdropar
, an album with the additional collaboration of Bubbi Morthens
, Móeiður Júníusdóttir, and drummer Sigtryggur Baldursson. Another album followed in 1994, it was Drög að Upprisu
.
In 2002 Guðlaugur contributions are featured on the compilation Megas 1972-2002
and the same year joined Megas playing the song “Edge and Over” for Fálkar
, the soundtrack to Friðriksson’s film Falcons
.
Collaborations with Bubbi Morthens: in 1989 worked with singer Bubbi Morthens for the 10 track album Nóttin Langa
and part of this work is featured on Bubbi’s Sögur 1980-1990
, a compilation released in 1999.
Featuring with Björk: in August 1993 Björk released Venus as a Boy
featuring an Elgar Sisters song, “Stígðu Mig” on the second CD. By November Big Time Sensuality
went out and it featured others Elgar songs, “Síðasta Ég” and “Glora”.
On November 4, 2002 Björk released a CD box titled Family Tree, containing three songs where Guðlaugur is featured, “Síðasta Ég” and “Fuglar” (also known as “Seagull”, which was taken from KUKL’s The Eye).
Featuring and collaborations with other artists: in 1987 worked on Crowleymass
, an album by Current 93
, the band led by David Tibet
(ex Psychic TV
), with the collaboration of HÖH who at that time was in Nyarlathotep's Idiot Flute Players. It was a single edited by Maldoror
in a limited edition of 2,000 copies in the United Kingdom
.
In 1990 Guðlaugur played in Crusher of Bones, an album released by Reptilicus
. Produced by HÖH and it was an example of darkwave
/industrial
of the early 1990s.
In 1994 worked with Neol Einsteiger on the album Heitur Vindur and by 1995 added guitars on the song “Eftirmáli og Ályktarnir” which appeared on Kjöttromman, an album released by EXEM, the band led by Einar Melax and poet Þorri Jóh. By 1998 played on Ull by Súkkat, a band formed by Hafþór and Gunnar Ólafsson.
In 2003 played with Graveslime on their album Roughness and Toughness, an album with thick sound layers with a melodic approach. Guðlaugur only played the song “American Sleeper”.
By late 2005 played 8 songs from Hús Datt, the debut album of Megasukk, a band created by Megas and Súkkat.
With a free style and oriented Frank Zappa
and Duke Ellington
has performed on the national TV and radio station accompanied by other musicians or just guitar solo concerts. In 2002 released an album called Alone with Guitar which contained arrangements to five pieces of Bach
and it was followed on by another CD of limited edition containing some tracks from The Elgar Sisters as well as some of his live performances.
On October 23, 2004 he was called to compose a song to be performed by the belfry of Hallgrímskirkja
(the Icelandic cathedral). The song was performed by the church organist during the Iceland Airwaves
festival.
He was as well contributed to progressive music thanks to arrangements to pieces such as Suite No 3 and Toccata in Fugue in D minor, both by Bach, along other works by Dizzy Gillespie
and Charles Mingus
, among others.
On December 9, 2005 he released Dense Time
, his first solo album. It is a review of his music work, including new songs recorded for this album and featuring several Icelandic musicians like Björk, Megas, Agnar Wilhelm Agnarsson, Ragnhildur Gísladóttir, Guðmundur Jónsson
(an operatic singer and Guðlaugur's stepfather), Magnús Guðmunsson, and others. It was produced by Guðlaugur with Arni Guðjónsson (leader of the band Leaves), and guitarist Guðmundur Pétursson
.
By mid October broke his left arm in an accident and several shows had to be cancelled. On December 16, Pronil Holdings is (a company in charge of his music royalties and scientific patents) is officially registered.
Dense Time is reissued by Bad Taste and goes to the streets for the Christmas season. On February 25 offered a concert performing Vivaldi and Bach and introduced some of his new compositions which would form part of his forthcoming album.
Guðlaugur Óttarsson is married to Valborg Elisabet Kristjánsdóttir and has two daughters: Ellen Svava (1973) and Hera Þöll Guðlaugsdóttir (1981).
Lótus (1973–1975)
Sextettinn (1977)
Galdrakarlar & Wilma Reading (1977)
Singles / EPs:
Featuring:
Video clips:
Featuring on films:
Albums:
Featuring and collaborations:
MÖK Trio (1992–2001):
INRI (1993–2004):
GVDL (2001):
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland.Its latitude at 64°08' N makes it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay...
, Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
), guitar player and engineer. He is a mathematician
Mathematician
A mathematician is a person whose primary area of study is the field of mathematics. Mathematicians are concerned with quantity, structure, space, and change....
, an inventor, a practising polytechnic engineer, lecturer and the author of several scientific papers.
Childhood: first contact with science and music
Born to diplomat Elín Sólveig Benediktsdóttir (1937), and Óttar Hermann Guðlaugsson (1931–1991), a silversmith; Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson (also known as "Gulli", "Guð Krist" or "Godkrist", "The Third Ear", "GodBles" or simply GKÓ), was in contact with technique and sciences from a very early age thanks to the silver and gold shop which had been owned by his paternal grandfather, Guðlaugur Magnússon (1903–1953), Erna Ltd., located next to Guðlaugur’s house.His music career started at an early age as well: Guðlaugur’s paternal grandfather had played the trumpet, horns and participated in different brass, classic and jazz bands during the 1920s until the 1940s. Encouraged by his family, Guðlaugur started singing when he was around six years old having his first performance on the Icelandic Radio in 1961. As music was taught at all levels in elementary school, he took advantage of that and built his first string instrument when he was only 10 and received his first guitar when turned 11.
Jobs and studies
Guðlaugur had his very first job when he was seven, as a toy caretaker and maintenance at a child care centre. As a prodigious child he owned his first private lab when he was nine and studied cosmologyPhysical cosmology
Physical cosmology, as a branch of astronomy, is the study of the largest-scale structures and dynamics of the universe and is concerned with fundamental questions about its formation and evolution. For most of human history, it was a branch of metaphysics and religion...
when he was 11, radio since 12 and physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
since 14. Around this period, during seven summers, from nine to 15 years old, he worked with a farmer over the South-eastern coast of Iceland. The farmer was a blacksmith
Blacksmith
A blacksmith is a person who creates objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal; that is, by using tools to hammer, bend, and cut...
and an electrician
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
who built small hydroelectric power plants. This way Guðlaugur started gaining knowledge in electricity and technical work while combing them with the farming tasks.
From 13 to 15 years old he worked at high school as a physics laboratory assistance and when he was 16 started to work with seismic
Seismology
Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth or through other planet-like bodies. The field also includes studies of earthquake effects, such as tsunamis as well as diverse seismic sources such as volcanic, tectonic, oceanic,...
instruments and as an electrician until he turned 20 in 1975, and then entered at the University of Iceland
University of Iceland
The University of Iceland is a public research university in Reykjavík, Iceland, and the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. Founded in 1911, it has grown steadily from a small civil servants' school to a modern comprehensive university, providing instruction for about...
and worked as an assistant to the mathematics professor and later as a computer teacher.
Guðlaugur graduated in 1981 when he was 27 and afterwards worked in general teaching and as a science and technology tutor. Since 1987 started working in different corporations as a software and hardware specialist, and in 1991 for the Icelandic Government in diverse fields: security, coding, navigation and rescue until 1999, when he started to work independently as an inventor, lecturer, and author of several scientific papers.
From the beginning, Guðlaugur has combined his scientific research with his music career, thus his life can be split into two broad sections: music and scientific careers. He currently works at Hafnarfjörður Technical school in Iceland.
Scientific career
Graduated from the LaugarvatnLaugarvatn
Laugarvatn is a lake and small town in the south of Iceland. It is a bit smaller than the neighbouring Apavatn.It is situated at a popular touristical round-trip, the Golden Circle and acts as a popular staging post in the area. There is a small but popular hostel situated in the town...
high school with specialization in mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
and physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, in 1975 Guðlaugur began his studies at the Polytechnic Division of the University of Iceland
University of Iceland
The University of Iceland is a public research university in Reykjavík, Iceland, and the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. Founded in 1911, it has grown steadily from a small civil servants' school to a modern comprehensive university, providing instruction for about...
where he specialized in mathematics, physics, informatics
Informatics (academic field)
Informatics is the science of information, the practice of information processing, and the engineering of information systems. Informatics studies the structure, algorithms, behavior, and interactions of natural and artificial systems that store, process, access and communicate information...
and electric engineering until his graduation in 1981.
His work spans through a wide range of topics: he has worked on issues related to physics and engineering, but mainly on electro-physics engineering. From an early age was immersed in electricity, sound and lightning.
He has designed electric equipments, and electronic devices for a broad series of applications, such as recording studios, power supplies for musical instruments, underwater communication systems, software and algorithms for navigation use, and has as well invented geo- and helio-thermoelectric high frequency generators, cooling systems for optoelectronic devices, to name but a few. In addition, he was written several papers that have been published on international journals and conferences, while other works remain classified.
Inventions
His first creation took place in 1973 and it was a multiplex matrix for guitar effects; the purpose of this was to eliminate the connection difficulties of guitar sound effects, because according to different permutations, the results tend to vary. By creating a programmable multiplex matrix of up to 8 effects, this would place them in any combination, either in series or parallel.The next project was the creation of amplifiers of musical instruments based on the principles of Shannon and Nyquist
Harry Nyquist
Harry Nyquist was an important contributor to information theory.-Personal life:...
and the adding or circuit designs and transistors to cancel all noises by connecting several amplifying devices in parallel.
In 1975 in the realm of informatics, he worked on a special software for IBM 1620
IBM 1620
The IBM 1620 was announced by IBM on October 21, 1959, and marketed as an inexpensive "scientific computer". After a total production of about two thousand machines, it was withdrawn on November 19, 1970...
used for composition and arrangement, as well as electroacoustic transducer
Transducer
A transducer is a device that converts one type of energy to another. Energy types include electrical, mechanical, electromagnetic , chemical, acoustic or thermal energy. While the term transducer commonly implies the use of a sensor/detector, any device which converts energy can be considered a...
s for musical instruments.
In 1976 created a television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
system called multiscreen television. The idea was to have only one TV set at home, which would work as a reception and signal processor and that it could operate as many TV sets as desired in different parts of the house. This was never suitable for mass production given the risks of this high voltage distribution system, from which he acquired more knowledge for future developments.
From 1984 to 1991 Guðlaugur worked on the service and maintenance of Sinclair QL
Sinclair QL
The Sinclair QL , was a personal computer launched by Sinclair Research in 1984, as the successor to the Sinclair ZX Spectrum...
computers and wrote many of the utilities of the operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
for the Icelandic market. One of the most important works in 1986 came when he created a multilingual translation console. This allowed the user change the language while the equipment was in use. The word “console” was employed here to represent the keyboard and screen combination.
