Singer-songwriter Örn Elías Guðmundsson is an Icelandic singer-songwriter better known as Mugison. He's done things his own way, and has enjoyed a pleasantly upward trajectory since the release of his first album, Lonely Mountain, in 2003. "That sold 70 copies," Mugison recalls, "but [his 2004 album, Mugimama Is This Monkey Music?] sold 10,000 copies, so there was a difference. It was very fortunate."

The Current was very fortunate to welcome Mugison to the Skúli Craft Bar in Reykjavik for a session hosted by Mark Wheat during Iceland Airwaves 2018. Mugison treated the audience to four songs, plus some highly entertaining stories — including a particularly funny one about trying to locate a guitar shop in Dublin.

In addition to writing, recording and performing his own music, Mugison also operates a music festival, no admission fee required, called Aldrei Fór ég Suður Festival. "It's very socially driven," Mugison explains. "Everybody works as a volunteer. All the musicians get the same pay, whether you're a 14-year-old garage band or the hottest act in town."

The festival lineup is also arranged so that acts that are very different sonically will play before and after one another. "You're exposed to different things," Mugison says. "I think it's a beautiful mix."

Use the audio player above to listen to the complete session with Mugison.

Songs Performed

"The Pathetic Anthem"
"I Want You"
"Tipzy King"
"Murr Murr"
Song 1 is from Mugison's 2008 album, Mugiboogie; songs 2 and 4 are from his 2004 release, Mugimama Is This Monkey Music?, available on 12 Tónar; and song 3 is from the 2016 album, Enjoy!, released on Mugison's own label.

Hosted by Mark Wheat
Produced by Lindsay Kimball
Engineered by Erik Stromstad
Web feature by Luke Taylor

External Link

Mugison - official site