We caught up with the rising house star Addi Stefansson. Island Born, Austria Based producer just released his new five track EP Chapter IV and we decided to find out what inspires him and about the more intimate details behind the Chapter IV EP.

HMWL: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Chapter IV! How does it feel to have new music coming out, and what can we expect from this EP?

Addi Stefansson: Thank you for the congratulations! Releasing Chapter IV is both exciting and rewarding. The EP offers a unique blend of electronic genres, introspective themes, and my own vocals on some of the tracks, creating an immersive atmosphere. Expect a journey through ethereal soundscapes, reflective moods, and powerful beats, providing a captivating listening experience.

HMWL: Your music has been described as a unique blend of genres and influences. How do you approach creating music that defies traditional labels or categories?

Addi: To create genre-defying music, I focus on maintaining a curious and experimental mindset. By exploring diverse genres and influences, I can blend various elements to forge a unique sound. This approach entails breaking away from traditional norms and allowing creativity to flow freely. The aim is to produce music that connects with listeners and offers a refreshing, immersive experience that transcends conventional classifications.

HMWL: The new EP features five tracks: Don’t wake me up, Arrival, Extending an Olive Branch, Blue Cream, On my Own. Can you tell us a bit about the creative process behind these songs and what inspired them?

Addi: Of course! Each track on the new EP has its own unique story and inspiration, reflecting different aspects the creative process: 

“Don’t Wake Me Up”: Inspired by the desire to hold onto an extraordinary experience, this track combines lush pads, layered synths, delicate melodies, and trippy sound effects, creating a dreamy mood with my own vocal samples. 

“Arrival”: This song captures the energy of living between the mountains and urban life. It was inspired by a lengthy journey from Berlin to Innsbruck due to poor weather conditions, embodying the contrasts between natural beauty and city bustle. 

“Extending an Olive Branch”: An introspective piece that explores the complexities of human emotions, weaving together layered pads and a driving beat to evoke a contemplative and introspective atmosphere. 

“Blue Cream”: Showcasing my love for experimentation, this track fuses elements of house, breakbeat, and electro, resulting in an immersive, genre-defying experience that highlights the fusion of various electronic styles. 

“On My Own”: A genre-bending piece with a darker atmosphere, this song blends breaks, house beats, a guitar melody, and my own vocals to create a unique and immersive sound.

Addi: Each song emerged from distinct experiences and inspirations, allowing me to experiment with different sounds, styles, and emotions, ultimately shaping the EP.

HMWL: You recorded and produced Chapter IV in Berlin. How did the city influence your creative process, and what was it like working in that environment?

Addi: Creating Chapter IV in Berlin had a profound impact on me personally. The city’s dynamic music scene and diverse culture fueled my inspiration and encouraged me to explore new artistic avenues. This immersion in Berlin’s environment allowed me to grow as an artist, and the record’s sound and character now embody my personal experiences and connections forged in the city.

HMWL: Your EP includes your own vocal sampling and electric guitar playing. How did you decide to incorporate these elements into your music, and what do they add to the overall sound?

Addi: Incorporating my own vocal sampling and electric guitar into selected tracks on the EP aimed to create a personal and distinctive sound. These elements let me express emotions and ideas more directly, adding authenticity to my music. Where used, they enhance the overall sound with unique texture, depth, and versatility, reflecting my identity and experiences genuinely.

HMWL: The title of your EP, Chapter IV, suggests that it marks a new beginning or direction for you. Can you tell us more about what this chapter represents and how it influenced your music?

Addi: The title “Chapter IV” signifies a new beginning and direction in both my personal and musical journey. It represents a period of growth, embracing new challenges and opportunities, which inevitably influences my music. 

This chapter captures my experiences, emotions, and inspirations during a pivotal time in my life, reflecting the changes and evolution I’ve undergone as an artist. The music showcases my exploration of new styles and techniques, resulting in a more distinctive and personal sound that embodies this transformative phase.

HMWL: Your biography mentions that you draw inspiration from both natural and urban environments. How do these influences manifest in your music, and how do you balance the two?

Addi: Drawing inspiration from natural and urban environments, I create a unique blend of sonic elements in my music. Natural landscapes inspire organic textures and atmospheric soundscapes, while urban settings contribute driving beats and dynamic electronic elements. To balance these influences, I intertwine the organic and electronic, merging the serene and energetic, resulting in a harmonious fusion that conveys a deep appreciation for the world around me, capturing both natural wonder and urban vitality.

HMWL: You’re based in Innsbruck now, but you’re originally from Iceland. How has your background and upbringing influenced your music, if at all?

Addi: Growing up in Iceland was truly unique. The captivating landscapes, featuring glaciers, volcanoes, and the enchanting Northern Lights, has left a lasting impression on me. It wasn’t until I ventured away from home and spent time abroad that I recognized the profound connection to nature and the deep-rooted appreciation it instilled in me for the world’s beauty. The sense of isolation and serenity in Iceland also fostered self-reflection and creative exploration.

HMWL: You debuted as an electronic music artist in 2019. How do you feel you’ve evolved as an artist since then, and what have you learned along the way?

Addi: Since debuting in 2019, my sound has matured and diversified as I’ve explored new styles and techniques. This evolution has helped shape my musical identity. Key lessons I’ve learned include staying true to my creative vision, being open to new ideas, and continuously pushing my creative boundaries, all of which have guided my artistic journey.

HMWL: Finally, is there anything else you’d like your fans or potential listeners to know about you or your music and future plans for Addi Stefansson?

Addi: I’m dedicated to evolving as an artist and delivering authentic music that resonates with listeners.I have exciting projects and collaborations on the horizon, including upcoming EP releases. Thank you for the support and stay tuned for more from Addi Stefansson!