With this system it was possible to change the keyboard’s and screen’s drivers, and the error message system to any of the 7 available languages without having to reboot.
With the experience gained with this work, he would later be involved in the area of electronic navigation and cartography.
Following the same year, when working in theatre chains and music stands, Guðlaugur created a battery charger
Battery charger
A battery charger is a device used to put energy into a secondary cell or rechargeable battery by forcing an electric current through it.The charge current depends upon the technology and capacity of the battery being charged...
, but the funds requested for further development were denied. Years later, alkaline chargers became a reality.
In 1989, under the request of a Swedish
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
art galley, he created an artefact for the restoration of oil painting
Oil painting
Oil painting is the process of painting with pigments that are bound with a medium of drying oil—especially in early modern Europe, linseed oil. Often an oil such as linseed was boiled with a resin such as pine resin or even frankincense; these were called 'varnishes' and were prized for their body...
s. This mechanism was formed by a table warmed by internal wires which were controlled by means of a thermostat
Thermostat
A thermostat is the component of a control system which regulates the temperature of a system so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint temperature. The thermostat does this by switching heating or cooling devices on or off, or regulating the flow of a heat transfer...
and the painting was held on its place thanks to an air bomb. “The reason that I was recruited to design this was the astronomical cost of the equipment used by Louvre and the heavy-duty galleries. This often happens, that I am supposed to be able to make very expensive things cheaper by clever design and allying the newest technology.”
In 1989 Guðlaugur designed a circuit called Mark – special indicator for drummers in live. It was a device that marked the difference between two notes and displayed the results with LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
lights. This creation was useful when the musician worked with sequencer
Music sequencer
The music sequencer is a device or computer software to record, edit, play back the music, by handling note and performance information in several forms, typically :...
s and computerized beats; thus the performer could keep in time with the artificial beats.
A unit of this device was designed for Sigtryggur Baldursson
Sigtryggur Baldursson
Sigtryggur Baldursson is an Icelandic drummer and singer.Sigtryggur was born in Norway to Icelandic parents. He was a founding member of the Sugarcubes and has been a longtime fixture on the Icelandic punk and alternative music scene. Other bands he has played in have included Þeyr, KUKL,...
, who at that time was working with The Sugarcubes
The Sugarcubes
The Sugarcubes were an Icelandic alternative rock band formed in 1986 and disbanded in 1992. They received critical and popular acclaim internationally.-History:...
.
In 1993 created a representation of geocentric coordinates with integer words of limited bit size which allowed the compression of geographical coordinates without losing accuracy.
In 1996 cooperated with the University of Iceland, the Sea Research Institution (HAFRÓ) and Radíómiðun to create a database based on 10-year fishing reports from Icelandic waters classified with coordinates, dates, species and catch weights. The system was complimented with a software interface used for queries and an electronic cartographic system. This catch prediction system allowed the user to know where fishing banks were located and it also was updated as new data was registered helping determine fish migration paths. Presented at the International Fisheries Exhibition in Iceland, it represented a step further in the fishing industry.
Later, he designed an underwater acoustic transmitter which worked under the principle of silence modulation. The information was transmitted from the fishing equipment on the silent breaks of certain frequency. This device could operate for a long time without recharging thanks to a low-power syntesizer which was phase-locked to the system clock. Further development on the transmitter by VAKI-DNG allowed the creation of a catch sensor for trawling.
Another work related to this device was the topological discrimination system, which allowed determine whether a certain latitude and longitude were inside or outside a specific area. For this task tens of millions of coordinates had to be sort into different fishing grounds, legal areas etc. Therefore a theorem from the complex contour integration was used to determine the location of certain point within a predetermined area. By integrating the function f(z) = 1/(z-a) around a certain path, 2π was obtained if the point a was inside the contour and zero, if it was outside the contour. Further calculus helped transform the contour integral into a sum of arch functions. Ultra-high-speed-integer algorithms were used on Motorola 68K and Risk processors.
In 2005 the system was adapted to the cartographic and navigational system, MaxSea. The applications span from cost protection, establishment of risk areas, fishing limits, etc. The system was introduced to the Icelandic Cost Guard, rescue units and air traffic authorities.
In 1998 worked on an underground magnetic sources detector in homogeneous material. This project was the attempt to retrieve the wreckage of a Dutch
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
freighter which was carrying gold and diamonds and then sank in Southern Iceland in the Seventeenth century. Guðlaugur designed a SQUID
SQUID
A SQUID is a very sensitive magnetometer used to measure extremely weak magnetic fields, based on superconducting loops containing Josephson junctions....
sensor to detect the presence of magnetic and gravitational fluctuations in sandy grounds. This project was put on hold, until the necessary funds are gathered.
Research, scientific papers and other works
In 1984 Guðlaugur conducted a research on the ways to counteract electromagnetic pollution in buildings. This problem was discovered when he was working with audio and video equipments; these showed certain failures on the recording qualities due to an improper placement and badly edified buildings. On this approach, which was unique at that time, four clear results were obtained: 1). Electronic equipments could fail if exposed to a very intense pollution, 2). Humans are also prone to be affected under the same circumstances, 3). Animals are as well prone to get ill if exposed to these conditions and 4). Insects and primitive forms of life do not seem to be affected by intense magnetic fields.This topic has gained currency during the past decades due to the controversy caused by cell phones, the high rates of people suffering of cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
(mainly children and the elderly) registered in areas where there are exposed to high tension lines. This work made him render his services to Orkulausnir, a company created by his colleague and friend Brynjólfur Snorrason. Later, Guðlaugur joined Helgi Geirharðsson, founder of Eco-Electrics á Íslandi, with Bogi Pálsson as an investor.
An area of interest derived from this study was the interference isolation to equipments used in recording studios.
In 1988, while working as a science professor at the University of Iceland, he published his own text books. The first one was Mathematical Reference Manual and it was followed in 1990 by the equivalent version for physics. Both publications were used by university and pre-university students.
By early 1990s started working with multiplex modems, GPS tracking systems for ships, data transfer between ships of dissimilar equipments, underwater communication systems, software used for the fishing industry, three-dimensional
Dimension
In physics and mathematics, the dimension of a space or object is informally defined as the minimum number of coordinates needed to specify any point within it. Thus a line has a dimension of one because only one coordinate is needed to specify a point on it...
underwater surface maps, etc.
In 1999 authored a paper titled The Physics of Action: Addressing Thermomagnetism, Nuclear Structure and Gravitation, which was published in 2001 after being introduced in various institutions and the University of Iceland. On this paper, Guðlaugur outlined about the states of matter, from an electrical stance, where states are denied as ion
Ion
An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. The name was given by physicist Michael Faraday for the substances that allow a current to pass between electrodes in a...
-solid
Solid
Solid is one of the three classical states of matter . It is characterized by structural rigidity and resistance to changes of shape or volume. Unlike a liquid, a solid object does not flow to take on the shape of its container, nor does it expand to fill the entire volume available to it like a...
, ion-liquid
Liquid
Liquid is one of the three classical states of matter . Like a gas, a liquid is able to flow and take the shape of a container. Some liquids resist compression, while others can be compressed. Unlike a gas, a liquid does not disperse to fill every space of a container, and maintains a fairly...
, plasma
Plasma (physics)
In physics and chemistry, plasma is a state of matter similar to gas in which a certain portion of the particles are ionized. Heating a gas may ionize its molecules or atoms , thus turning it into a plasma, which contains charged particles: positive ions and negative electrons or ions...
and photon
Photon
In physics, a photon is an elementary particle, the quantum of the electromagnetic interaction and the basic unit of light and all other forms of electromagnetic radiation. It is also the force carrier for the electromagnetic force...
s, and he delved into the gravitational considerations from the Newtonian
Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton PRS was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian, who has been "considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived."...
gravitational theory in comparison with Einstein's Special Relativity
Special relativity
Special relativity is the physical theory of measurement in an inertial frame of reference proposed in 1905 by Albert Einstein in the paper "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies".It generalizes Galileo's...
. In addition to this, he explained how in such changes of states, there are a series of thermal, electric, magnetic, optical acoustic, structural and gravitational phenomena. This paper also referred to the trapped light, which is related to Hubble radius, the frontier that marks the threshold of visible Universe
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
based on the Expanding Universe Theory
Big Bang
The Big Bang theory is the prevailing cosmological model that explains the early development of the Universe. According to the Big Bang theory, the Universe was once in an extremely hot and dense state which expanded rapidly. This rapid expansion caused the young Universe to cool and resulted in...
, in which galaxies
Galaxy
A galaxy is a massive, gravitationally bound system that consists of stars and stellar remnants, an interstellar medium of gas and dust, and an important but poorly understood component tentatively dubbed dark matter. The word galaxy is derived from the Greek galaxias , literally "milky", a...
are withdrawing from us at higher speeds as the distance increases; therefore, in the Hubble radius, galaxies would be travelling at the speed of light
Speed of light
The speed of light in vacuum, usually denoted by c, is a physical constant important in many areas of physics. Its value is 299,792,458 metres per second, a figure that is exact since the length of the metre is defined from this constant and the international standard for time...
.
Guðlaugur’s work is also focused on thermoelectricity as a means to solve the problems derived from Iceland’s short endowment of energy resources. By 1999 he and Pétur Pétursson
Pétur Pétursson
Pétur Gudlaugur Pétursson is a retired Icelandic footballer who was active as a forward. He is the assistant manager of KR and the Icelandic national team.-Club career:...
and Reynir Arngrímsson founded Varmaraf, a company whose goal was the boosting of thermoelectricity as a possible way to generate electricity
Electricity generation
Electricity generation is the process of generating electric energy from other forms of energy.The fundamental principles of electricity generation were discovered during the 1820s and early 1830s by the British scientist Michael Faraday...
from geothermal sources taking into advance the advantageous conditions in Iceland (for more information, see geology of Iceland
Geology of Iceland
The geology of Iceland is unique and of particular interest to geologists. Iceland lies on the geologic rift between the Eurasian plate and the North American plate. It also lies above a hotspot, the Iceland plume, which is believed to have caused the formation of Iceland itself...
). The three original members owned a third of the company shares, until the group was extended with the arrival of Dr. Þorsteinn Sigfusson in 2000, balancing the share distribution to a quarter per member. The board of directors expanded in 2003 with the entrance of Japan Steel Works Ltd.
