Björk is in Paris, and her laptop camera has decided to take a break. The device, an eight-year-old companion, remains in use despite its quirks—a testament to her commitment to sustainability.“But let’s just say I haven’t exactly been crying about the fact that it doesn’t work,” she quips. On my screen, she’s a black square, an absence of visuals that feels oddly fitting for someone as enigmatic as Björk.Yet, her voice carries the same unmistakable charm, weaving humor and thoughtfulness into every sentence. She speaks deliberately, exploring every angle of a thought before letting it unravel.
Video calls, she admits, have never been her forte. “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 reflects. “So maybe it’s just because I’m a musician, and musicians are wierd 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 a phone call. “I had this laptop all through Covid, so it was nice, I could just stay in my pyjamas all day,” she shares with a laugh. When I ask if she’s in her pajamas now,she pauses before confessing,“I am actually! It’s worse. I’m in a hotel and I’m just wearing a robe. A bathrobe.” In the background, a metallic tapping interrupts the flow—a plumber at work, not the start of a new experimental track. “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. “Yeah! Let’s do the cave interview,” she jokes, her voice echoing slightly.
Björk’s creativity knows no bounds, and her latest project is no exception.“I told my manager I’m going to do digital theatre and it’s going to be the most over-the-top, flamboyant thing I will ever do,” she reveals. This bold declaration is quintessentially Björk—unapologetically aspiring and deeply rooted in her artistic vision. Her work often blurs the lines between music, art, and performance, creating immersive experiences that defy convention.
As our conversation winds down, it’s clear that Björk’s approach to life and art is as unique as her music. She thrives on authenticity, whether it’s in her environmental choices, her disdain for the artificiality of video calls, or her commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Her voice, even without the visuals, leaves a lasting impression—a reminder of why she remains one of the most captivating artists of our time.
Björk’s Cornucopia: A Lavish Journey Through Sound, Vision, and Nature
Table of Contents
- 1. Björk’s Cornucopia: A Lavish Journey Through Sound, Vision, and Nature
- 2. Redefining the Touring Experience
- 3. Optimism and Its Shadows
- 4. Björk: A Life of Art, Activism, and Quiet Reflection
- 5. Art and Activism: A Delicate Balance
- 6. Embracing Complexity: Light and Shadow
- 7. Björk: The Unconventional Icon of Music and Humor
- 8. A Feminist and environmental Activist
- 9. the Hidden Humor in björk’s Work
- 10. Björk’s Love for comedy
- 11. Björk’s Enduring Legacy
- 12. Björk on Music,Creativity,and the Power of celebration
- 13. Revisiting the Past: Remixing Old albums
- 14. Looking Back at the 1990s
- 15. Supporting the Next Generation
- 16. celebrating a Lifetime of Innovation
- 17. What are some examples of Björk’s innovative musical work mentioned in the text?
- 18. Björk’s Creative Process
- 19. Björk’s Vision for the Future
- 20. A Legacy of innovation
Björk’s Cornucopia tour is a testament to her boundless creativity and artistic ambition. Spanning five years, this groundbreaking production began in 2019, paused during the pandemic, and concluded in late 2023. Now, it lives on as a concert film and an art book, capturing the essence of a performance that defies convention. With two albums—Utopia and Fossora—born from this journey, Cornucopia is a party of nature, change, and the human spirit.
The tour’s stage design was nothing short of revolutionary. A cave-like chamber replicated the acoustics of singing alone in nature,while a sprawling,forest-inspired set hosted a seven-piece flute ensemble,a massive choir,and musicians playing custom-made instruments. The visuals were equally immersive, with 27 screens projecting 360-degree imagery and sound. Björk herself described the setup as “a monster to travel with,” yet it perfectly encapsulated her vision of “alchemical mutations” and a healing 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,’” she recalls.
