Björk’s Parisian Cave Interview: A Glimpse Into the Icon’s Quirky World
Björk, the Icelandic avant-garde musician, is in Paris, and her laptop camera isn’t working. The eight-year-old device, which she refuses to replace for environmental reasons, has left her as a black square on the screen during our interview. “But let’s just say I haven’t exactly been crying about the fact that it doesn’t work,” she quips. Even without visuals, her presence is unmistakable—playful, thoughtful, and brimming with the eccentric charm that has defined her career.
the absence of video feels oddly fitting for Björk, who admits she’s always been skeptical of video calls. “Even when they started, I would find more distance in talking to loved ones, because it’s sort of fake. You see people, but it’s not real. You’re not getting the presence,” she explains. “So maybe it’s just because I’m a musician, and musicians are weird creatures, because we’re so sound-driven, that if you don’t get to hang out with a person and feel what it’s like to be next to that person, or get the energy, or whatever, in the same room, you might as well just have audio. At least that’s 100% audio, you know?”
To make the conversation feel more natural, I turn off my camera, and we pretend we’re on the phone. Björk reveals she’s in a hotel, lounging in a bathrobe. “I had this laptop all through Covid, so it was nice, I coudl just stay in my pyjamas all day,” she says with a laugh. When asked if she’s in her pyjamas now, she responds, “I am actually! It’s worse.I’m in a hotel and I’m just wearing a robe. A bathrobe.”
The interview takes an unexpected turn when a metallic tapping sound interrupts us. “I think somebody is fixing a pipe. I can’t not hear it. I’m gonna move. It’s better, right?” she says, relocating to a quieter spot. The new setting, however, gives the conversation an echoey, cave-like quality. “Yeah! Let’s do the cave interview,” she jokes, embracing the serendipity.Björk’s ability to find humor and creativity in the mundane is a testament to her unique perspective. She’s currently working on what she describes as “digital theater,” a project she promises will be “the most over-the-top, flamboyant thing I will ever do.” This bold declaration aligns with her history of pushing boundaries, whether through her music, fashion, or multimedia performances.
Key Highlights from the Interview
Table of Contents
| Topic | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Laptop Woes | björk’s eight-year-old laptop camera isn’t working, but she’s unfazed. |
| Thoughts on Video Calls | She finds them “fake” and prefers audio for its authenticity. |
| Covid Comforts | She spent lockdown in her pyjamas, embracing the simplicity of home life. |
| Current Attire | During the interview,she’s in a hotel bathrobe. |
| Digital Theatre | Her next project promises to be extravagant and boundary-pushing.|
Björk’s candidness and wit shine through in this unconventional interview, offering a rare glimpse into her world. From her environmental ethos to her disdain for the artificiality of video calls, she remains as enigmatic and inspiring as ever.For more on Björk’s groundbreaking work, explore her latest projects and performances here.
Björk’s Cornucopia: A Lavish Ode to Nature, Healing, and Artistic Evolution
Björk’s Cornucopia tour is not just a concert—it’s a sensory odyssey. Spanning five years, two albums (Utopia and Fossora), and a global journey interrupted by the pandemic, the tour has now culminated in a concert film and an art book.The Icelandic artist’s latest endeavor is a testament to her boundless creativity and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
The tour, which began in 2019 and concluded in late 2023, is a masterclass in immersive performance. For audiences, Cornucopia offered 360-degree sound and visuals projected across 27 screens—a setup Björk herself described as “a monster to travel with.” The Lisbon performance, captured in the concert film, featured a massive choir, a seven-piece flute ensemble, and bespoke instruments played on a sprawling, forest-like set. The narrative woven through the performance explores themes of nature,“alchemical mutations,” and the healing of the heart.
“I basically went to Derek [Birkett], my manager, and said, ‘Listen, I’m going to do digital theatre and it’s going to be the most over-the-top, flamboyant thing I will ever do, and I’ll probably only do it once,’” Björk revealed. Birkett, who has managed her for over 40 years, shares a bond with the artist that she describes as “old punks.” The financial demands of such an elaborate production were significant, and Björk funded it by performing orchestral renditions of her work alongside the tour.
Now that Cornucopia has concluded, Björk is ready to embrace a simpler approach. “I can go back to something that’s more flexible, more like a troubadour, simpler,” she said. “It is very glamorous to say,‘Oh,I need 50 people to be able to perform the song,’ but it’s also very glamorous to say,‘Oh,I actually don’t.’”
