There’s a lot to discover in KRISTRÚN’s immersive and icy electronica. You see, the Icelandic talent has embarked on an exciting artistic journey, one that takes her through glitchy tones, abstract fabric and hyper-pop-flavoured vocals. Electrifying and mysterious, ‘Covet’ is the perfect evidence of KRISTRÚN’s breaking force, especially when it comes to the balance between vocals, songwriting prowess and sound design.
The talented songstress wraps the listeners in luscious, leftfield melodies, while delving into human consciousness and collective fragility. Her voice is evocative, malleable and just so elegant. A perfect fit for the project’s sonic livery, delivered through cold, robotic tones and digital textures. Overall, ‘Covet’ is an EP that’s worth your time.
Intrigued by KRISTRÚN’s fierce identity, we caught up with her to find out more about her creative universe… interview below!
Hey KRISTRÙN, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
Hi I’m doing good thanks, how are you doing? Well, my go-to description is that I make dark electronic music for star-crossed lovers. I try to combine flowing melodies with explosive soundscapes. I’m back in Iceland now but when I was based in Liverpool, UK, I started developing a passion for underground dance music and wanted to work on an inspired, futuristic sound. Sonically, I guess I draw from elements of trip-hop, industrial, and avant-garde.
Let’s jump right in; I am currently listening to ‘Covet’, your latest EP. Pretty unique and peculiar, the record embodies icy electronica and sharp, anthemic sound design. What were your main influences when making the EP?
The initial spark was during Covid lockdown, I was watching a show where the word Covet was used. I quite liked the word itself and I started reading about the history of the word, definitions etc. I felt it sparked something in me and I spent the next few weeks coming up with a few song lyric drafts: focusing on envy, jealousy, love, and heartbreak. As time went on I decided to create a short album with this concept in mind. During that same period, I was also listening to Chelsea Wolfe, SOPHIE, BANKS, Nine Inch Nails and Portishead on repeat. My album is definitely inspired by these great artists.
You are clearly a very talented singer too. What’s the relationship between your production prowess and singing skills? Do you give vocals priority, and then build a sonic landscape around them?
Thank you! I am originally a singer, the interest in production came later on. I definitely give vocals a priority as they are both my main instrument and inspiration. My songwriting process, however, usually starts with a synth or a bass sound. Sometimes I add in a simple drum beat next but sometimes I get straight into toplining a melody on top. I usually figure out a ballpark melody and then get into the lyrics. The next stage, which is my favourite one, is vocal harmonies. I like recording blocks of dissonant harmonies and then using plugins like SoundToys to manipulate and/or change the sounds.
Lyrically, ‘Covet’ is nuanced and rather dark. Can we consider it personal experience or more of a general exploration of human consciousness?
The theme of the album is definitely a bit dark with the main emotions being heartbreak, envy, jealousy and loneliness. These feelings can be the ugliest and strongest feelings a person can have; they can completely change their way of thinking. That is why I thought it was so fascinating to dive into them, endless inspiration. Yes of course some personal experience is found in the lyrics but it’s also a topic you take some artistic licensing from classic literature, poetry and pop culture.
As a female producer, did you encounter any obstacles in learning the craft? Can you share your educational experience with us?
I have a BA in Music and it was during my studies that we took production and it was like a new world opened up for me. At first maybe when I started releasing my songs, I found that people didn’t initially think that I had produced my music as I had the identity of being the singer. Maybe it also took a little while for me to look at myself as one as my identity all my life had been ‘a singer’. But I have been so incredibly lucky to have had great mentors and people around me who have supported me along the way.
If you were to give a piece of advice to a fellow female artist just starting out now, what would that be?
Listen to your instinct. You know what is right for you by listening to your instincts. Whether it be about what direction to take your songwriting in, how you write songs, or how you choose to market yourself and your music, if it feels right in your gut then that’s what matters. It’s so important to stay true to yourself because then you will be able to be proud of your work and yourself.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
I do enjoy writing music alone. For me, it feels therapeutic to be able to sit and let inspiration take me places. However, I have co-written songs before and it is a lot of fun too. I feel like the vibe is different because everyone will bring their skill set to the table and amazing things can happen.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I’ve put into Covet. I have learned so much about myself as a writer, producer and artist and I am extremely excited for future adventures. I will be having fun sharing this EP in a live setting for the next few months but also maybe cooking something new and exciting in the background.