Varmaraf has extended its activities to the construction of heat exchanger
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger is a piece of equipment built for efficient heat transfer from one medium to another. The media may be separated by a solid wall, so that they never mix, or they may be in direct contact...
s, hydrogen
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 1. It is represented by the symbol H. With an average atomic weight of , hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element, constituting roughly 75% of the Universe's chemical elemental mass. Stars in the main sequence are mainly...
storage devices, with several applications on technology.
At the age of 14 he had found that it was possible to obtain ethanol from etangas and his interest in photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a chemical process that converts carbon dioxide into organic compounds, especially sugars, using the energy from sunlight. Photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and many species of bacteria, but not in archaea. Photosynthetic organisms are called photoautotrophs, since they can...
, led him years later to the idea of using tuned laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
s and a nano
Nano
Nano- is a prefix meaning a billionth. Used primarily in the metric system, this prefix denotes a factor of 10−9 or . It is frequently encountered in science and electronics for prefixing units of time and length, such as 30 nanoseconds , 100 nanometres or in the case of electrical capacitance,...
-structured catalyst to aid the photosynthesis process by radiating CO2 and H2O molecules and then the bounds would break and merge to form carbohydrate
Carbohydrate
A carbohydrate is an organic compound with the empirical formula ; that is, consists only of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with a hydrogen:oxygen atom ratio of 2:1 . However, there are exceptions to this. One common example would be deoxyribose, a component of DNA, which has the empirical...
s like CH3OH, C2H5OH or C3H7OH, which could be separated by distillation
Distillation
Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture. Distillation is a unit operation, or a physical separation process, and not a chemical reaction....
.
By 1999He formed a task force to evaluate the possibility of using artificial photosynthesis to extract CO2 from the water-saturated atmosphere. The process involved sunlight and laser beams powered by the Icelandic hydroelectric power grid. He worked In the idea of creating fuel from the atmosphere and called airbrew, where the term brew refers to a brewery that uses air As the main source to make ethanol instead of sugar.
It was during this period that Varmaraf was established As a leading thermoelectricity company In Iceland. The research was focused, among other things, on the creation of a thermoelectricity-powered greenhouse and Guðlaugur Óttarsson had the idea of turning greenhouses into a large−scale project In order to counteract global warming. For example, there are many aluminum plants In Iceland which emit huge quantities of CO2, so by year 2004 he proposed building greenhouses for each aluminum plant that would consume all the CO2 released by the aluminum plant into the air. Further research on this topic is currently underway.
In 2000 he worked on several papers such as The Accumulated Extraction, Optimising Electrical Connections for Hot and Cold Terminals, A Relativistic Thermoelectromagnetic Theory, work by which he was invited by the NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center and NASA field center located in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County, California, United States. The facility is headquartered in the city of Pasadena on the border of La Cañada Flintridge and Pasadena...
. This paper was published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is a non-profit professional association headquartered in New York City that is dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence...
(IEEE) in 2003.
In 2002 introduced a paper titled The Ladder Hypothesis and again in 2003, the IEEE published another of Guðlaugur’s work, A Ladder Thermoelectric Parallelepiped Generator
In 2002 worked with Þorgeir Jónsson and David A. Hubbell in a 2 year project financed by the Research Council for Traffic Safety (RANNUN, for the Icelandic initials) to the thermoelectric harvesting in road structures. United States, Italy and Iceland where the chosen countries where temperature profiles were analysed at surface level and at 1 meter depth. The importance of this study was that the idea of using thermoelectricity to light traffic signals and other road structures during the night. Three reports where the result of this research and the group patented a LED system lamp illuminated by the administration of thermoelectric heat, particularly useful for devices using hi-flux LEDs, including traffic lights, emergency signs and airport runway applications, among others.
Other works are: Factoring Cubic Polynomials for Circuit Theorists, Orka, Varmi & Vinna (Energy, Heat & Work), Light as the 5th State of Matter and the Limitation of its Transport Capability, Hreyfing Massa í Þyngdarsviði Newtons (Orbits of Point Masses in Newtonian Gravitational Fields), On the Binary Nature of Triad Structures in Subatomic Entities, among others.
Early bands
Steinblóm (Stone Flowers) by 1969, was his first group. It was a trio formed by Guðlaugur in electric and acoustic guitars, Haraldur Johannessen in acoustic guitar as well, and Gunnar Magnússon in acoustic bass.Steinblóm played punk versions of renowned artists as Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
and his British counterpart Donovan
Donovan
Donovan Donovan Donovan (born Donovan Philips Leitch (born 10 May 1946) is a Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist. Emerging from the British folk scene, he developed an eclectic and distinctive style that blended folk, jazz, pop, psychedelia, and world music...
, besides some original songs composed by Guðlaugur himself, and some folk songs. At that time, he was experimenting with homemade electro-acoustic guitars and amplifiers. Steinblóm did some gigs in Reykjavík and the suburbs.
The end of the band came when Guðlaugur moved from Reykjavík to Laugarvatn in order to assist high school.
Lótus was the next group. Created when being at the Laugarvatn high school, the group was active since 1972, and then in 1974 and 1975 and played all over Iceland in 1974 when the country celebrated its 1,100th anniversary (Iceland was founded in 874). Lótus was basically a rock band whose members were Óttarsson and Guðjón Sigurbjörnsson both on electric guitars, Böðvar Helgi Sigurðsson on electric bass, Guðmann Þorvaldsson on drums, and the vocalist Sigurður Ingi Pálsson.
The music performed by Lótus was in the style of jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
-rock of Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck
David Warren "Dave" Brubeck is an American jazz pianist. He has written a number of jazz standards, including "In Your Own Sweet Way" and "The Duke". Brubeck's style ranges from refined to bombastic, reflecting his mother's attempts at classical training and his improvisational skills...
and some original songs written by Guðlaugur, including arrangements to Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , baptismal name Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart , was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era. He composed over 600 works, many acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic, and choral music...
and Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of...
in a rock style.
Just like his first band, Lótus did not release any record, but they did some two-track recordings although they are believe to be lost..
Lótus disbanded in 1975 when Guðlaugur returned to Reykjavík to study at the Polytechnic Division of the University of Iceland.
He joined Sextettinn (Sextet) in 1977 when he was at University. On this group he joined guitarist Sveinbjörn Baldvinsson, Gunnar Hrafnsson (bass), Stefán Stefánsson (saxophone), Guðjón Hilmarsson (drums), and finally Kristín Jóhannsdóttir the vocalist. The music of Sextettinn was made of original themes performed in several different styles from country
Country
A country is a region legally identified as a distinct entity in political geography. A country may be an independent sovereign state or one that is occupied by another state, as a non-sovereign or formerly sovereign political division, or a geographic region associated with a previously...
-rock, pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
-rock to pop-jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
. This group was an important core of original and creative song writing.
Sextettinn gave several gigs throughout Iceland and also had a presentation at the local TV station, however, Guðlaugur stayed for a short time, as University studies were taking most of his time. The remaining members of the group followed on under a different name: Ljósin í Bænum, (The Lights of the City) and released an album still popular in Iceland.
Shortly after, Guðlaugur joined a group called Galdrakarlar & Wilma Reading (The Wizards & Wilma Reading) during the boreal summer of 1977. This band was very important and consisted of brass, keyboards, guitars, bass and drums. The band toured Iceland and gave around 30 concerts. Wilma Reading
Wilma Reading
Wilma Reading is a singer from Cairns, Queensland.Reading begun her singing career in 1959 after singing for friends in a Brisbane jazz club. She has performed on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, had a residency at New York's Copacabana nightclub, and toured with Duke Ellington...
the vocalist, was the leader of the group. She was an Australian singer and actress with roots in Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
and Hollywood.
The music style of Galdrakarlar & Wilma Reading was mainly jazz-oriented musicals with influences from George Gershwin
George Gershwin
George Gershwin was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known...
, Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong , nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana....
, Oscar Hammerstein II
Oscar Hammerstein II
Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II was an American librettist, theatrical producer, and theatre director of musicals for almost forty years. Hammerstein won eight Tony Awards and was twice awarded an Academy Award for "Best Original Song". Many of his songs are standard repertoire for...
to Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and big band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions...
.
The members of Galdrakarlar & Wilma Reading, besides Guðlaugur and Wilma Reading, were: Birgir Einarsson (trumpet), Hlöðver Smári Haraldsson (keyboards), Hreiðar Sigurjónsson (clarinet and saxophone baritone), Pétur Hjálmarsson (electric bass), Sófus Jón Björnsson (drums), Stefán Stefánsson (saxophone soprano and flute).
Þeyr transcends the frontiers
By January 1981, a new band was created with the name of ÞeyrÞeyr
Þeyr was a renowned Icelandic New Wave band from the early 1980s. Shrouded under a veil of mystery, their three-year existence was characterized by a deep interest in ancient wisdom...
and Guðlaugur Óttarsson joined Þorsteinn Magnússon in guitars, Hilmar Örn Agnarsson in electric bass, the vocalist Magnús Guðmundsson, and Sigtryggur Baldursson
Sigtryggur Baldursson
Sigtryggur Baldursson is an Icelandic drummer and singer.Sigtryggur was born in Norway to Icelandic parents. He was a founding member of the Sugarcubes and has been a longtime fixture on the Icelandic punk and alternative music scene. Other bands he has played in have included Þeyr, KUKL,...
, the drummer.
The first concert with Þeyr took place on January 28 at the Hótel Saga. Þeyr was a group very sophisticated with a deep philosophical and physic inspiration, since all its members were by then intellectuals in music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
s, philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
and even magic
Magic (paranormal)
Magic is the claimed art of manipulating aspects of reality either by supernatural means or through knowledge of occult laws unknown to science. It is in contrast to science, in that science does not accept anything not subject to either direct or indirect observation, and subject to logical...
: “We were looking for a kind of ‘Theory of Everything’ which would unite all known disciplines of mankind into one coherent structure of wisdom. One man’s religion is another man’s magic, one man’s science is another man’s religion, etc... The very fact of us being here on Earth is both magical and religious, as well as scientific and philosophical. We went deeply into the ancient Nordic wisdom (before 800 A.C.) as well as the Middle Age
Middle age
Middle age is the period of age beyond young adulthood but before the onset of old age. Various attempts have been made to define this age, which is around the third quarter of the average life span of human beings....
’s alchemy
Alchemy
Alchemy is an influential philosophical tradition whose early practitioners’ claims to profound powers were known from antiquity. The defining objectives of alchemy are varied; these include the creation of the fabled philosopher's stone possessing powers including the capability of turning base...
as well as the dawn of the Galilean
Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei , was an Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who played a major role in the Scientific Revolution. His achievements include improvements to the telescope and consequent astronomical observations and support for Copernicanism...
/Newtonian
Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton PRS was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian, who has been "considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived."...
era up to the present Einstein
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics and one of the most prolific intellects in human history...
/Heisenberg
Werner Heisenberg
Werner Karl Heisenberg was a German theoretical physicist who made foundational contributions to quantum mechanics and is best known for asserting the uncertainty principle of quantum theory...
era”.
By that time, Guðlaugur was musically influenced by Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky ; 6 April 1971) was a Russian, later naturalized French, and then naturalized American composer, pianist, and conductor....
, Alexander Scriabin
Alexander Scriabin
Alexander Nikolayevich Scriabin was a Russian composer and pianist who initially developed a lyrical and idiosyncratic tonal language inspired by the music of Frédéric Chopin. Quite independent of the innovations of Arnold Schoenberg, Scriabin developed an increasingly atonal musical system,...
, Joy Division
Joy Division
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences...
, Holger Czukay
Holger Czukay
Holger Czukay is a German musician, probably best known as a co-founder of the krautrock group Can. Described by critic Jason Ankeny as "successfully bridg[ing] the gap between pop and the avant-garde," Czukay is also notable for creating early important examples of ambient music, for exploring...
, The Birthday Party
The Birthday Party (band)
The Birthday Party were an Australian rock band, active from 1973 to 1983.Despite being championed by John Peel, The Birthday Party found little commercial success during their career...
, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nina Hagen
Nina Hagen
Nina Hagen is a German singer and actress.-Early years:Hagen was born as Catharina Hagen in the former East Berlin, East Germany, the daughter of Hans Hagen , a scriptwriter, and Eva-Maria Hagen, an actress and singer...
, David Byrne
David Byrne (musician)
David Byrne is a musician and artist, best known as a founding member and principal songwriter of the American new wave band Talking Heads, which was active between 1975 and 1991. Since then, Byrne has released his own solo recordings and worked with various media including film, photography,...
, Yes
Yes (band)
Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
, Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
, Grateful Dead
Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band was known for its unique and eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, improvisational jazz, psychedelia, and space rock, and for live performances of long...
, and John McLaughlin
John McLaughlin (musician)
John McLaughlin , also known as Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, is an English guitarist, bandleader and composer...
.
By spring 1981 their first single was on the streets. It was Life Transmission
Life Transmission
Life Transmission, also known in Icelandic as Útfrymi was an single released by Icelandic band Þeyr in 1981 through label Eskvímó....
which contained the title song, the first work sung in English by the band. By autumn they came up with Iður til Fóta
Iður til Fóta
Iður til Fóta was a single released in 1981 by the Icelandic New Wave/rock group Þeyr through Eskvímó and it was edited in 10" format. The title translates as "Moving Your Feet" but in Icelandic also forms a pun which can equally translate as "Guts at Your Feet".This record was never reissued since...
, a four-track single and its cassette version featured "Brennu-Njálssaga", the soundtrack to the film by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
about Njál's saga
Njál's saga
Njáls saga is one of the sagas of Icelanders. The most prominent characters are the friends Njáll Þorgeirsson, a lawyer and a sage, and Gunnarr Hámundarson, a formidable warrior...
.
By late 1981 Þeyr released an album titled Mjötviður Mær
Mjötviður Mær
Mjötviður Mær, released in 1981, was the second album by Icelandic New Wave/rock group Þeyr. It was edited through Eskvímó in 12” vinyl.Mjötviður Mær was Þeyr's most important work, according to the repercussions achieved in the media...
, which contained songs like "Iss", "Þeir" and "2999" that could be deemed as attempts to create a futuristic pop style thanks to the use of voice distortions and additional beats and keyboards. On this record “Úlfur” stands out for embodying an angry voice style turning it into one of the most important, with “Mjötviður”, an instrumental song, and “Rúdolf”, an antifascist song performed in a rock anger mood.
In 1982 Þeyr released their last album with the title of As Above...
As Above...
As Above... was an album released in 1982 by Þeyr, a legendary Icelandic New Wave and rock group and it was issued through Shout on a 12" vinyl record.Formed by 12 tracks, As above... contained English versions of the group’s hits...
. This work contains English versions of the group’s hits. An important song of this record was “Killer Boogie”, since it is considered as an attempt to achieve an international position. Also by 1982 the group performed on a concert in Reykjavík which was recorded and went out as a live concert release named Rokk í Reykjavík
Rokk í Reykjavík
Rokk í Reykjavík was a documentary directed by Icelandic Friðrik Þór Friðriksson during the Icelandic winter of 1981-1982 and released for the local television the same year....
(“Rock in Reykjavík”). This concert gathered some of the most important bands at that time like Purrkur Pillnikk
Purrkur Pillnikk
Purrkur Pillnikk is a rock band from late punk era in Iceland. The band existed for 18 months and were very active as they released at least two LPs, one live-album and two EPs...
and Tappi Tíkarrass
Tappi Tíkarrass
Tappi Tíkarrass was a famous Icelandic punk/pop band which added elements of funk, disco and jazz to their music, marking a difference from other traditional bands at that time...
. Þeyr appeared in this compilation with two songs: “Killer Boogie” and “Rúdolf”. By the same year the group released an EP titled The Fourth Reich
The Fourth Reich
The Fourth Reich was an EP released by the Icelandic New Wave group Þeyr through Mjöt in 12" vinyl format.For this work Þeyr recurred to a stronger use of percussion and rhythmic efforts than previous works, where the songs "Metamorphosis" and "Blood" outstands due to their deep percussive...
which contained a stronger use of percussion and rhythmic efforts than previous works, songs that stand out in this respect were “Zen” and “Blood”, with a deeper rock-style music.
Also by 1982, Jaz Coleman
Jaz Coleman
Jeremy "Jaz" Coleman is a musician, composer, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is notable for his vocal contributions to rock band Killing Joke...
, the singer of Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Killing Joke are an English post-punk band formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England; other sources report the band formed in early 1979.Related news articles: Founding members Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker have been the only constant members.A key influence on industrial rock,...
, had moved to Iceland because he feared that the end of the world was looming. Once there, he collaborated with several music bands, but above all with Þeyr, and even created a group originally called Iceland, but subsequently renamed Niceland
Niceland
Niceland, formerly Iceland, was a heavy metal Icelandic group established in 1983 by Jaz Coleman from Killing Joke and the Icelandic band Þeyr.-Origins:...
by Guðlaugur. Although this group was formed by Coleman and Þeyr’s musicians, it did not include Þorsteinn Magnússon, the other guitarist.
After rehearsing for weeks, Niceland was ready to record 5 songs in 1983, but two of them were not finished; the three recorded songs were: “Guess Again”, “Catalyst” and “Take What’s Mine”. They have never been released officially and still remain as unpublished material.
In 1983 Þeyr released the last singe: Lunaire
Lunaire
Lunaire was the fourth single released by Þeyr, a Icelandic New Wave/rock group in 1983. The single was recorded in June 1982 and issued by Gramm Records on a 7" vinyl record including three songs....
and by June of the same year the band broke up.
In 2001, next to the support of family members and friends, he released a CD to commemorate Þeyr’s 20th anniversary. This CD contained newly discovered mixes of Iður til Fóta y Mjötviður Mær, and thus the CD was named Mjötviður til Fóta
Mjötviður til Fóta
Mjötviður til Fóta was an album released in 2001 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the creation of Þeyr, one of Iceland’s most important bands of the early eighties....
and it is currently the only available record of Þeyr. The other records have never been reissued because the masters are believed to be lost.
KUKL and The Elgar Sisters: a step towards experimentation
Following Þeyr, Guðlaugur and Sigtryggur joined Einar Örn BenediktssonEinar Örn Benediktsson
Einar Örn Benediktsson is a popular music singer and trumpet player who has worked with Björk and The Sugarcubes. Since the 2010 elections he is a member of the city council of Reykjavík....
, the vocalist of Purrkur Pillnikk
Purrkur Pillnikk
Purrkur Pillnikk is a rock band from late punk era in Iceland. The band existed for 18 months and were very active as they released at least two LPs, one live-album and two EPs...
, Einar Arnaldur Melax kaeyboardist from Medúsa
Medusa
In Greek mythology Medusa , " guardian, protectress") was a Gorgon, a chthonic monster, and a daughter of Phorcys and Ceto. The author Hyginus, interposes a generation and gives Medusa another chthonic pair as parents. Gazing directly upon her would turn onlookers to stone...
, Björk Guðmundsdóttir
Björk
Björk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
, vocalist of Tappi Tíkarrass
Tappi Tíkarrass
Tappi Tíkarrass was a famous Icelandic punk/pop band which added elements of funk, disco and jazz to their music, marking a difference from other traditional bands at that time...
and bassist Birgir Mogensen from Spilafífl when Ásmundur Jónsson from Gramm
Gramm
Gramm was an Icelandic record label created by Ásmundur Jónsson and Einar Örn Benediktsson in 1981.Located in Reykjavík, Gramm’s first release was a 10-track 7" vinyl titled Tilf by Purrkur Pillnikk, a punk group led by Einar Örn....
(the most important record company in Iceland at that time) wanted to create a new band with all the cutting-edge artists at the moment to perform for the last edition of the radio program Áfangar which had been cancelled. After composing and rehearsing for two weeks the group appeared under the name of KUKL (“Sorcery“, in Medieval Icelandic).
Although the style of music performed by KUKL was a type of dark gothic rock
Gothic rock
Gothic rock is a musical subgenre of post-punk and alternative rock that formed during the late 1970s. Gothic rock bands grew from the strong ties they had to the English punk rock and emerging post-punk scenes...
in the style of Killing Joke and innovative references of The Fall's post punk, it was later defined by Björk as “existential jazz-punk-hardcore”. KUKL’s music had rich compositions with a very advanced tonal structure, as Guðlaugur points out: “We had more in common with Stravinsky and Scriabin than with the Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians...
. We were also beyond the politics of the hippy, rock and punk thinking. We were driven by our musical discoveries and creative urge.”
While touring through Iceland, they performed with the pro anarchy group Crass
Crass
Crass are an English punk rock band that was formed in 1977, which promoted anarchism as a political ideology, way of living, and as a resistance movement. Crass popularised the seminal anarcho-punk movement of the punk subculture, and advocated direct action, animal rights, and environmentalism...
and subsequently visited the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in a series of gigs with Flux of Pink Indians
Flux Of Pink Indians
Flux of Pink Indians were an English anarcho-punk/post punk band, that originated from Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England.-Biography:...
.