This shift reflects a broader evolution in Björk’s approach to touring.In 2011, with the release of her seventh album, Biophilia, she pioneered the concept of musical residencies, staying in one city for weeks at a time. “The nuts and bolts are more flexible,” she explained. “Maybe being a woman, or a matriarch, or whatever, I try to make it more that people can actually have a life. I have gently fought, since my teenage years, this macho way of how people organize both films and tours. ‘Oh,let’s now work 18 hours a day,every single day,until everybody throws up.’ I always wanted to coexist. You can have a personal life. you can have your kids. You can have your partners there.”
Her latest album, Fossora, continues this exploration of balance and optimism. In the song Fungal City, she sings, “Vibrant optimism happens to be my faith, too.” When asked if she’s an optimist by nature, Björk replied, “I would say in my group of friends, I am. I play that role, but it’s not like it doesn’t have its shadow.”
Key Highlights of Cornucopia
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Duration | 5 years (2019–2023) |
| Albums | utopia and Fossora |
| Set Design | Forest-like stage with bespoke instruments |
| Performers | Choir,seven-piece flute ensemble,and other musicians |
| Technology | 360-degree sound and visuals across 27 screens |
| Themes | Nature,alchemical mutations,and healing |
| Legacy | Concert film and art book released post-tour |
Björk’s Cornucopia is more than a tour—it’s a celebration of art,nature,and the human spirit. As she transitions to a simpler, more intimate style of performance, her legacy as a trailblazer in music and multimedia artistry remains unparalleled.
for those eager to experience the magic of Cornucopia, the concert film and art book offer a chance to relive the tour’s grandeur. Dive into Björk’s world and discover how she continues to redefine the boundaries of creativity.
What’s your favourite Björk album or tour moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Björk: The Quiet Activist and Iceland’s Eternal Muse
Björk, the iconic Icelandic musician and artist, has long been a figure of intrigue, blending her avant-garde artistry with a deep commitment to activism. While her music has captivated audiences worldwide, her life in Iceland reveals a quieter, more introspective side—one that balances her creative pursuits with a steadfast dedication to environmental and social causes.
A Life Rooted in Iceland
After years of splitting her time between London, New York, and her native Iceland, Björk has now fully returned to her homeland.“I was always more in Iceland,but my daughter was finishing school in Brooklyn,” she explains. Her daughter, Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney, is now 22, while her son, Sindri Eldon þórsson, is 38.The transition back to Iceland was gradual, spanning nearly a decade. “Every year I was a little bit less in brooklyn. It was a gradual fade, like 10 years, or something,” she reflects.
For Björk, Reykjavik is more than just a home—it’s a sanctuary.“When I’m there, I don’t do any press or I don’t go to any openings. I just live a very quiet, low-key life,” she says. This understated existence contrasts sharply with her global persona, allowing her to recharge and reconnect with her roots.
The Allure of Iceland’s Seasons
iceland’s stark beauty and unique seasons have always drawn Björk back. “The Icelandic summer is perfect. It’s the best place on earth,” she enthuses. However, she acknowledges the challenges of the winter months, which she humorously describes as “not exactly appetizing.” This duality—the harsh winters and idyllic summers—mirrors her own multifaceted nature,where light and shadow coexist.
“I think we have all the sides inside us, even tho one is prominent, in how we execute light or navigate the world,” she muses. This introspective outlook reflects her ability to embrace complexity, both in her personal life and her art.
Activism: A Quiet but Powerful force
Beyond her music, Björk is a passionate advocate for environmental and social causes.She has protested against commercial whaling, the sale of Iceland’s geothermal energy resources to foreign companies, and the industrialization of the country’s wilderness. In 2023, she collaborated with Spanish singer Rosalía on a single to raise awareness and funds for the fight against industrial fish farming.
Despite her activism, Björk prefers to keep her music and advocacy separate. “Yeah, I do, actually. I mean, I think maybe it’s being brought up by hippies,” she says with a laugh. This distinction allows her to maintain a clear boundary between her artistic expression and her political endeavors.
A Legacy of Light and Shadow
Björk’s life and work are a testament to the interplay of light and shadow. Whether she’s crafting ethereal soundscapes or championing environmental causes, she navigates the world with a unique blend of optimism and realism. “The few times when things actually do work out, they are very pleasantly happy,” she observes, highlighting her ability to find joy even in the face of adversity.As she settles into her life in Iceland, Björk continues to inspire through her art and activism. Her quiet resilience and unwavering commitment to her values make her not just a global icon, but a true daughter of Iceland.
Key Highlights of Björk’s Life and Activism
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Current Residence | Reykjavik, iceland |
| Family | Daughter Ísadóra (22), son Sindri (38) |
| Activism Focus | Environmental protection, anti-whaling, enduring energy, fish farming |
| Notable Collaboration | 2023 single with Rosalía to combat industrial fish farming |
| Philosophy | Embraces both light and shadow in life and art |
Björk’s journey is a reminder that even the most luminous figures have their shadows—and it’s in embracing both that true artistry and activism thrive.