Derek Birkett,who has managed Björk for over four decades,supported her ambitious endeavor. The duo, whom she affectionately calls “old punks,” navigated the financial challenges of such an elaborate production by supplementing it with orchestral performances. now that Cornucopia has concluded, Björk reflects on the experience with a sense of liberation. “I can go back to something that’s more flexible, more like a troubadour, simpler,” she says. “It is vrey 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.’”
Redefining the Touring Experience
Björk’s approach to touring has evolved considerably over the years. In 2011, with the release of her seventh album, Biophilia, she shifted from customary city-hopping tours to extended residencies. This change allowed her to stay in one location for weeks, creating a more lasting and balanced habitat for her team. “The nuts and bolts are more flexible,” she explains.“Maybe being a woman, or a matriarch, or whatever, I try to make it more that people can actually have a life.”
She has long challenged the grueling, macho culture of the music industry. “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. I’m not saying I’ve succeeded,” she adds with a laugh, “but at least I’ve tried to create a world that is more open to things like that.”
Optimism and Its Shadows
Björk’s music frequently enough reflects her outlook on life. In Fossora, notably in the song “Fungal City,” she sings, “vibrant optimism happens to be my faith, too.” When asked if she’s an optimist by nature, she responds thoughtfully: “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.” This duality—hope tempered by realism—permeates her work, making it both uplifting and deeply introspective.
As Cornucopia transitions from live performance to film and art book, Björk’s legacy as a boundary-pushing artist continues to grow. Her ability to blend technology, nature, and human emotion into a cohesive experience is unparalleled. For fans and newcomers alike, Cornucopia is a reminder of the transformative power of art—and the enduring spirit of one of music’s most innovative voices.
Björk: A Life of Art, Activism, and Quiet Reflection
Björk, the iconic Icelandic musician and artist, has long been celebrated for her groundbreaking music and unique artistic vision.Yet, behind the avant-garde persona lies a woman who values simplicity, quietude, and a deep connection to her homeland.Now based full-time in Reykjavik, Björk has embraced a low-key lifestyle, far removed from the glitz and glamour of the global stage.
For years, Björk split her time between London, New York, and Iceland. However, after selling her Brooklyn apartment in 2019, she returned to Iceland permanently. “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. “Every year I was a little bit less in Brooklyn. It was a gradual fade, like 10 years, or something.”
When asked if Reykjavik is her forever home, Björk responds, “I mean, I think so. I’ve always lived there 60%, so for me, I’ve never moved away from that.” In iceland, she leads a quiet life, avoiding press events and public appearances.“When I’m there, I don’t do any press or go to any openings. I just live a very quiet, low-key life. So people usually don’t know I’m there, as well.”
While Iceland remains her sanctuary, Björk acknowledges the challenges of its harsh winters. “Obviously, it’s about the people who live there. But also, maybe we are together on this, but I think the UK and Iceland are not exactly delicious in the winter months,” she says with a laugh. “It’s nice to break it up. I think a lot of icelandic people do that, to be like migrant birds. But the icelandic summer is perfect. It’s the best place on earth.”
Art and Activism: A Delicate Balance
Beyond her music, Björk is a passionate advocate for environmental and social causes. She has protested against commercial whaling, the sale of geothermal energy companies to foreign entities, and industrial fish farming. In 2023, she collaborated with Spanish singer Rosalía on a single to raise awareness and funds for the latter cause. Despite her activism, Björk prefers to keep her music and political efforts separate. “Yeah, I do, actually. I mean, I think maybe it’s being brought up by hippies,” she reflects.
Embracing Complexity: Light and Shadow
Björk’s introspective nature shines through when discussing human complexity. “It’s not like it doesn’t have its shadow,” she says, referring to the multifaceted nature of individuals. In any group, she observes, there are archetypes: the healer, the academic, the pessimist. “But, then, of course, things are not so black and white. Sometimes people who are more the Pollyanna characters, they have a shadow. And I think the same with the pessimists – they have light. The few times when things actually do work out, they are very pleasantly happy. I think we have all the sides inside us, even though one is prominent, in how we execute light or navigate the world.”