Their first release was the single Söngull
Söngull
Söngull was the first single released by Icelandic group KUKL in September 1983, through Gramm Records.Although this was the first KUKL’s release, actually, their first album appeared a year later under the name of The Eye. On a 7" vinyl, Söngull was the Icelandic version of "Dismembered" with a...
in 1983, a version of “Dismembered”, corresponding to their following release of The Eye
The Eye
The Eye, was the debut album of the Icelandic post-punk group KUKL. This album was released in September 1984, through Crass Records and was recorded at Southern Studios in January 1984. The album peaked at number 6 in the UK Independent albums chart...
, an album that came to light in 1984. With respect to this work, Sounds
Sounds (magazine)
Sounds was a long-term British music paper, published weekly from 10 October 1970 – 6 April 1991. It was produced by Spotlight Publications , which was set up by Jack Hutton and Peter Wilkinson, who left "Melody Maker" to start their own company...
magazine gave it 5 stars (excellent) for expanding the music imposed by Crass Records
Crass Records
Crass Records is an independent record label which was set up by the anarchist punk band Crass.-Overview and history:Prior to the formation of Crass, Penny Rimbaud and Gee Vaucher had published their creative works via their own Dial House based Exitstencil Press...
. With decaying metals, disrupted rock sounds and vocal inflections of “Assassin” that show the essence of this album. There are as well other songs like “The Spire” that stands out with central phrases overlapped to background lines and the song “Anna”, maker of a threatening environment.
By September 14, 1984, KUKL performed in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, from which they recorded a cassette edited by French independent record label V.I.S.A.
V.I.S.A.
thumb|250px|right|V.I.S.A. logoV.I.S.A. is a French independent record label created in 1982 by Thierry De Lavau and Yves Lecarpentier.V.I.S.A.’s first releases were tapes by French alternative punk rock bands, but it eventually expanded the music range and formats releasing CDs and LPs from other...
with the title of KUKL à Paris 14.9.84
KUKL à Paris 14.9.84
KUKL à Paris 14.9.84, was a live album released by the Icelandic post-punk group KUKL in July 1985, through the independent French record label V.I.S.A.. It was only available in cassette format...
. KUKL continued with another album titled Holidays in Europe (The Naughty Nought)
Holidays in Europe (The Naughty Nought)
Holidays in Europe , was the third and last album released by the Icelandic post-punk group KUKL on January 24, 1986. This album was more complex in comparison to The Eye, with the folksy and pseudo-oriental flutes, bells and pipes of that previous album abandoned on favour of keyboards and samples...
in 1986 and it was also released through Crass Records. This work is far much complex and all wind instruments were replaced by keyboards and bells. Songs like “A Mutual Thrill” have an exquisite mélange of pop and an experimental post-indie sort of music.
At this moment, Þór Eldon Jónsson, the guitarist of Medúsa had been dating Björk and she became pregnant, so KUKL became into a very exhausting task. Plus, Einar Örn was studying in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and when he came back to Iceland in the summer of 1986 decided that KUKL was over and a new project should be set up in order to deal with the group’s expenditures. That is how The Sugarcubes
The Sugarcubes
The Sugarcubes were an Icelandic alternative rock band formed in 1986 and disbanded in 1992. They received critical and popular acclaim internationally.-History:...
came into being. KUKL thus broke up. Guðlaugur y Birgir Mogensen were the only musicians who did not continue on the new project.
The Elgar Sisters
The Elgar Sisters
The Elgar Sisters was an Icelandic duo formed by singer Björk Guðmundsdóttir and guitarist Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson in 1984. The Elgar Sisters coexisted with KUKL, another group they were part of....
was a group created by Guðlaugur and Björk which coexisted with KUKL, although it lasted a little bit longer. This group in spite of not having released any album, managed to record 11 songs in from 1984 to 1986. Guðlaugur Óttarsson not only took the place as an electric and acoustic guitarist, but also was responsible for the composition of most of the songs. Björk, besides of being the vocalist, composed three songs (two with Guðlaugur). So, The Elgar Sisters could be seen as their duo project.
Besides them, Elgar Sisters had the presence of other musicians: Birgir Mogensen in electric bass, Einar Melax in keyboards, Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson , also known as HÖH , is a musician, an art director, and allsherjargoði of Ásatrúarfélagið ....
(HÖH) in keyboards and synthetic drums, Sigtryggur Baldursson in drums and percussion and Þorsteinn Magnússon in electric guitar.
Only a few songs recorded by Elgar Sisters came to light through Björks’s solo career and on Guðlaugur’s solo album released by late 2005.
Other music projects
Hættuleg Hljómsveit (“The Dangerous Orchestra”) was a group in which he participated along Magnús Þór JónssonMegas
Megas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
(Megas), Björk, Birgir Baldursson, and Haraldur Þorsteinsson. This group, which was active between 1990 and 1991 was established after the release of Hættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið Stella
Hættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið Stella
Hættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið Stella was an album released in September 1990 by Icelandic rock singer Megas. This double CD album featured The Sugarcubes, a band led by Björk and Einar Örn Benediktsson....
, an album by Megas in 1990. The band did many concerts in South-western Iceland, in the outskirts of Reykjavík and later in rural areas of Northern Iceland, but by this period Björk was no longer a member. Hættuleg Hljómsveit never released any record.
MÖK Trio was a group formed by bassist Tómas Magnús Tómasson (mainly known by his work in Stuðmenn), Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, and Guðlaugur. In fact, the name stemmed from the initials corresponding to the middle name of each member. Their first gig was approximately by 1992. MÖK Trio did not use to play regularly and they never released any album. Their last presentation was in August 2001 at Galdrahátíðin á Ströndum, Reykjavík.
INRI: was a project of Magnús Jensson. Guðlaugur joined Magnús and played extensively through Iceland in irregular periods from 1993. Some tracks were recorded in 1995.
GVDL: was a group created in 2001 with Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and bassist Georg Bjarnason for the arrival of the American band Fuck
Fuck (band)
Fuck is an American indie rock band, formed in Oakland, California in 1993. The band consists of Timothy Prudhomme, Geoff Soule, Kyle Statham, and Theodore Ellison. They have recorded for a number of labels including Matador Records and Homesleep Records of Italy.-History:Fuck was formed in...
. In fact, the initials GVDL correspond to Fuck switched a place. This band only had one performance at Kaffi Reykjavík.
Collaborations
Collaborations with Psychic TV: in 1984 added guitars on Psychic TVPsychic TV
Psychic TV or PTV, is a video art and music group that primarily performs psychedelic, punk, electronic and experimental music...
’s album Those Who Do Not
Those Who Do Not
Those Who Do Not was an album released in 1984 by English group Psychic TV. This was a two 12” vinyl release that went into the market through Icelandic Gramm Records, and it contains 10 songs. There are two versions of the album cover; one with red title and another black and white with white title...
. This work was produced by Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Guðlaugur Óttarsson put in use one of his inventions, the P-Orridgemeter. It was a device that could be programmed within any given pulse of frequency and be activated by them to make an identical structure and pattern for other sampled sound. By this means, digital or sound samples were “played” by individuals who were not present in the space-time sense. For instance, a vocalist could activate a bells sound. This could be recorded as an identical pattern and then the voice was erased.
In 1987 the tracks of this work were reissued with a different name, Live in Reykjavik
Live in Reykjavik
Live in Reykjavik, released in 1987 by English group Psychic TV this record was edited through Genesis P-Orridge’s own record label, Temple Records....
, an album which was released by Temple Records
Temple Records
Temple Records is a record label founded in 1978 by Robin Morton, previously a member of The Boys of the Lough.It is located in a village called Temple, 12 miles south of Edinburgh, near Gorebridge. Although Morton is from Ulster, the label is devoted almost purely to acoustic Scottish traditional...
, the record label owned by Genesis P-Orridge
Genesis P-Orridge
Genesis Breyer P-Orridge is an English singer-songwriter, musician, writer and artist. P-Orridge's early confrontational performance work in COUM Transmissions in the late 1960s and early 1970s along with the industrial band Throbbing Gristle, which dealt with subjects such as prostitution,...
.
Collaborations with Megas: Guðlaugur has contributed with several albums by Megas
Megas
Megas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
, the Icelandic rock father, as a guitarist, arranger and composer. His first contribution was in 1987 for the album Loftmynd
Loftmynd
Loftmynd was an album released in August 1987 by Icelandic rock singer Megas. Formed by 17 tracks, this album was released through Gramm and featured singer Björk and her sister Inga Guðmundsdóttir as background vocalists...
and in 1988 appeared again on Höfuðlausnir
Höfuðlausnir
Höfuðlausnir was an album released in May 1988 by Icelandic rock singer Megas. This album was released through Gramm and featured singers Björk and Rose McDowall as background vocalists...
which featured Björk and Rose McDowell as backing vocalists.
By 1990 Guðlaugur added guitars on Hættuleg Hljómsveit & Glæpakvendið Stella
Hættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið Stella
Hættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið Stella was an album released in September 1990 by Icelandic rock singer Megas. This double CD album featured The Sugarcubes, a band led by Björk and Einar Örn Benediktsson....
, an album featuring The Sugarcubes
The Sugarcubes
The Sugarcubes were an Icelandic alternative rock band formed in 1986 and disbanded in 1992. They received critical and popular acclaim internationally.-History:...
. In 1992 appeared on Þrír Blóðdropar
Þrír blóðdropar
Þrír Blóðdropar was an album released in 1992 by Icelandic rock singer, Megas, through Skífan.Formed by 16 songs Þrír Blóðdropar, which in Icelandic means “Three Drops of Blood”, counted with the participation of Bubbi Morthens for the song “Ég Det Líka ”, Móeiður Júníusdóttir collaborated in...
, an album with the additional collaboration of Bubbi Morthens
Bubbi Morthens
Bubbi Morthens , is a singer and songwriter from Iceland. His name of birth is Ásbjörn Kristinsson Morthens, Bubbi being the affectionate form of Ásbjörn.- History :...
, Móeiður Júníusdóttir, and drummer Sigtryggur Baldursson. Another album followed in 1994, it was Drög að Upprisu
Drög að Upprisu
Drög að Upprisu is an album released in 1994 by Icelandic singer Megas. Formed by 16 tracks, this work counted with the collaboration of guitarist Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson.-Track listing:-External links:* - It features discography with mp3 samples....
.
In 2002 Guðlaugur contributions are featured on the compilation Megas 1972-2002
Megas 1972-2002
Megas 1972-2002 is a compilation released in 2002 by the Icelandic Rock legend, Megas to commemorate his 30th anniversary of music career. This compilation made up of 43 tracks, contains several of Megas hits, from the first album called Megas to Englaryk í Tímaglasi .This compilation features...
and the same year joined Megas playing the song “Edge and Over” for Fálkar
Fálkar
Fálkar is the soundtrack to Falcons , which was directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson in 2002. With 12 tracks, this album contains a variety of Icelandic artists, from Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, who was in charge of the music composition of the soundtrack, to Mínus, Múm, and Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson ,...