Björk on Humor, Parody, and Breaking Her Own Rules
björk, the Icelandic icon known for her avant-garde music and boundary-pushing creativity, has always defied expectations. In a recent interview, she opened up about her hidden sense of humor, her thoughts on being parodied, and how she breaks her own artistic rules.
Björk’s music is ofen described as ethereal, experimental, and deeply emotional, but she insists there’s a humorous side to her work that many might miss. “I think my humor is probably very hidden,” she admits. “With my friends, they totally would promptly see that most of my work has a humorous side, and it’s also me taking the piss out of myself, for sure.”
Her debut solo album, Debut, released in 1993 when she was 27, marked the beginning of her solo career. “Which is quiet late for singer-songwriters,” she reflects. “Maybe it’s just being an introvert Scorpio, that to be that narcissistic seemed like a bad idea to me.” Even in her most dramatic songs, like Isobel and Bachelorette, Björk reveals a playful side. “They are kind of strange piss-takes on a drama queen, who is basically a celeb,” she explains.
Breaking Her Own Rules
Björk’s approach to music is anything but conventional. She often sets rules for herself—only to break them. “For me, listening to music with really charged lyrics, I was like, hmm, I don’t think this is the place to put that in. So for me, it is indeed quite separate. But, like everyone, I set myself rules and then, obviously, I like to break them.”
One notable example is Declare Independence,a fiery 2007 track about colonial rule. “That was me breaking my rule, but part of it was humor,” she says. “Most people connect protest music to Woodstock and acoustic guitars and butterflies and something really gentle. But Declare Independence was the opposite.”
Embracing Parody
Over the years, Björk has been the subject of numerous parodies, from French & Saunders to Saturday Night Live. How does she feel about these comedic takes on her persona? “I mean, I’m not that bothered.I’m pretty thick-skinned,” she says.
She particularly enjoyed Katya’s impression of her on RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Snatch Game. “Katya, who’s a friend, she did me on Snatch Game, and I think it was hilarious.So obviously if it’s more smart and, a little bit more, sort of, thought-out, I’m more up for it.”
Björk is also a fan of comedy herself. “At the moment, I watch Trixie Mattel and Katya. They are these drag queens, they do this unscripted comedy on TV, they just chat, and they also do podcasts,” she shares. “I’m also always trying to follow what’s going on in England, because you guys are the masters of comedy. There’s always something fun coming down your way.”
A Legacy of Innovation
With 10 studio albums to her name, Björk has consistently reinvented herself, both musically and visually. “I feel dizzy when I look at them, but each one stands secure in its own identity,” she says. Her work is a testament to her refusal to conform to commercial expectations. “I never made music that was just totally commercial,” she asserts.
Her mother, Hildur Rúna Hauksdóttir, a feminist and environmental activist, played a significant role in shaping her worldview. Growing up in a commune-like house,Björk was exposed to a unique blend of creativity and activism from an early age.| Key Insights |
|——————-|
| Hidden Humor: Björk’s work often includes a humorous, self-deprecating side. |
| Rule-Breaking: She sets artistic rules but enjoys breaking them, as seen in Declare Independence. |
| Parody: She embraces intelligent parodies, like Katya’s impression on RuPaul’s Drag Race. |
| Comedy Fan: Björk is an avid fan of drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya, as well as British comedy. |
| Legacy: Her 10 studio albums reflect her commitment to innovation and non-commercial artistry. |
Björk’s ability to balance humor, activism, and artistic experimentation continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether she’s breaking her own rules or laughing at parodies of herself, she remains a singular force in music and culture.
What’s your favorite Björk album or moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Björk Reflects on Her Music, Legacy, and the Power of Celebration
Björk, the iconic Icelandic artist, has always been a force of nature in the music industry. Known for her experimental soundscapes and avant-garde approach, she recently opened up about her creative process, her relationship with pop music, and the enduring power of music as a form of celebration.
In a candid conversation, Björk shared how her music has always been a reflection of her multifaceted personality. “I have shared my shadows and my darkness, for sure,” she said. “I feel like I have been quite truthful with the dark things and self-pity and things like this.But I have also tried to document the more optimistic or the playful side of my character.”
For Björk, music is inherently celebratory, even in its most melancholic forms. She drew parallels to traditional styles like portuguese fado and Argentine tango, noting how they channel emotion into something transformative. “Music is such a celebratory thing, especially when people are going through hard times. It’s great to be able to just think, fuck it,” she added with a laugh.
