Músíktilraunir, which might be translated as "Music experiments", is an annual event in Reykjavik, where up and coming bands compete, the winning band wins free recording sessions and is usually picked up by some local label soon afterwards. Some gain international fame of sorts, the 2005 winners f.e. are now touring with Kaiser Chiefs.In 1996 Stjörnukisi, or Starcat, won the Music Experiments. They released a 10" vinyl album that same year, and an EP the following year, named Geislaveisla. 2001 saw the release of a full-lenght album called Góðar Stundir. As far as I know the band never got a record deal and they released all this on their own. Their music was rather harsh and uncompromising and the band gained some following but never actually became popular. Harsh drum machines were overlayed with sampling and the occasional loud guitar, and dark but stoic vocals.
Úlfur Chaka Karlsson, the bands singer, battled leukemia for many years. Lately this disease reared it's ugly head after a period of inactivity, and on september 6th his friends held a grand concert in Reykjavik in support of him and his family. All the bands who played were related to him in some way, they'd shared practicing space, or included his friends, and all gladly played for free, and a decent sum was raised. During the concert, whom Úlfur could only watch live on the internet in his hospital room, it was announced that he'd married his long time girlfriend that same day. Overall it was a joyous and hopeful occasion, if somewhat mingled with fear of what might happen.
Two weeeks ago, just three days after the concert, Úlfur Chaka passed away. He was only 31 years old. May he rest in peace.
Stjörnukisi - Reykeitrun
Úlfur's former bandmates are now in a band called Bacon Live Support Unit.
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