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In his search for a pathway for musical expressions that know neither grids nor straight lines, Guðmundur Steinn Gunnarsson has had to incorporate digital screen scores or animated notation to express his inability to adapt to the convenient society. This often calls for working frequently with the same musicians, f.ex Fengjastrútur, Fersteinn and Steinalda. Once methods start to take shape they can travel into other types of ensembles and practices.
In his collaboration with the Slátur collective, Jaðarber concert series, Traktorinn Records etc. Guðmundur found like minded individuals to engage in radical experimentations, finding excuses and support to go further into uncomfortable places musically.
In addition to experiments with notation Guðmundur has experimented extensively with tuning/temperament and experimental or adjusted instruments and vocal performance. This has led to numerous collaborations with instrument builder/designer Halldór Úlfarsson (maker of the Halldorophone).
His interest in Icelandic folk song has fuelled his belief in life without barlines or equal distances and no-grid approach to music. In all his experiments the computer acts as an unlikely ally between the seemingly irrational and its realization.
His music has been heard in:
November Music, Time of Music, Music for People and Thingamajigs, Music21Niedersachsen, aDevantgarde, Transart, Transit, TENOR, Timisoara International Music Festival, MATA, Ultima, Reno Interdisciplinary Arts Festival, Nordlichter Biennale, Tectonics (Reykjavík, Glasgow, Athens) and ISSTC in Ireland where he was also keynote speaker
His music has been heard by:
Ensemble Adapter, Caput, Apartment House, l’Arsenale, Ensemble Crush, notabu.ensemble, Toyen fil og klafferi, Decibel Ensemble, Defun Ensemble, Dog Star Orchestra, BBC SSO, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Reykjavík Chamber Orchestra, Ligeti Quartet, Riot Ensemble, Siggi String Quartet, Zapolski Quartet, Nordic Affect, The Icelandic Flute Choir, Ilan Volkov, Roberto Durante, Timo Kinnunen and Markus Hohti.
He frequently collaborates with artists from other disciplines artists Sam T. Rees, Marina Rees, Birgir Sigurðsson, Berglind Jóna Hlynsdóttir and several others.
His teachers have included: Alvin Curran, Fred Frith, John Bischoff, Atli Ingólfsson, Úlfar Ingi Haraldsson, Hilmar Þórðarson and Hilmar Jensson. He studied at Mills College and Iceland Academy of the Arts.