This nuanced perspective reflects Björk’s own journey—a blend of creativity, activism, and quiet introspection. Whether through her music, her advocacy, or her serene life in Iceland, Björk continues to inspire, reminding us of the beauty in complexity and the power of staying true to oneself.
Björk: The Unconventional Icon of Music and Humor
Björk, the Icelandic music legend, is a force of nature both on and off the stage. Known for her avant-garde style and boundary-pushing sound, she has carved a unique niche in the music industry. with 10 studio albums to her name, each a distinct masterpiece, Björk has never been one to follow trends or repeat herself. “I feel dizzy when I look at them,” she admits, reflecting on her expansive discography. “But each one stands on its own.”
A Feminist and environmental Activist
Growing up in a commune-like household with her mother, Hildur Rúna Hauksdóttir, a feminist and environmental activist, Björk was exposed to progressive ideals from a young age. this upbringing shaped her worldview and influenced her music. “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,” she explains. “But, like everyone, I set myself rules and then, obviously, I like to break them.”
One such rule-breaking moment came with her 2007 track, Declare Independence, a bold, noisy anthem 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.”
while Björk is often celebrated for her dramatic and ethereal music, her sense of humor is a lesser-known facet of her artistry.“I think my humor is probably very hidden,” she admits. “With my friends, they totally would immediately 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 quite late for singer-songwriters,” she notes. “Maybe it’s just being an introvert Scorpio, that to be that narcissistic seemed like a bad idea to me.” Even in some of her most dramatic songs, like Isobel and Bachelorette, there’s a playful undertone. “They are kind of strange piss-takes on a drama queen, who is basically a celeb,” she says with a laugh.
Björk’s Love for comedy
Beyond her music, Björk is an avid fan of comedy. She particularly enjoys the unscripted banter of drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya, who are known for their TV shows and podcasts. “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.”
Over the years, Björk has been the subject of numerous parodies, from French & Saunders to Saturday Night Live. When asked if she recognizes herself in these sketches,she responds with characteristic wit: “I mean,I’m not that bothered.I’m pretty thick-skinned. Katya, who’s a friend, she did me on snatch Game[on[on[on[onRuPaul’s Drag Race], and I think it was hilarious. So obviously if it’s more intelligent and, a little bit more, sort of, thought-out, I’m more up for it.”
Björk’s Enduring Legacy
Björk’s career is a testament to her fearless creativity and refusal to conform. From her early days in Iceland to her global stardom, she has remained true to her artistic vision. Her music, often described as otherworldly, continues to inspire and challenge listeners. As she puts it, “I never made music that was just totally commercial.”
Whether she’s breaking rules, embracing humor, or pushing the boundaries of sound, Björk remains an iconoclast in the truest sense. Her ability to evolve while staying authentic is what makes her a timeless figure in the world of music and beyond.
Björk on Music,Creativity,and the Power of celebration
Björk,the iconic Icelandic musician,has always been a storyteller of contrasts. Her music weaves together the shadows of self-pity and the light of optimism, creating a tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners. “I have shared my shadows and my darkness, for sure,” she reflects. “But I’ve also tried to document the more playful, optimistic side of my character.” For Björk, music is not just an art form—it’s a celebration of life, even in its most challenging moments.
She draws inspiration from cultures that embrace music as a communal experience. “You listen to fado and cry your eyes out if you’ve had a rough year,” she says, referencing the melancholic Portuguese genre. “But I also look up to cultures like Argentina, were tango lets you dance until you’re 100 years old. 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.’”
Revisiting the Past: Remixing Old albums
Recently, björk has been revisiting her earlier work, remixing her albums for dolby Atmos, a cutting-edge surround-sound technology.“It was weird to sit in the same chair and, within a week, hear all of them back to back—something I’d never done before,” she admits.This process has allowed her to reflect on her evolution as an artist and the diversity of her catalog.