, the soundtrack to Friðriksson’s film Falcons
Falcons
There are several sports teams with the name Falcons or similar:* Atlanta Falcons, an NFL football team* Springfield Falcons, an American Hockey League team* Falcons , a South African rugby team who play in the Currie Cup...
.
Collaborations with Bubbi Morthens: in 1989 worked with singer Bubbi Morthens for the 10 track album Nóttin Langa
Nóttin Langa
Nóttin Langa was an album released in 1989 by Icelandic working class singing legend Bubbi Morthens. This pop album went to the market from Geisli.Formed by 12 songs Nóttin Langa counted with the participation of guitarist Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson....
and part of this work is featured on Bubbi’s Sögur 1980-1990
Sögur 1980-1990
Sögur 1980–1990 is a compilation of Icelandic singer Bubbi Morthens’ greatest hits from 1980 until 1990. The title Sögur means Stories.This double CD contains 34 songs and features Icelandic rock legend Megas who sings next to Bubbi on “Fatlafól”...
, a compilation released in 1999.
Featuring with Björk: in August 1993 Björk released Venus as a Boy
Venus as a Boy
"Venus as a Boy" is a song by Björk, released as the second single from her 1993 album Debut.-Background:Björk explained in an interview with David Hemingway:...
featuring an Elgar Sisters song, “Stígðu Mig” on the second CD. By November Big Time Sensuality
Big Time Sensuality
"Big Time Sensuality" is a song by Björk, released as the fourth single from her 1993 album Debut. The song helped boost Björk's popularity worldwide, particularly the U.S., where she charted for the first time.-Background:...
went out and it featured others Elgar songs, “Síðasta Ég” and “Glora”.
On November 4, 2002 Björk released a CD box titled Family Tree, containing three songs where Guðlaugur is featured, “Síðasta Ég” and “Fuglar” (also known as “Seagull”, which was taken from KUKL’s The Eye).
Featuring and collaborations with other artists: in 1987 worked on Crowleymass
Crowleymass
Crowleymass was an EP released in 1987 by the English group Current 93, led by David Tibet. Crowleymass originally appeared on a 12” vinyl record through Maldoror and was later reissued in 1997 on CD format through Durtro, the record company owned by David Tibet...
, an album by Current 93
Current 93
Current 93 is an eclectic British experimental music group, working since the early 1980s in folk-based musical forms. The band was founded in 1982 by David Tibet .-Background:Tibet has been the only constant in the group, though Steven Stapleton has appeared on...
, the band led by David Tibet
David Tibet
David Tibet is a British poet and artist who founded the music group Current 93, of which he is the only full-time member. He had earlier collaborated with Psychic TV and 23 Skidoo...
(ex Psychic TV
Psychic TV
Psychic TV or PTV, is a video art and music group that primarily performs psychedelic, punk, electronic and experimental music...
), with the collaboration of HÖH who at that time was in Nyarlathotep's Idiot Flute Players. It was a single edited by Maldoror
Maldoror
Maldoror is a music project consisting of Mike Patton and Masami Akita, also known as Merzbow. The name is derived from a nineteenth century novel entitled Les Chants de Maldoror by the Comte de Lautréamont, the pseudonym of the writer Isidore Lucien Ducasse.The project formed when Patton was on...
in a limited edition of 2,000 copies in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
In 1990 Guðlaugur played in Crusher of Bones, an album released by Reptilicus
Reptilicus
Reptilicus, a giant monster film about a fictional prehistoric reptile, is a Danish-American co-production, produced by American International Pictures and Saga Studios, and is upon close examination two distinctly different films helmed by two different directors.The original version, which was...
. Produced by HÖH and it was an example of darkwave
Darkwave
Dark Wave or darkwave is a music genre that began in the late 1970s, coinciding with the popularity of New Wave and post-punk. Building on those basic principles, dark wave added dark, introspective lyrics and an undertone of sorrow for some bands...
/industrial
Industrial music
Industrial music is a style of experimental music that draws on transgressive and provocative themes. The term was coined in the mid-1970s with the founding of Industrial Records by the band Throbbing Gristle, and the creation of the slogan "industrial music for industrial people". In general, the...
of the early 1990s.
In 1994 worked with Neol Einsteiger on the album Heitur Vindur and by 1995 added guitars on the song “Eftirmáli og Ályktarnir” which appeared on Kjöttromman, an album released by EXEM, the band led by Einar Melax and poet Þorri Jóh. By 1998 played on Ull by Súkkat, a band formed by Hafþór and Gunnar Ólafsson.
In 2003 played with Graveslime on their album Roughness and Toughness, an album with thick sound layers with a melodic approach. Guðlaugur only played the song “American Sleeper”.
By late 2005 played 8 songs from Hús Datt, the debut album of Megasukk, a band created by Megas and Súkkat.
Solo career
After the KUKL/Elgar Sisters period, Guðlaugur has given several performances along other artists as well as with material of his own composition.With a free style and oriented Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
and Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and big band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions...
has performed on the national TV and radio station accompanied by other musicians or just guitar solo concerts. In 2002 released an album called Alone with Guitar which contained arrangements to five pieces of Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist whose sacred and secular works for choir, orchestra, and solo instruments drew together the strands of the Baroque period and brought it to its ultimate maturity...
and it was followed on by another CD of limited edition containing some tracks from The Elgar Sisters as well as some of his live performances.
On October 23, 2004 he was called to compose a song to be performed by the belfry of Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja
The Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran parish church in Reykjavík, Iceland. At 74.5 metres , it is the largest church in Iceland and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland after Longwave radio mast Hellissandur, the radio masts of US Navy at Grindavík, Eiðar longwave transmitter and...
(the Icelandic cathedral). The song was performed by the church organist during the Iceland Airwaves
Iceland Airwaves
Iceland Airwaves is an annual music festival held in Reykjavík, Iceland on the third weekend of October. The festival spans five days and its main focus is showcasing new music, both Icelandic and international.-Festival:...
festival.
He was as well contributed to progressive music thanks to arrangements to pieces such as Suite No 3 and Toccata in Fugue in D minor, both by Bach, along other works by Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie
John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie was an American jazz trumpet player, bandleader, singer, and composer dubbed "the sound of surprise".Together with Charlie Parker, he was a major figure in the development of bebop and modern jazz...
and Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus Jr. was an American jazz musician, composer, bandleader, and civil rights activist.Mingus's compositions retained the hot and soulful feel of hard bop and drew heavily from black gospel music while sometimes drawing on elements of Third stream, free jazz, and classical music...
, among others.
On December 9, 2005 he released Dense Time
Dense Time
Dense Time is an album released on December 9, 2005 by Icelandic guitar player Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson.This album contains Guðlaugur’s compositions and features some of the most important Icelandic performers, such as Magnús Þór Jónsson , Björk, Ragnhildur Gísladóttir, among others.The music...
, his first solo album. It is a review of his music work, including new songs recorded for this album and featuring several Icelandic musicians like Björk, Megas, Agnar Wilhelm Agnarsson, Ragnhildur Gísladóttir, Guðmundur Jónsson
Guðmundur Jónsson
Guðmundur Jónsson is an Icelandic architect who lives in Norway.He was educated at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design and ILAUD in Italy in autumn 1979...
(an operatic singer and Guðlaugur's stepfather), Magnús Guðmunsson, and others. It was produced by Guðlaugur with Arni Guðjónsson (leader of the band Leaves), and guitarist Guðmundur Pétursson
Guðmundur Pétursson
Guðmundur Pétursson is an Icelandic footballer. He is a forward and is currently under contract at Breiðablik. He has also played for Iceland at under-21 level.-ÍR :...
.
By mid October broke his left arm in an accident and several shows had to be cancelled. On December 16, Pronil Holdings is (a company in charge of his music royalties and scientific patents) is officially registered.
Dense Time is reissued by Bad Taste and goes to the streets for the Christmas season. On February 25 offered a concert performing Vivaldi and Bach and introduced some of his new compositions which would form part of his forthcoming album.
Guðlaugur Óttarsson is married to Valborg Elisabet Kristjánsdóttir and has two daughters: Ellen Svava (1973) and Hera Þöll Guðlaugsdóttir (1981).
Early bands
Steinblóm (1969)- No official releases.
Lótus (1973–1975)
- No official releases – some recordings are believed to be lost.
Sextettinn (1977)
- No official releases.
Galdrakarlar & Wilma Reading (1977)
- No official releases – featuring GKÓ as a guest musician.
Discography with Þeyr (1981–1983)
Albums:- 1981 – Mjötviður MærMjötviður MærMjötviður Mær, released in 1981, was the second album by Icelandic New Wave/rock group Þeyr. It was edited through Eskvímó in 12” vinyl.Mjötviður Mær was Þeyr's most important work, according to the repercussions achieved in the media...
(EskvímóEsquimaux ManagementEsquimaux Management was an Icelandic independent record label created around 1981 by renowned composer Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Gunnar Ruðni Agnarsson, manager of New Wave band Þeyr....
) - 1982 – As Above...As Above...As Above... was an album released in 1982 by Þeyr, a legendary Icelandic New Wave and rock group and it was issued through Shout on a 12" vinyl record.Formed by 12 tracks, As above... contained English versions of the group’s hits...
(Shout) - 2001 – Mjötviður til FótaMjötviður til FótaMjötviður til Fóta was an album released in 2001 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the creation of Þeyr, one of Iceland’s most important bands of the early eighties....
(Esquimaux ManagementEsquimaux ManagementEsquimaux Management was an Icelandic independent record label created around 1981 by renowned composer Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Gunnar Ruðni Agnarsson, manager of New Wave band Þeyr....
), 20th anniversary release.
Singles / EPs:
- 1981 – Iður til FótaIður til FótaIður til Fóta was a single released in 1981 by the Icelandic New Wave/rock group Þeyr through Eskvímó and it was edited in 10" format. The title translates as "Moving Your Feet" but in Icelandic also forms a pun which can equally translate as "Guts at Your Feet".This record was never reissued since...
(EskvímóEsquimaux ManagementEsquimaux Management was an Icelandic independent record label created around 1981 by renowned composer Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Gunnar Ruðni Agnarsson, manager of New Wave band Þeyr....
) - 1981 – Life TransmissionLife TransmissionLife Transmission, also known in Icelandic as Útfrymi was an single released by Icelandic band Þeyr in 1981 through label Eskvímó....
(FálkinnFálkinnFálkinn was an Icelandic record label.The label's only well known original release was Björk's 1977 debut album Björk. Fálkinn is sometimes used as the title for the album as the album did not have an official title....
