Welcome to Echo System: Words & Music, where we dive deeper into the sounds and conversations we have with artists during our adventures around the world.

In this episode, we go back to Iceland in June 2023, where Ólafur Arnalds gave us rare access to his studio for a chat and very intimate performance, before his incredible Cercle show at Hafursey in the South of the country.

You may have heard parts of this encounter in episode 2, but this was such a unique experience for us that we had to share the full thing with you! So sit back, put your headphones on and treat your ears to an extended version of Ólafur Arnalds playing his favourite instruments at talking about life in Iceland.

Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producer: Marcelo Velit.

We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re in sunny Geneva for a groovy performance in front of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

In this episode we uncover the true identity of this city surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, beyond its reputation for wealth and luxury. A place rich with culture, history and creativity.

You’ll meet a local archaeologist and an art historian, explore Geneva’s heritage through 2000 years of history and discover how radical events in the 16th century transformed this city forever. You’ll also learn about Switzerland’s unconventional political system; understand how squat culture changed the artistic, social and political landscape of Geneva in the 80s and 90s; hear about social struggle in overlooked suburban neighbourhoods; and move to cutting edge sounds influenced by global scenes, in one of the most ethnically diverse places in Europe.

Local guide: Luca Ciuclea. Contributors: Timothy Ponitz (archaeologist), Quentin (manager of Bongo Joe record shop), Sophia (local resident in Le Bain Des Paquis neigbourhood), Rolv.K (producer & DJ), Pekodjinn (producer & DJ), Neil (booker at La Gravière club), Chien Bleu (rapper and tatoo artist), Titouan (student in political science), Ambre (art historian). Music by Pekodjinn, Alice, Hyperculte, Rolv.K and Chien Bleu.

Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.

We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re in Iceland for a special performance in a remote location, at a time of year when the sun never sets…

In this episode, we go beyond this country's beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, Northern Lights and everything else it's well known for. We're going deep by exploring Icelandic arts, tradition, history and technology.

You’ll get rare access to Ólafur Arnalds’ music studio; hear stories of Norse and Viking settlers who arrived here over 1000 years ago; meet an intriguing composer and craftsman living in an isolated corner of the island. You’ll also discover how people power changed politics in the country; journey deep into the earth to visit the heart of a volcano, and learn about harnessing its power to create sustainable energy.

Local guide: Ívar Pétur Kjartansson. Contributors: Anna Dröfn Ágústssdóttir (historian), Ólafur Arnalds (artist and composer), Bergur Þorgeirsson (leading scholar on Snorri Sturluson and Icelandic sagas), Heiða Kristín Helgadóttir (former campaign manager for The Best Party), Steinar Berg (founder of Steinar Records and Rock'n Troll Café), Laufey Guðmundsdóttir (Director of the exhibition at Hellisheiði geothermal powerplant), Ásta and Filip (farmers), Páll á Húsafelli (artist and composer). Music by Ólafur Arnalds, Páll á Húsafelli, Stuðmenn, Spilverk and Mezzoforte.

Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.

We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.