Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir
Icelandic musician (born 1989)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir (born 6 May 1989) is an Icelandic musician. She originally performed solo, under the name Songbird. She is the co-lead vocalist and guitarist of the Icelandic indie folk band Of Monsters and Men. In 2023, she released her debut solo album, titled How to Start a Garden.
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Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir | |
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Nanna performing in 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Songbird |
| Born | 6 May 1989 Garður, Iceland |
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| Years active | 2010–present |
| Member of | Of Monsters and Men |
Biography
Nanna was raised in Garður, a town in southwestern Iceland.[1] She attended music school as a child and prior to the formation of the group Of Monsters and Men, she had a solo musical project called Songbird. She wrote and performed music on open mic nights around Reykjavík and was a video store clerk.[2][3]
Of Monsters and Men
Following her Songbird phase, Nanna recruited five musicians who eventually became Of Monsters and Men in 2010.[3] After a week of working together, they won the annual music competition Músíktilraunir.[3]
They released their debut studio album, My Head Is an Animal, in late 2011. It charted in multiple regions, and the band gained popularity worldwide.[4] After the Seattle radio station KEXP broadcast a performance from bandmate Ragnar Þórhallsson's living room, the band went viral.[1]
Solo work
On 13 January 2023,[5] she released the single "Godzilla" under the name Nanna, followed by a second single, "Crybaby", on 22 February,[6] and the announcement of a solo album entitled How to Start a Garden, which came out on 5 May 2023. On 5 April, she issued a third single, "Disaster Master".[7] Nanna wrote most of How to Start a Garden in a cabin outside Reykjavík. About the project, Riff Magazine stated, "she captures a magnificent soundscape—rich, warm and subtle—that feels solemn and full."[8]
In July 2023, Nanna performed at the Newport Folk Festival, a performance that according to Rhode Island Magazine "offered a more slowed-take on the dreamy Icelandic vibe."[9]
Influences
Nanna cites some of her favorite musicians/influences as Gayngs, Lianne La Havas, Arcade Fire, Feist, and Justin Vernon, of the alt-folk band Bon Iver.[10][11][12]
Discography
with Of Monsters and Men
- My Head Is an Animal (2011)
- Beneath the Skin (2015)
- Fever Dream (2019)
- All is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade (2025)
Solo
- How to Start a Garden (2023)