/EskvímóEsquimaux ManagementEsquimaux Management was an Icelandic independent record label created around 1981 by renowned composer Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Gunnar Ruðni Agnarsson, manager of New Wave band Þeyr....
) - 1982 – The Fourth ReichThe Fourth ReichThe Fourth Reich was an EP released by the Icelandic New Wave group Þeyr through Mjöt in 12" vinyl format.For this work Þeyr recurred to a stronger use of percussion and rhythmic efforts than previous works, where the songs "Metamorphosis" and "Blood" outstands due to their deep percussive...
(Mjöt) - 1983 – LunaireLunaireLunaire was the fourth single released by Þeyr, a Icelandic New Wave/rock group in 1983. The single was recorded in June 1982 and issued by Gramm Records on a 7" vinyl record including three songs....
(GrammGrammGramm was an Icelandic record label created by Ásmundur Jónsson and Einar Örn Benediktsson in 1981.Located in Reykjavík, Gramm’s first release was a 10-track 7" vinyl titled Tilf by Purrkur Pillnikk, a punk group led by Einar Örn....
)
Featuring:
- 1981 – Brennu-Njálssaga (Íslenska kvikmyndasamsteypan), film directed by Friðrik Þór FriðrikssonFriðrik Þór FriðrikssonFriðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
. - 1981 – Northern Lights Playhouse (FálkinnFálkinnFálkinn was an Icelandic record label.The label's only well known original release was Björk's 1977 debut album Björk. Fálkinn is sometimes used as the title for the album as the album did not have an official title....
), Icelandic compilation. - 1982 – Rokk í ReykjavíkRokk í Reykjavík (soundtrack)Rokk í Reykjavík was the soundtrack to the Icelandic TV documentary directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson during 1981-82 winter and released in 1982....
(Hugrenningur), soundtrack to the documentary directed by Friðriksson. - 1987 – Geyser - Anthology of the Icelandic Independent Music Scene of the EightiesGeyser - Anthology of the Icelandic Independent Music Scene of the EightiesGeyser – Anthology of the Icelandic Independent Music Scene of the Eighties is a compilation released in 1987 by the record label Enigma Records...
(Enigma RecordsEnigma RecordsEnigma Records was a popular rock and alternative American record label in the 1980s. It was initially a division of Greenworld Distribution, an independent music importer/distributor, which it split-off from in 1985 to become its own company...
), Icelandic compilation. - 1996 – Cold FeverCold FeverCold Fever is a 1995 Icelandic film directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson. It is a road movie set in Iceland and was the first of Friðrik's films to be made in the English language. The movie depicts the travels of a Japanese man across Iceland...
(Iceland Film Corporation), soundtrack to the movie directed by Friðrik Þór FriðrikssonFriðrik Þór FriðrikssonFriðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
. - 1998 – Nælur (Spor), Icelandic compilation.
Video clips:
- 1983 – Blood
Featuring on films:
- 1982 – Rokk í ReykjavíkRokk í ReykjavíkRokk í Reykjavík was a documentary directed by Icelandic Friðrik Þór Friðriksson during the Icelandic winter of 1981-1982 and released for the local television the same year....
(Íslenska kvikmyndasamsteypan), documentary directed by Friðrik Þór FriðrikssonFriðrik Þór FriðrikssonFriðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
.
Niceland (1983)
- No official releases – In 1983 the group recorded three songs: “Guess Again”, “Catalyst” and “Take What’s Mine”.
Discography of KUKL (1983–1986)
Single:- 1983 – SöngullSöngullSöngull was the first single released by Icelandic group KUKL in September 1983, through Gramm Records.Although this was the first KUKL’s release, actually, their first album appeared a year later under the name of The Eye. On a 7" vinyl, Söngull was the Icelandic version of "Dismembered" with a...
(GrammGrammGramm was an Icelandic record label created by Ásmundur Jónsson and Einar Örn Benediktsson in 1981.Located in Reykjavík, Gramm’s first release was a 10-track 7" vinyl titled Tilf by Purrkur Pillnikk, a punk group led by Einar Örn....
)
Albums:
- 1984 – The Eye (Crass RecordsCrass RecordsCrass Records is an independent record label which was set up by the anarchist punk band Crass.-Overview and history:Prior to the formation of Crass, Penny Rimbaud and Gee Vaucher had published their creative works via their own Dial House based Exitstencil Press...
) - 1985 – KUKL à Paris 14.9.84KUKL à Paris 14.9.84KUKL à Paris 14.9.84, was a live album released by the Icelandic post-punk group KUKL in July 1985, through the independent French record label V.I.S.A.. It was only available in cassette format...
(V.I.S.A.V.I.S.A.thumb|250px|right|V.I.S.A. logoV.I.S.A. is a French independent record label created in 1982 by Thierry De Lavau and Yves Lecarpentier.V.I.S.A.’s first releases were tapes by French alternative punk rock bands, but it eventually expanded the music range and formats releasing CDs and LPs from other...
) - 1986 – Holidays in Europe (The Naughty Nought)Holidays in Europe (The Naughty Nought)Holidays in Europe , was the third and last album released by the Icelandic post-punk group KUKL on January 24, 1986. This album was more complex in comparison to The Eye, with the folksy and pseudo-oriental flutes, bells and pipes of that previous album abandoned on favour of keyboards and samples...
(Crass RecordsCrass RecordsCrass Records is an independent record label which was set up by the anarchist punk band Crass.-Overview and history:Prior to the formation of Crass, Penny Rimbaud and Gee Vaucher had published their creative works via their own Dial House based Exitstencil Press...
)
Featuring and collaborations:
- 1984 – V.I.S.A. PrésenteV.I.S.A. PrésenteV.I.S.A. Présente was a live compilation released in 1984 by labels Bondage Records and V.I.S.A.. This release included 14 tracks by experimental groups from the European alternative scene, including KUKL, an Icelandic group led by singer Björk Guðmundsdóttir next to second vocalist and trumpet...
(Bondage Records / V.I.S.A.V.I.S.A.thumb|250px|right|V.I.S.A. logoV.I.S.A. is a French independent record label created in 1982 by Thierry De Lavau and Yves Lecarpentier.V.I.S.A.’s first releases were tapes by French alternative punk rock bands, but it eventually expanded the music range and formats releasing CDs and LPs from other...
), European compilation. - 1987 – Geyser - Anthology of the Icelandic Independent Music Scene of the EightiesGeyser - Anthology of the Icelandic Independent Music Scene of the EightiesGeyser – Anthology of the Icelandic Independent Music Scene of the Eighties is a compilation released in 1987 by the record label Enigma Records...
(Enigma RecordsEnigma RecordsEnigma Records was a popular rock and alternative American record label in the 1980s. It was initially a division of Greenworld Distribution, an independent music importer/distributor, which it split-off from in 1985 to become its own company...
), Icelandic compilation. - 2002 – Family Tree (One Little Indian), CD box by BjörkBjörkBjörk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
.
MEGAKUKL (1985)
- No official releases: Megas and KUKL recorded about 20 songs during a concert, but none of them were edited.
The Elgar Sisters (1984–1986)
- No official releases – 11 songs were recorded, but only three have been released during Björk’s solo career. (See section for collaborations) and few others during Guðlaugur’s solo career (see section for solo career).
MÖK Trio (1992–2001):
- No official releases – some tracks were recorded in August 2001 during a concert at Galdrahátíðin á Ströndum.
INRI (1993–2004):
- No official releases – they recorded some tapes in 1995.
GVDL (2001):
- No official releases
Solo career
- 2002 – Alone with Guitar (RÚV-Rás 2)
- 2002 – Misc. MusicMisc. MusicMisc. Music is the third and final Unbelievable Truth album, released on the Shifty Disco label in 2001.It consists of two CDs, the first containing unreleased tracks and b-sides from throughout their career; the second a recording of their farewell show held at the Zodiac in Oxford on 16 September...
, (Pronil Holdings) - 2005 – Dense TimeDense TimeDense Time is an album released on December 9, 2005 by Icelandic guitar player Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson.This album contains Guðlaugur’s compositions and features some of the most important Icelandic performers, such as Magnús Þór Jónsson , Björk, Ragnhildur Gísladóttir, among others.The music...
(Pronil Holdings)
Collaborations of Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
- 1984 – Those Who Do NotThose Who Do NotThose Who Do Not was an album released in 1984 by English group Psychic TV. This was a two 12” vinyl release that went into the market through Icelandic Gramm Records, and it contains 10 songs. There are two versions of the album cover; one with red title and another black and white with white title...
(GrammGrammGramm was an Icelandic record label created by Ásmundur Jónsson and Einar Örn Benediktsson in 1981.Located in Reykjavík, Gramm’s first release was a 10-track 7" vinyl titled Tilf by Purrkur Pillnikk, a punk group led by Einar Örn....
), album by Psychic TVPsychic TVPsychic TV or PTV, is a video art and music group that primarily performs psychedelic, punk, electronic and experimental music...
. - 1987 – Live in ReykjavikLive in ReykjavikLive in Reykjavik, released in 1987 by English group Psychic TV this record was edited through Genesis P-Orridge’s own record label, Temple Records....
(Temple RecordsTemple RecordsTemple Records is a record label founded in 1978 by Robin Morton, previously a member of The Boys of the Lough.It is located in a village called Temple, 12 miles south of Edinburgh, near Gorebridge. Although Morton is from Ulster, the label is devoted almost purely to acoustic Scottish traditional...
), album by Psychic TVPsychic TVPsychic TV or PTV, is a video art and music group that primarily performs psychedelic, punk, electronic and experimental music...
. - 1987 – LoftmyndLoftmyndLoftmynd was an album released in August 1987 by Icelandic rock singer Megas. Formed by 17 tracks, this album was released through Gramm and featured singer Björk and her sister Inga Guðmundsdóttir as background vocalists...
(GrammGrammGramm was an Icelandic record label created by Ásmundur Jónsson and Einar Örn Benediktsson in 1981.Located in Reykjavík, Gramm’s first release was a 10-track 7" vinyl titled Tilf by Purrkur Pillnikk, a punk group led by Einar Örn....
), album by MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
. - 1987 – CrowleymassCrowleymassCrowleymass was an EP released in 1987 by the English group Current 93, led by David Tibet. Crowleymass originally appeared on a 12” vinyl record through Maldoror and was later reissued in 1997 on CD format through Durtro, the record company owned by David Tibet...
(MaldororMaldororMaldoror is a music project consisting of Mike Patton and Masami Akita, also known as Merzbow. The name is derived from a nineteenth century novel entitled Les Chants de Maldoror by the Comte de Lautréamont, the pseudonym of the writer Isidore Lucien Ducasse.The project formed when Patton was on...
