3 Questions: Ellen Kristjánsdóttir & John Grant

Ellen Kristjánsdóttir & John Grant

Let the fourth instalment of the 3 Questions series about interesting musical collaborations begin! We spoke to the renowned Icelandic icon Ellen Kristjánsdóttir and critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter John Grant about their unexpected, yet totally brilliant release Veldu Stjörnu.

This collaboration came about in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, when both of them were able to find time to bring this beautiful project to life. He agreed to this collaboration even though he wasn’t looking for a new project, because he was thrilled to get the chance to get to work with Ellen and her voice he calls so “refreshing and crisp”.

Veldu Stjörnu (e. Choose a Star) is a pop-folk song Ellen wrote herself a few years ago in Paris. It was originally in English and Bragi Valdimar Skúlason translated it to Icelandic. What’s notable is John sings in Icelandic on this track, which in his words was “an extremely humbling experience”. They’ve been asked her for an English version, but agreed it probably will not happen as it takes away from the magic of the Icelandic language.

You can watch our discussion with Ellen and John right below to learn more about the behind the scenes of the song!