Face to Face: Jónsi

Sigur Ros front man Jon "Jonsi" Thor Birgisson just released his first solo album, Go. Co-produced by Jonsi, Alex Somers and Peter Katis (The National, Interpol), mixed by Tom Elmhirst in London, and recorded in Iceland and Connecticut, the album also features arrangements and piano playing by acclaimed composer Nico Muhly and drumming by Samuli Kosminen. Repeatedly referred to as a more "joyous" affair than Sigur Ros' often somber -- but always beautiful -- output, Go features Jonsi's unmistakable vocals throughout, with the majority of the songs sung in English.

We recently chatted with Jonsi about making his "music babies," the freedom that came with recording a solo album, and why he doesn't think he'd be a musician if he weren't gay:

Go is now available in stores and on iTunes. For more info, including a full list of tour dates, visit Jonsi's official website.

-- NOAH MICHELSON

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