), single by Current 93Current 93Current 93 is an eclectic British experimental music group, working since the early 1980s in folk-based musical forms. The band was founded in 1982 by David Tibet .-Background:Tibet has been the only constant in the group, though Steven Stapleton has appeared on...
. - 1988 – HöfuðlausnirHöfuðlausnirHöfuðlausnir was an album released in May 1988 by Icelandic rock singer Megas. This album was released through Gramm and featured singers Björk and Rose McDowall as background vocalists...
(GrammGrammGramm was an Icelandic record label created by Ásmundur Jónsson and Einar Örn Benediktsson in 1981.Located in Reykjavík, Gramm’s first release was a 10-track 7" vinyl titled Tilf by Purrkur Pillnikk, a punk group led by Einar Örn....
), album by MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
. - 1989 – Nóttin LangaNóttin LangaNóttin Langa was an album released in 1989 by Icelandic working class singing legend Bubbi Morthens. This pop album went to the market from Geisli.Formed by 12 songs Nóttin Langa counted with the participation of guitarist Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson....
(Geisli), album by Bubbi MorthensBubbi MorthensBubbi Morthens , is a singer and songwriter from Iceland. His name of birth is Ásbjörn Kristinsson Morthens, Bubbi being the affectionate form of Ásbjörn.- History :...
. - 1990 – Hættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið StellaHættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið StellaHættuleg hljómsveit & glæpakvendið Stella was an album released in September 1990 by Icelandic rock singer Megas. This double CD album featured The Sugarcubes, a band led by Björk and Einar Örn Benediktsson....
(MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
), album by MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
. - 1990 – Crusher of Bones (8 Product), album by ReptilicusReptilicusReptilicus, a giant monster film about a fictional prehistoric reptile, is a Danish-American co-production, produced by American International Pictures and Saga Studios, and is upon close examination two distinctly different films helmed by two different directors.The original version, which was...
. - 1992 – Þrír BlóðdroparÞrír blóðdroparÞrír Blóðdropar was an album released in 1992 by Icelandic rock singer, Megas, through Skífan.Formed by 16 songs Þrír Blóðdropar, which in Icelandic means “Three Drops of Blood”, counted with the participation of Bubbi Morthens for the song “Ég Det Líka ”, Móeiður Júníusdóttir collaborated in...
(Skífan), album by MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
. - 1993 – Big Time SensualityBig Time Sensuality"Big Time Sensuality" is a song by Björk, released as the fourth single from her 1993 album Debut. The song helped boost Björk's popularity worldwide, particularly the U.S., where she charted for the first time.-Background:...
(One Little Indian), single of Debut, album by BjörkBjörkBjörk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
. - 1993 – Venus as a BoyVenus as a Boy"Venus as a Boy" is a song by Björk, released as the second single from her 1993 album Debut.-Background:Björk explained in an interview with David Hemingway:...
(One Little Indian), [CD 2], single of Debut, album by BjörkBjörkBjörk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
. - 1994 – Debut Box Set - The CD Singles Collection from DebutDebut Box Set - The CD Singles Collection from DebutDebut Box Set - The CD Singles Collection from Debut was a seven CD compilation box released in 1994 by Icelandic singer Björk through label One Little Indian....
(One Little Indian), singles box by BjörkBjörkBjörk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
. - 1994 – Drög að UpprisuDrög að UpprisuDrög að Upprisu is an album released in 1994 by Icelandic singer Megas. Formed by 16 tracks, this work counted with the collaboration of guitarist Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson.-Track listing:-External links:* - It features discography with mp3 samples....
(Japis), album by MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
and Nýdönsk. - 1994 – Heitur Vindur (Minningarsjóður Pétur Inga Þorgilssonar), album by Neol Einsteiger.
- 1995 – Kjöttromman (Bad Taste), album by EXEM.
- 1998 – Ull (Súkkat), album by Súkkat.
- 1999 – Sögur 1980-1990Sögur 1980-1990Sögur 1980–1990 is a compilation of Icelandic singer Bubbi Morthens’ greatest hits from 1980 until 1990. The title Sögur means Stories.This double CD contains 34 songs and features Icelandic rock legend Megas who sings next to Bubbi on “Fatlafól”...
(Íslenskir Tónar), greatest hits by Bubbi MorthensBubbi MorthensBubbi Morthens , is a singer and songwriter from Iceland. His name of birth is Ásbjörn Kristinsson Morthens, Bubbi being the affectionate form of Ásbjörn.- History :...
. - 2001 – HaugbrotHaugbrotHaugbrot was an album released in 2001 by the Icelandic rock singer Megas. The album contained 14 songs and featured Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson on guitar.-Track listing:-External links:* - features discography with mp3 samples.***...
(ÓmiOmiwas an ancient Japanese hereditary title denoting rank and political standing that, along with muraji, was reserved for the most powerful clans during the Kofun period...
), album by MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
. - 2001 – Far... Þinn VegFar… Þinn VegFar... Þinn Veg was an album released in 2001 by the Icelandic rock singer Megas. This work was integrated by 13 songs and counted with the presence of Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson in guitars.-Track listing:-External links:...
(ÓmiOmiwas an ancient Japanese hereditary title denoting rank and political standing that, along with muraji, was reserved for the most powerful clans during the Kofun period...
), album by MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
. - 2002 – Megas (???), compilation by Megas.
- 2002 – Megas 1972-2002Megas 1972-2002Megas 1972-2002 is a compilation released in 2002 by the Icelandic Rock legend, Megas to commemorate his 30th anniversary of music career. This compilation made up of 43 tracks, contains several of Megas hits, from the first album called Megas to Englaryk í Tímaglasi .This compilation features...
(Skífan), compilation by MegasMegasMegas , is a rock and roll singer, songwriter and writer who is well-known in his native country of Iceland.-Interest in music:...
. - 2002 – Family Tree (One Little Indian), CD box by BjörkBjörkBjörk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
. - 2002 – FálkarFálkarFálkar is the soundtrack to Falcons , which was directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson in 2002. With 12 tracks, this album contains a variety of Icelandic artists, from Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, who was in charge of the music composition of the soundtrack, to Mínus, Múm, and Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson ,...
(Smekkleysa), soundtrack to the film directed by Friðrik Þór FriðrikssonFriðrik Þór FriðrikssonFriðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
. - 2003 – Roughness and Toughness (GS-Dolphins), album by Graveslime.
- 2005 – Hús Datt (Smekkleysa), album by Megasukk.
Inventions
- 1973 – Multiplexing matrix for guitar effects.
- 1976 – Multiscreen television.
- 1981 – Sound reinforcement for concert halls.
- 1981 – Scriabin.
- 1982 – Audio multiplexer.
- 1984 – Intelligent dissembler for 68 K processors.
- 1985 – P-Orridgemeter.
- 1986 – Multilingual console translation.
- 1986 – Alkaline battery charger.
- 1989 – Vacuum & hot table for oil paint restoration.
- 1989 – Mark – space indicator for live performer drummers.
- 1993 – Modem multiplexer.
- 1993 – Representation of geocentric coordinates with integer words of limited bit size.
- 1996 – Catch prediction system for the fishing industry.
- 1996 – Underwater acoustic transmitter.
- 1996 – High speed algorithm for topological discrimination in electronic cartographic systems.
- 1997 – Intelligent dissembler for 80X processors.
- 1998 – Underground magnetic sources detector in homogeneous material.
- 2000 – High frequency geothermoelectric generator.
- 2000 – High frequency heliothemoelectric generator.
- 2001 – Thermoelectric electron extractor for thermoelectric power generation.
- 2002 – Cooling system for optoelectric components.
- 2003 – LED illuminated lamp with thermoelectric heat management.
- 2005 – Thermally optimized torus inductor.
Publications for the University of Iceland
- 1988 – Mathematical Reference Manual
- 1990 – Physical Reference Manual
Scientific papers
- 1999 – The Physics of Action: Addressing Thermomagnetism, Nuclear Structure and Gravitation (Appendix: Particles)
- 1999 – Physical Tables for Momentum, Mass, Frequency & Wavelength Transformation
- 1999 – The GKÓ Model of the Subatomic Universe
- 2000 – Accumulated Extraction
- 2000 – Optimizing Electrical Connections for Hot and Cold Terminals
- 2000 – Relativistic Thermoelectromagnetism
- 2001 – A Ladder Thermoelectric Parallelepiped Generator
- 2002 – The Ladder Hypothesis
- 2003 – Sjálfbær Upplýst Umferðarskilti með Endurskini
- 2003 – Factoring Cubic Polynomials
- 2004 – Orka, Varmi & Vinna
- 2005 – Hreyfing Massa í Þyngdarsviði Newtons
- 2005 – On the Binary Nature of Triad Structures in Subatomic Entities
- 2005 – EMNG-02-photors. Writings from The Physics of Action, EMNG 1999–2005.
- 2005 – Modified Riemann-Zeta Power Series – for Simple and Fast Calculation of the Trigonometric Functions
- 2005 – Mass as Twisted Vacuum
- 2005 – Alphabet Music Scales
- 2005 – Light as the 5th State of Matter and the Limitation of its Transport Capability (forthcoming).
Presentations / conferences
- 2000 – International Conference on Thermoelectricity. CardiffCardiffCardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
, United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. - 2003 – International Conference on Thermoelectricity. La Grande-MotteLa Grande-MotteLa Grande-Motte is a commune in the Hérault département in Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France. It is a popular seaside resort and port, built in the 1960s and 1970s on a greenfield site, La Grande-Motte is characterized by a homogeneous architecture, the most visible are the buildings in the...
, Francia from August 17–21. A Ladder Thermoelectric Parallelepiped Generator. - 2004 – Höfuðblóti LOKA. Kornhlöðuloftinu, IcelandIcelandIceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
. October 2. Gamalt Ljós á Nýjum Belgjum.
Related bibliography
Music:- Rokksaga Íslands, Gestur Guðmundsson. Forlagið (1990).
- Björk – Colección Imágenes de Rock, N°82, Jordi Bianciotto. Editorial La Máscara (1997).
- Alternative Rock : Third Ear – The Essential Listening Companion, Dave Thimpson. Backbeat Books (2000).
- Lobster or Fame, Ólafur Jóhann Engilbertsson. Bad Taste (2000).
External links
- Official site of Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
- Page of G. K. Óttarsson at Isound.com
- Page of Guðlaugur Óttarsson at MySpace.com
- Þeyr Web page
- Tónlist.is – Page about Þeyr. Including mp3 samples (in Icelandic).
- Always on the Run.net – Page about KUKL, it features lyrics and discography.