Icelandic performer, Skadi has released a new single and video entitled ‘Vaccum of the Heart’ which deals with the themes of sex, love and intimacy within the context of masculinity and manhood.
GayIceland sits down with the multi-media artist and performer to discuss the new video, collaboration with a community of musicians and her musical influences.
Watching Skadi’s new video, atmospheric electronic music soundtracks a story of lust and desire, but also one that shows two men embrace each other and give themselves over to the moment.
When asked about the concept of ‘Vaccum of the Heart’, Skadi comments: “The song is basically about falling in love with a one night stand, where both parties agree on falling in love even though they know it’s going to be over tomorrow but you still allow yourself to be completely consumed by that moment.”
There’s no mistaking that the love scenes in the video don’t follow the usual ‘wham bam thank you mam’ (or man) portrayal of sexuality usually found in music videos, the scene is much more intimate. “I find there is a lack of intimacy within manhood,” explains Skadi. “What we wanted to do was show the intimacy in sex. I wanted to contribute that to the void in our culture of intimacy between men.
“What we wanted to do was show the intimacy in sex. I wanted to contribute that to the void in our culture of intimacy between men.”
There is a personal reason for me doing this, as with all the art I do. I was facing my own fear, from all the time spent in the closet and at the same time, saying goodbye to manhood and stepping into womanhood.”
Being a queer performer can be seen as niche by certain venues and crowds, but Skadi saysthat while crowds in queer friendly venues are more likely to appreciate her music, she will play anywhere. “People who will come to a queer place are more likely to dig what I’m doing and dig who I am. Even though I’m a music act, its a little bit more than that. Its also my personality that I bring to the stage.
But I play any fucking stage if that’s the question, I will show up at most venues, but I’m not sure if I would show up at the Icelandic neo nazi party, I’m not sure they would ask me play anyway.”
The way she says that reveals a punk edge and a hint to subculture that I feel inclined to ask more about.
Talking about her musical influences, she quips: “My musical inspiration is so much all over the place, I could be counting band names for hours and hours.
“I will show up at most venues, but I’m not sure if I would show up at the Icelandic neo nazi party, I’m not sure they would ask me play anyway.”
Punk is my biggest influence, but not necessarily in the structure of the songs or the chord progression but in the do it yourself attitude, the joy of doing and creating your own thing.
Why do I create music? Why do I create art? There is something inside of me that propels me to do it.”
The name Skadi itself, the performer describes as a dedication to subculture, given her punk influences I ask if she thinks subculture is alive and well.
“Subculture is always going to exist, there’s always going to be someone who has not surfaced who is doing something interesting, who is doing something from a new perspective and sees things a little bit differently and will be able to communicate it.”
One of the pillars of punk culture or any subculture is forming a community of artists. Skadi’s new release features singer, KRIA who she met at a concert, before hanging out for hours making music and eating Thai food.
“I am musically in love with her, that’s how it is. I would highly recommend checking her stuff out”
Skadi is due to perform at Secret Solstice tonight, and says that she is “extremely happy about it”, given that it’s one of the biggest music festivals in Reykjavík. It’s clear to see why homegrown singer Skadi is excited, she’ll being sharing a bill at the four day long festival with musical giants Bonnie Tyler, Slayer, Clean Bandit and Stormzy.
When asked if she can reveal any secrets for her performance tonight on Sunday June 24th at the festivl, she says: “I do have something special planned but I’m not going to reveal it now. Well maybe a little bit, it has something to do with a collaboration with another artist.”
The video is produced and directed by Skaði Þórðardóttir and stars Atli Demantur and Deff Starr