Hi! Can you tell us about the formation of Chernobyl Jazz Club and how the band came together for its current lineup?
Gummi guitarist had been trying to put together a band for quite some time and had rehearsal space where he got some people together. Hreidar and Elli decided to give this a try. Next few rehearsals Gummi, Elli and Hreidar tried out singers and guitarists but no one was a good fit. Elli called Siggi and asked him to try out as they knew each other from back in the day. Siggi was a perfect fit!
We had been jamming without a singer and writing songs, but in order to take the next step we had to find a singer. Elli remembered hearing about Amalía and hearing Black Desert Sun Music on Youtube and was sure that her voice would fit our music. Amalía tried out and fitted well into the band musically.
After recording the album and playing few gigs Gummi left the band without a warning, so CJC is a 4 piece now with Siggi taking over all the guitars.
What was the inspiration behind the album title “Grìmulaust” and how does it reflect the music and themes explored in the songs?
The inspiration was that picture that Elli took in Chornobyl and the fact that people had to wear masks during covid. The title could also be because we as a band took of our masks, not trying to invent the wheel all over again and just write a play music that we enjoy, everything was allowed, no rules and rock cliches welcome! so the title became “Without Mask” (Grímulaust).
“Jazzklúbburinn” was inspired by a trip to Chernobyl. How did this experience influence the sound and lyrical content of the song?
The song is intense as are the lyrics. For Elli this trip was an eye opener to how life can change in an instance, without a warning. The lyrics reflect on how one day you are minding your own business, going to work without knowing you are not coming back and nothing will be the same.
“Langar” explores the desire for intimacy and touch after a long time in quarantine. How did the band capture this sentiment in the music?
We had this song but needed lyrics with passion so when we mixed these two ingredients together we had this song that captured it perfectly with driving music but a little sad lyrics. Like black and white coming together.
“Sumarið er allt of stutt” aims to provide uplifting lyrics compared to the other songs on the album. How did you strike a balance between lighter themes and the darker stories in the other tracks?
Like with “Langar” we try to make the music darker when the lyrics are uplifting, this song is mostly in 3/4 and talking about will the summer ever come (We are used to cold and bad summers in Iceland) We try to keep the balance with the sound of the songs, the songs on the album have the same song so that is our this red line through the album.
“Instarass” tackles the topic of social media influencer culture. Can you elaborate on the message behind the song and how it relates to modern society?
People are so busy living their lives in a lie. We all get old, we all make mistakes and trying all the time showing the world how perfect you are is all a lie. People have to stop living these fake lives and start living in the NOW.
“Morð” tells the story of an old murder case in Iceland. How did you approach translating this narrative into musical form?
As the lyrics are very dark we made the music very slow and heavy to capture the feel of the lyrics with Amalía screaming MORÐ (Murder) in the chorus.
“Ruðvalgur” explores depression and stress. How did you convey these emotions musically and lyrically?
It comes naturally for us. 50% of the band suffers from these diseases.
“Svarta úti skrímslið” depicts a person struggling with alcohol and ending up in a blackout. How did you capture the atmosphere and emotions surrounding this theme?
The drinking culture in Iceland have been like this for years, we are behind in the drinking culture compared to many European countries. We drink to get drunk. Often ending in blackouts. We are getting better with this though now! This punk song seemed perfect for this theme.
Can you discuss the recording process for “Grìmulaust”? How did working with Einar Vilberg at studio Hljóðverk shape the album’s sound?
Working with Einar was easy. He is an easy going guy. We had heard some of his previous work and after talking to him we knew that he understood in what direction we wanted to go and his sound would be good for our music.
How would you describe the overall musical style and genre of Chernobyl Jazz Club, and how does it manifest on this album?
The overall genre would be metal but we like to mix it with grunge, punk and even pop. We like to keep things simple and do whatever we like.
What were some of the biggest challenges or highlights during the recording and production of “Grìmulaust”?
We came into the studio well prepared so the recordings ran smoothly. The highlight was to hear the songs in good quality with Amalías voice.
How does the addition of singer Amalía from Black Desert Sun influence the band’s sound and dynamics?
She has an amazing vocal range so she usually tackles whatever we throw at her musically. She has many ideas herself and adds a good dynamic to the band, we probably got a little more dark after she arrived.
Can you share any memorable moments or stories from the jam session that solidified Amalía as the perfect fit for Chernobyl Jazz Club?
It would probably be the first 2 sessions with us as she completely nailed the songs with her amazing vocal range. Leaving us stunned and happy, hearing the songs with vocals. Her humor also fits perfectly as we intend to have a sarcastic black humor.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for promoting “Grìmulaust”? Do you have any upcoming shows or tours in support of the album?
We are doing some interviews and have been playing here in Iceland. The dream is to play abroad someday. There is no tour planned but probably we will play some concerts during the fall.
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