Ólafur Arnalds

Showreels

Ólafur Arnalds Tiny Desk Concert At Home

Biography

Ólafur Arnalds is a multi-instrumentalist and composer - internationally known for his haunting musical style. He captivatingly combines elements of ambient, classical, electronic, pop and rock music. His recent album “re:member” (2018) follows the success of his innovative musical project Island Songs (2016). “re:member” features Ólafur’s new software, Stratus, which transforms the humble piano into a unique new instrument.

Ólafur has been praised for his extensive soundtrack work, including composing the score for ITV’s Broadchurch, for which he won the 2014 BAFTA for Best Original Music. He has been involved in various other media projects and his music appears in many films, television shows and advertisements.

Together with Barði Jóhannson (Bang Gang), Ólafur composed music for “Dyad 1909”, a Random Dance/Wayne McGregor project. This music was released as an album in 2009.

Furthermore, Arnalds formed the experimental techno project “Kiasmos” together with Janus Rasmussen. They have released two albums so far: “Blurred” (2017) and “Kiasmos” (2014).

(Photo: Benjamin Hardman)

Placements

News

  • Kiasmos return with new EP + live dates

    Kiasmos return with new EP + live dates

    9th april 2024

    Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds and Faroese musician Janus Rasmussen aka Kiasmos return with their first new music since 2017, dropping a three-track EP entitled ‘Flown’ today via Erased Tapes. Alongside the EP, they announce live dates throughout the summer.

  • 2024 Wise Music Group Grammy Nominations

    2024 Wise Music Group Grammy Nominations

    13th november 2023

    The nominations for all 94 Grammy Awards categories have been announced - including Ólafur Arnalds!

  • Wise Music Group Renews Worldwide Publishing Deal with Ólafur Arnalds

    Wise Music Group Renews Worldwide Publishing Deal with Ólafur Arnalds

    25th maj 2023

    Wise Music Group is delighted to announce that the Icelandic composer, producer and multi- instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds has renewed his publishing agreement with Berlin-based Bosworth Music GmbH.

  • 2020 Highlights-playlist

    2020 Highlights-playlist

    23rd december 2020

    2020 Highlights: Releases from Wise Music The year is coming to an end, and we have collected the highlights from this year's music releases in a Spotify playlist. The wrap-up includes a Wiz Khalifa feature and the stunning new album from...

  • Ólafur Arnalds releases new album

    Ólafur Arnalds releases new album

    6th november 2020

    'some kind of peace' album out now Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and composer Ólafur Arnalds has today released his new album, some kind of peace, on Mercury KX. The album is a vulnerable and daring exploration on what it means to be...