Ólöf Arnalds releases new single and music video “Heimurinn núna”
Icelandic singer-songwriter, Ólöf Arnalds, is making a comeback with her upcoming album, Spíra, slated for release on December 5th under Bella Union. Following her first single, “Tár í morgunsárið” (“Tears at Dawn”), Arnalds introduces her second captivating track, “Heimurinn núna” (“Our World Now”), accompanied by a new video. Described as a love song, the track delves into complex themes of faith, responsibility, and neurodiversity, all unfolding against the backdrop of midsummer.
Arnalds, with her unique high-pitched voice, has been a notable figure in Icelandic music, recognized for her captivating performances. Having initially gained acclaim with múm, she made a splash in 2007 with her solo debut, Við og við. Her musical talents have garnered admiration from artists like Björk, who characterized Arnalds as being “somewhere between a child and an old woman.”
Spíra, translating to “Sprout,” heralds Arnalds’ return to her songwriting roots as she rekindles her passion for crafting music after a hiatus dedicated to other projects. The new album echoes the intimate nature of her debut work, featuring Icelandic lyrics, minimalist arrangements, and predominantly single-take recordings.
Produced by her husband and longtime collaborator, Skúli Sverrisson, the album showcases contributions from pianist Davíð Þór Jónsson and evokes vivid imagery through its sparse instrumentation.
The overarching themes of Spíra revolve around the trials and triumphs of creativity, intertwined with the essence of familial love. Spíra is currently open for pre-orders, inviting fans to immerse themselves in Arnalds’ soulful and introspective musical journey.
Lastly, other artists in the music industry are also paving their own paths and sharing their creative endeavors. Natalie Jane Hill has announced the release of her new album, ‘Hopeful Woman,’ alongside the poignant single, ‘Never Left Me’. In a similar vein, King Hannah has presented a limited 7″ record and unveiled the music video for their track, “This Hotel Room.” Additionally, Laura Misch has released an ethereal ‘Alchemy KMRU Rework’ and has planned a 2026 show at the Barbican, promising a mesmerizing performance for her audience to enjoy.