Mar is a one man project, born of Iceland's Grétar Mar Sigurðsson. A true art journeyman, Grétar has his fingers in many pots into which he's been distilling an abundance of creative energy for years. Despite a young age, his is a path rarely traveled by his peers.
Mar has been lurking underneath the surface for some time now, offering glimpses into his electronic self here and there. It's only now he surfaces with a complete set of song in the form of the Mellows EP. The packaging is simple, harmonious, honest and economic, much like the music. The handmade, stencilled CD tray is wonderful to feel and look at. Clean and stylish, it lends itself to the music found within.
It's with great pleasure Halifax Collect is able to present the premiere of Mar's first music video for the single "Twisted Figures." Below the video you'll find Mar in conversation.
When I asked him about the dancers, and from which they came Grétar told me this was not an active dans group but an amalgamation from different direction. Friends from Iceland Academy of the Arts, members of the Icelandic Dance Company came together for the video under the direction of the lauded Emelía Antonsdóttir Crivello.
You do not strike me as a man that's heavily invested in the past but how would you say Mellows compares to your earlier work?
Well, the lyrics are actually portraying my past experiences and some of the most emotional moments I've lived. They talk about the extremes that follow addiction as well as overcoming it, both the pleasant and beautiful moments that you have when you are sky high and the also the brute and vicious price that you pay for it. Thus the words on the album also reflect some kind of acceptance towards the lawful perfection of the constructed universe.
Lucidity, fluidity, naturality and harmony is something that emits from you in person and also through your music. Is this a feeling you are trying to get across? Where does this inspiration come from: your travels, literature, philosophy, drugs...?
My inspiration comes first and foremost from music, I guess that was my first grownup addiction. I also think music is one of the best medium to communicate to others and that's why I use it to pass on information. But my inspiration comes from my experiences which I believe is the only thing that matters, or should matter to every individual. And what I learn from my experiences is the thing I mediate through my art. If I am able to make another person experience something similar as I did, for example my appreciation and gratitude towards nature. I don't need to tell that person to plant a tree or sort the garbage because she will automatically feel the urge to do it by herself.
To me, you are an art journeyman. Constantly moving and always interested in different aspects of art be it acting, directing, creating one-man-music, playing in bands, metal, modern progressive rock and so on. Why don't you stick to one thing? Does this variety of work and play distract or help you?
The reason for this, perhaps unsuitable need of mine, is basically to try to reach as many people as possible with my art. In a society that constantly bombards its people with undesirable information about how we should or shouldn't be I want to deliver a different message. I also want to give people the third option of just being. I try to do this through different medias suitable to each person's needs and by doing so I get rid of my own prejudice by embracing and understanding the complexity of modern human-beings. Also I'm gaining more experience points in the game of life.
- Birkir Fjalar
Find and follow Mar on Facebook Soundcloud Bandcamp
All encompassing Mar website Mar Makings
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