We speak to the wonderful Heidrunna as she releases her new single ‘Borderline’ – Heidrunna is an Icelandic singer who tells us about her influences and ‘Skandi pop’ sound. Further to that is some seriously top tips of places to visit in Reykjavik too – read on!
For those that may not have discovered your music yet how would you best describe it?
My music is best described as Electronic, Skandi, pop that has been inspired by all the great English, French, Swedish and American music.
Your new single Borderline is out today – what inspired you to write this track?
I think Borderline was probably written because of frustration and dilemma of what I should be doing at the time. Kind of Should I stay or should I go ( Clash).
Might we expect an album soon?
Yes, definitely My album is coming out early next year. And I can’t wait for you to hear it! It’s gonna be perfect for any occasion. Getting ready for a party, in the party, getting home after party – being on a bummer after party! Emotional highs and lows.
Who would you cite as some of your inspirations growing up?
My inspiration was definitely ABBA, Olivia Newton-John, and Blondie. I wanted to be like those Blondes!
I also liked Rod Stewart… I guess he was blond. Other records my dad brought home from his Captain years were amazing disco records like Boney M, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac so I was brought up with all kinds of music.
Whereabouts from Iceland are you from and what are some of your favourite places to visit?
I’m from Reykjavik. I’ve been away from home so long now that I’m happy everywhere I go.
I love going to my local swimming pool called Vesturbæjarlaugin, grabbing a Burger from a super cool hut called Hagavagninn . Right outside the pool. Then I love checking out new restaurants and bars. One on the list I haven’t been to before is a restaurant called Hnoss. It’s located In the beautiful Harpa that is our concert hall. Which has an amazing building design by the Danish Henning Larsen and the Danish-Icelandic Ólafur Eliasson. Hopefully, I can play there one day! In the restaurant…at least I’m not gonna get ahead of myself.
And of course if you have never travelled to Iceland before, The Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, Geysir are a must. Even the new Sky Lagoon in town is fabulous I’m gonna stop now – I sound like a travel agency!
What was the last TV show/Film you watched, the book you read, and album you listened to?
The last TV show I watched was White Lotus. I thought that was spot on. I’m trying to start Squid Game … Its a bit bloody for my liking though. As for films? Bond was good but made me sad, I don’t like things ending when they are good.
But something super enjoyable to watch was Free Guy! I loved that – very Truman Showesque. I just opened Apples Never Fall and it’s gonna be great I think. The same writer that wrote 9 Perfect Strangers that I really need to see!
The last album I listen to was….
Actually, it’s an interesting question! I haven’t actually not been listening to any albums. Just listen to different songs I like.
Hopefully, it’s because I’ve been busy making my own album, which makes me think if I’m doing the right thing if this is how we listen to music these days! I’m sure I am !!
Interview by Alex Minnis
Want to hear her single Borderline and more Nordic music? Check out our playlist below and give it a follow on Spotify!
