Einar Vilberg Interview
By Staff Writer: Frank Cotolo.

Ice hot rock from afar with common musical roots

Growing up in Iceland is something few of us in the U.S. know about. Tell us how your early musical influences came to you there.

EV: I suppose growing up in a small town like Reykjavik, Iceland, is not so different from anywhere else in the western world; you know, playing cowboys and Indians and listening to the radio, among other things. We have a U.S. navy base in Iceland and the kids tuned in and listened to all the old rock and roll heroes like Elvis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino. And we even listened to pop singers like Dean Martin. God blessed his liver. We also had the opportunity to listen to Radio Luxembourg and Radio Caroline and they played the British faction of the music revolution when that came about. It made us all go crazy.

Who, specifically, encouraged you to pick up a guiar and play?

EV: My grandmother bought me an acoustic guitar when I was about 12 years old. But I know she did not intend for me to spend all that time finding out how it worked. She intended for me to be a scholar of some kind, preferably an M.D. Little did she know.

You began writing songs in your early teens. Tell us about the initial experience writing songs and how you have developed at the process over the years.

EV: I think, first, it has to do with the fact that I was not good enough to imitate my idols Secondly, I have always had this urge to create something. The process of songwriting is the same now, but as I grow older I'm more critical of my work.

You went to London to cut your first album. How did that come about?

EV: I was playing some of my songs at a party one night. At 1969 things just sort of happened out of the blue. A friend of mine with money decided on the spot we should go to London and record a few songs. Two days later, after one rehearsal, we where walking down Regent Street looking for a studio. We had not bothered to book one before we took off. We saw a sign that read Regent Studios. "Why not?" we said. So we went inside and booked eight hours, did four songs, got drunk afterwards and went home. Accidentally, one of those songs is still alive and kicking. It has been recorded by various artists through the years and in an original score that was used in a documentary film that recently opened in Iceland.

In your home country you have made a major impact on pop music. How did you get involved with major Icelandic acts?

EV: I don't know about the impact but I was hot for a few years. During the Starlight Project about 15 of the top musicians in Iceland sort of drifted into the studio and wanted to be a part of the experience; some where bought in and some came freely. You know the deal.

When you record, how do you go about producing the tracks?

EV: I always have a strong feeling how the songs are supposed to be played. But as you know, when different musicians get together it becomes a cooperation. Still, at the end of the day it's my call, most of the time, so I think I am considered hardheaded SOB among some of the people I worked with. You know, it's my music so it’s my decision that matters most.

If you could pick and choose a few musicians to play with you on future recordings, who would they be?

EV: There are so many great musicians in the world, but I would not mind a session with J.J. Cale.

Experimentation in pop music used to be a natural progression. Then, as artists grew older they became more and more interested in their roots. With age, do you feel experimentation or the roots of your music will prevail?

EV: Recently, through my son-in-law, who is, by the way, Mr. DJ Rampage, a hip hop guru in Iceland, I was asked to play some bass on a hip hop recording. To my surprise I really liked it when I listened to the CD. Some cool stuff is going on in that genre. On the other hand I'm looking back searching for the guy (me) who was playing blues music in 1966. So I think it works in all directions if you keep an open mind.

Do you see yourself doing music for any other mediums in the future?

EV: I'm open for almost any experience; but no jingles for me. No jingles ever!

What is the one thing about your music that is personal and intimate?

EV: I'm hoping that I'm sincere in what I'm doing. Most of my music is very personal and intimate. I think when you are writing songs, you relay on your memories, experience, dreams and reality. In short, everything you've heard and seen.

END

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The Best of Einar Vilberg
Einar Vilberg
Distriburted Exclusivly at Peacework Music Network

After looking for a couple International artists over the course of a few months we picked Einar because he had a long history of music success dating back to the late 60's and early '70's and his musicial contributions over seas needed to be read about in the United States. Einar became a wonderful addition to the website within weeks of his addition. Fans and friends have flocked to his pages to check for updates on when and if he will return to his earlier glory. He is currently playing guitar with his son-n-law who is fast becoming one of the top DJ's in Iceland.

Click the song title to listen to a music sample, click the CD cover to order.

 /  Facing The World /  Words Can't Tell /  Take Me Home / 
 /  I Love You For A Reason /  Doctor Can't You / 
 /  Dark Shadows /  For You /  Just Want To Be Me / 
 / I'm Not All Bad /  Music Is My Light /  Boogie /  Starlight / 
 /  Perfect Charlie /  Gypsy Queen /  Freedom For My Loving / 
 / My Lucky Day /  Sensitive Kind /