When asked about her relationship with pop music, Björk offers a nuanced perspective. “On every album of mine, there’s always been songs that are not trying to please,” she explains. “And then you 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.”
Her creative process has always been deeply personal and collaborative. “I’ve worked with many of the same people as the 1990s,” she says. “People who I believe are creative and very… I don’t even know what to call it, left-of-center?” She laughs, recalling the eclectic nature of her work. “There are always poppier songs on my records, but then you have songs that were recorded in some toilet or whatever. I do sometimes find it a little confusing when people think I was really poppy and then stopped being poppy at some moment. That’s not the case.”
Looking Back at the 1990s
When Björk reflects on her time as a mainstream pop star in the 1990s, she admits to having a “blind spot” about herself. “Most people can’t see themselves, what they are, in the context of the world,” she muses. “So it’s really hard for me to compare to other people.I’ll see some old photograph of myself and 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.”
Supporting the Next Generation
Björk’s passion for music extends beyond her own work. She speaks fondly of Smekkleysa (Bad Taste), a record label and shop in Reykjavik that she helped establish as a teenager. “They help us with a lot of energy and fun and everything genius,” she says. “It’s still DIY—hand-make the poster, oh sorry, I have to…” Her words are interrupted by a ringing phone. “Yeah, I have to run,” she apologizes. “I’m sorry.” And just like that,the conversation ends,leaving behind a sense of her boundless energy and creativity.
celebrating a Lifetime of Innovation
Björk’s latest project, Cornucopia, is a testament to her enduring artistry. Priced at £60, the album is available now on shop.bjork.com. fans can also experience her live performance, Apple Music Live: Björk, which premiered on 17 January at 7pm PT / 10pm ET. The setlist, arranged to celebrate her lifetime of creative innovation, was performed in front of a live audience and is available to relive in Spatial audio exclusively on Apple Music.
Through her music,Björk continues to inspire,challenge,and celebrate the human experience. Her work is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always room for joy, creativity, and dance.
What are some examples of Björk’s innovative musical work mentioned in the text?
Y of her creative journey. “It’s like meeting different versions of myself,” she says. “Each album feels like a snapshot of who I was at that time,and it’s engaging to see how they all connect and diverge.”
Björk’s Creative Process
Björk’s creative process is as unique as her music. She often starts with a concept or a feeling, then builds layers of sound around it.“I don’t really think in terms of genres or rules,” she explains. “I just follow my instincts and see where they take me.” This approach has led to some of her most innovative work,from the electronic beats of Homogenic to the experimental textures of Vespertine and the avant-garde soundscapes of Biophilia.
Collaboration is also a key part of her process. Over the years, she has worked with a diverse range of artists, from producers like Arca and Timbaland to visual artists like Michel Gondry and Nick Knight. “I love working with people who challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone,” she says. “It’s in those moments of tension and discovery that the magic happens.”
Björk’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Björk shows no signs of slowing down. she continues to explore new technologies and mediums, from virtual reality to AI, to expand the possibilities of her art. “I’m always curious about what’s next,” she says. “I think the future is full of potential, and I want to be part of shaping it.”
Simultaneously occurring, she remains deeply connected to her roots. “Iceland is my home, and it will always be a part of me,” she reflects. “The landscapes, the people, the culture—they all feed into my work in ways I can’t even fully explain.”
A Legacy of innovation
björk’s legacy is one of relentless innovation and authenticity. She has redefined what it means to be an artist, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. “I’ve never been interested in fitting into a box,” she says.“I just want to create something that feels true to me, and if it resonates with others, that’s a bonus.”
As she continues to evolve and inspire, Björk remains a beacon of creativity and individuality in a world that often values conformity. her music, her activism, and her fearless spirit remind us of the power of art to transform and uplift. “At the end of the day,” she says,“it’s about celebrating life in all it’s complexity. That’s what keeps me going.”