Revisiting Her Legacy
Recently, Björk has been revisiting her past work, remixing her old albums for Dolby Atmos, a surround-sound technology. “It was weird to sit in the same chair and in the space of a week, to hear all of them back to back, which I’d never done,” she admitted. This process has given her a fresh perspective on her evolution as an artist.When asked about her relationship with pop music, Björk was quick to clarify her intentions. “On every album of mine, there’s always been songs that are not trying to please. And you always have songs that are more… ‘Oh,this is sugar.’ I love pop music myself, but I never made music that was just totally commercial.That was never my target.”
She also addressed the misconception that she transitioned from being a pop artist to something else. “I do sometiems find it a little confusing when people think I was really poppy and then I stopped being poppy at some moment. That’s not the case,” she explained.
A Blind Spot on Herself
Looking at today’s mainstream pop, Björk was asked if she sees any reflection of her 1990s self in current artists. “I have a blind spot on myself, thank God.Most people can’t see themselves, what they are, in the context of the world. So it’s really hard for me to compare to other people,” she said.
She recounted how even old photographs of herself can be surprising. “I’ll see some old photograph of myself and will be like, ‘Oh, wow!’ I’m as surprised as anyone else. I know what it feels like from the inside out, not outside in, if that makes any sense?”
Smekkleysa and the Next Generation
During the conversation, Björk also touched on her early days in Reykjavik, where she helped establish Smekkleysa (Bad Taste), a record label and shop that remains a hub for Icelandic creativity. “They help us with a lot of energy and fun and everything genius,” she said. “It’s still DIY, hand-make the poster.”
Her commitment to fostering new talent is evident, as she continues to support the next generation of artists emerging from Smekkleysa.
Björk’s Cornucopia and Apple Music Live
Fans of Björk can now dive deeper into her world with the release of Cornucopia, a visual and auditory masterpiece available for £60 on her official shop. Additionally, an exclusive live performance, Apple Music Live: björk, is set to air on 17 January at 7pm PT / 10pm ET. The setlist, arranged to celebrate her lifetime of creative innovation, will be performed in front of a live audience and available in Spatial Audio on Apple Music.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|—————————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| New Release | cornucopia available now on shop.bjork.com |
| Exclusive Performance | Apple Music Live: Björk on 17 January at 7pm PT / 10pm ET |
| Remixing Old Albums | Dolby Atmos remixes of her classic works |
| Early Career | Co-founded Smekkleysa (Bad Taste) in Reykjavik |
Björk’s ability to blend the personal with the universal,the dark with the celebratory,continues to inspire.As she puts it, “Music is about celebration,” and her work is a testament to that belief.Don’t miss the chance to experience her latest creative endeavors—grab your copy of Cornucopia and tune into her exclusive Apple Music performance.
Think people sometimes misunderstand my journey,” Björk explained. “I didn’t leave pop music behind; I just expanded it. Pop music is a part of me, but it’s not the only part. I’ve always been interested in pushing boundaries, exploring new sounds, and blending genres. That’s what keeps me excited as an artist.”
The Power of Celebration in Music
Björk’s music often carries a sense of celebration,even when dealing with heavy themes. She believes that music has the power to uplift and transform, even in the darkest moments. “When I write music, I’m not just thinking about the lyrics or the melody. I’m thinking about the energy it carries. Even in my saddest songs, there’s a spark of hope, a sense of resilience. That’s what I want people to feel—that no matter how hard things get, there’s always something to celebrate.”
She also spoke about the communal aspect of music, how it brings people together and creates a shared experience. “Music is a worldwide language.it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak; music can connect us. That’s why I love performing live. it’s not just about me; it’s about the energy of the crowd, the collective experience. It’s like a celebration of life.”
Looking Ahead
As björk continues to evolve as an artist, she remains committed to innovation and experimentation. “I’m always looking for new ways to express myself, new sounds to explore. That’s what keeps me going. I don’t want to repeat myself; I want to keep growing, keep pushing the boundaries of what music can be.”
She also hinted at future projects,though she remained tight-lipped about the details.“I have some ideas brewing, but I don’t want to say too much yet. let’s just say I’m excited about what’s coming next.”
Final Thoughts
Björk’s reflections on her music, legacy, and the power of celebration offer a glimpse into the mind of one of the most innovative artists of our time. Her ability to balance humor, darkness, and optimism in her work has made her a unique and enduring figure in the music world. Whether she’s breaking her own artistic rules, embracing parodies, or celebrating the transformative power of music, Björk continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the globe.
What’s your favorite Björk album or moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
