Daníel Óliver has made a big impression in Iceland and abroad both as a musician and a professional model in recent years. We met up with Daníel Óliver and found more about the highly talented artist who has a lot of exciting projects on the horizon, with a new single coming out this month and a concert in London to name a few.
Tell us a little bit about your background?
“Well, my name is Daníel Óliver and I’m a musician (laughs). No, seriously, I was born in a town called Keflavík (in the southern part of the country) but was raised in Hafnarfjörður (an old town just south of Reykjavík). For the past years I’ve been singing a lot and performing and have published a few songs in Iceland.”
What is it about music that fascinates you?
“Music is a big part of my daily life. I listen a lot to music and think it has a big impact on my emotions.”
You’ve also made a name for yourself as a model.
“I’ve played parts in various TV commercials and was photographed for magazine spreads when I was younger. Now I just take pictures on Instagram and am quite satisfied with that at the moment (a big smile).”
What’s the biggest difference between being a musician and a model?
“A model needs to take good care of his or hers body just like the musician needs to take good care of his or her voice and be mentally stabled. I actually think that the two professions work very well together. In each instance you’re giving a lot of yourself in a very sincere way.”
Which of the two is more of an attraction for you?
“Music has and will always be closer to my heart.”
Now, what have you been up to in Sweden (as previously mentioned)?
“I moved to Sweden to put my music career in a bigger perspective and have fortunately fared well. The Swedes seem to have taken me with open arms and I really like it over there. It’s actually not that different from Iceland but there are things that are different both in a good and a bad way, but really nothing to moan about (laughs again).”
How did you end up performing at Gay Pride in Stockholm?
“I signed a contract with a big agency this year and have been meeting a lot a people in the industry. I think that the organizers of the pride festival were just excited to get me aboard and see what I had to offer.”
Is there a difference between Gay Pride in Reykjavík and Stockholm?
“Technically they’re very similar but in Sweden they seem to have more money to get foreign artists to come and perform and also manage to make gay pride a big media event, which is great because then they get a chance to drawn attention to the fight for human rights and make people stop and think.”
Tell us about the music you performed.
“One of the songs is written by me, the another one by an American. It’s pop, but with a hint of club music. You see I´m gradually getting absorbed by dance music. It’s just so fascinating.”
According to sources you made a good impression in Stockholm and there’s even talk of a contract with some top-notch names in the music industry. True or false?
“Can I say “no comment”. Let’s just leave it at that. At least for the moment (winks).”
No problem. But tell us why then you were recently spotted in Iceland?
“I haven’t focused on Iceland this year but the media here has written a lot about me – so I’m just glad that people are interested to know what I’m up to. But the plan is to get my new single, DJ Blow My Speakers, released in Iceland at the same time as in Sweden.” He adds that it´s scheduled to hit stores this September.
After that?
“I’m going to embark on a concert in London by the end of the month and am scheduled to appear on two TV programs that revolve around music and musicians. I’m sure it’s going to be a lot of fun (seems super excited)!”
Here’s a tough one, how do you picture yourself in a decade?
“Alive, hopefully!”
Any final words?
“Stay true to yourself and never give up. That’s how dreams come true.”
10 things we bet you didn’t know about Daníel Óliver
- Age: 26 years.
- Marital status: In a relationship.
- Pet: I really want a dog! Working on it.
- Hobbies (besides music): Cooking and surrounding myself with cozy atmosphere.
- Star sign: Scorpio.
- Idol: Britney Spears.
- Favorite song/record: To many to choose from.
- Best bite: Noodle Station, Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavík.
- Hidden talent: I can actually swing chains with fire on the ends, which I think is really cool come to think of it!
- Philosophy: I always try to do better than the day before.
A song from the new single, DJ Blow My Speakers, which is getting released this month:
