Jón Þór Birgisson, known as Jónsi, gained international recognition as the lead singer and guitarist of Sigur Rós, an Icelandic band formed in 1994 in Reykjavík. Known for his falsetto and his use of a cello bow on the guitar, he has become one of the most distinctive voices in post-rock. Alongside the band, he has developed a solo career that spans experimental pop, ambient music, and soundtracks.
In 2009, he released Riceboy Sleeps in collaboration with American musician and producer Alex Somers, his partner at the time. Released under the name Jónsi & Alex, the project explores ambient textures and delicate arrangements. The collaboration continued with Lost and Found, released in 2019.
His solo debut came in 2010 with Go, released by XL Recordings, on which he paired his voice with brighter songs and orchestral arrangements. Ten years later, he released Shiver, produced in collaboration with A. G. Cook. Characterized by its exploration of electronic music, the album features guest appearances by Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins on “Cannibal,” and Swedish singer Robyn on “Salt Licorice.”
In 2021, Jónsi released Obsidian, a more environmentally oriented work, conceived in parallel with an art installation of the same name. Inspired by the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Fagradalsfjall, the album expands on the relationship between his musical experiences and the visual arts.
In 2024, he released First Light, an instrumental album originally conceived as music for a video game, released by Myndstream in partnership with Lakeshore Records. The following year, he collaborated again with Alex Somers on the soundtrack for the film Rental Family, known in Brazil as Família de Aluguel.
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