Magnús Jóhann is a Reykjavík-based musician, composer, arranger, and producer whose work moves fluidly across jazz, ambient, neoclassical, electronic, film, and pop music. Over the past decade he has collaborated with artists including GDRN, Moses Hightower, ADHD, Skúli Sverrisson, and Ólafur Arnalds while developing a distinct creative voice of his own. Alongside his work as a performer and composer, he is also a cultural entrepreneur, co-founding State of the Art, a festival dedicated to unexpected encounters between genres, audiences, and artistic disciplines. In this episode, Michael and Magnús explore the role of play, curiosity, and experimentation in creative practice. Their conversation begins with Magnús’s recent concert with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, where he simultaneously served as composer, arranger, and soloist, premiering a new work, somewhat ironically titled Very Serious Music. What begins as a discussion about orchestration and performance quickly expands into a broader reflection on artistic identity, humor, and the ways titles, labels, and expectations shape how audiences experience music. They also explore Magnús’s musical journey from jazz student to genre-defying composer, including the formative influence of Skúli Sverrisson, the making of his album Without Listening, and his fascination with the creative possibilities that emerge at the boundaries between genres. In addition to mixing genres, Magnús mixes instruments on stage in the style of Nils Frahm. The conversation turns to his growing relationship with the rare Ondes Martenot, an early electronic instrument whose expressive possibilities continue to inspire new artistic directions. Finally, Michael and Magnús discuss State of the Art and the challenge of creating cultural platforms that encourage audiences to step outside familiar boundaries. Along the way, Magnús reflects on collaboration, improvisation, and why some of the most interesting creative work happens when people are willing to embrace surprise. He also promises that his upcoming 30th birthday concert will be clearly titled—while remaining just as playful. (This will make sense to you once you listen!)
