Life During Airwaves: Behind the Scenes with Iceland's Mammút

22 November 2016, 13:25 Photography by Nick Miners

(Photos)

(Mammút)

A glimpse into the busiest time of the year for an Icelandic band as Nick Miners profiles the Bella Union-signed Mammuút in photos during this year's Iceland Airwaves in Reykjaviík.

Iceland Airwaves regulars Mammút, a home-grown five piece who have been playing together since 2004, gained a lot of attention (and awards) with their last album, Komdu til Mín, Svarta Systir (Come to Me, Black Sister) and were once again appearing at Iceland Airwaves in to showcase a set of brand new material across several shows. I travelled around with the band for the duration of the festival, taking some behind-the-scenes photos to illustrate what life is like for a band away from the regular festivalgoer’s experience. With a headline show at the Reykjavík Art Museum, a listening party for the upcoming album, a performance streamed live on the internet and a final night performance with PJ Harvey in the enormous Valshöllin hall, it was a busy week for the band.

Mammut01 — Bassit Ása discusses the sound with a technician while singer Kata tests her mic.

Mammut02 — Kata listens to the album mix at the band's studio.

Mammut03 — Ása and Kata collect the set list while drummer Andri gets ready.

Mammut04 — Guitarist Arnar talks with Ása and the rest of the band before they go on stage.

Mammut05 — The lighting at Reykjavík Art Museum is almost as impressive as the performance

Mammut05a — Kata introduces the band's upcoming record at a listening party in Alex Somers' studio.

Mammut05b — Industry folk and friends of the band listen to the new record.

Mammut06 — Guitarist Alexandra,, prepares for a show at KEX hostel for Seattle-based radio station KEXP.

Mammut07 — The hangover cures are out in full for this Saturday morning performance

Mammut08 — Kata's hair does its thing, while after the performance, Ása and Andri embrace.

Mammut10 — The lighting looks great again, as do the band.

Mammut09 — In the enormous Valshöllin, where Mammút open for PJ Harvey, the band chat during the sound check.

Mammut11 — Arnar puts some mascara on before they head on stage...

Mammut12 — ...and Kata applies the finishing touches to her own makeup.

Mammut13 — Another fantastic show ensues, with lighting to match the energy on stage.

Mammut14 — The view from the back of the hall is equally impressive.

Mammut15 — Alexandra Baldursdóttir, Arnar Pétursson, Katrína Mogensen, Ása Dýradóttir, Andri Bjartur Jakobsson.

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