Definition
Alex Somers is an American‑born Icelandic visual artist, composer, and musician, noted for his collaborative work with Jón Þór Birgisson (Jónsi) of Sigur Rós and for his contributions to ambient and experimental music projects.
Overview
Born on 26 May 1984 in Burlington, Vermont, United States, Somers relocated to Iceland in the early 2000s. He co‑founded the Reykjavík‑based design studio and record label Kitchen Motors and later worked as a visual artist and art director for the Reykjavík Art Museum. Somers is best known for his long‑standing artistic partnership with Jónsi, forming the duo Jónsi & Alex, which released the ambient album Riceboy Sleeps (2009) and its instrumental sequel Þú (2020). He has also released solo material under his own name and contributed to film and television soundtracks, including scores for the documentaries The Last Winter (2010) and The Blacklist (2021). In addition to music, Somers creates textile artworks, installations, and graphic designs, often incorporating natural motifs and a muted color palette.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Alex” is a diminutive of “Alexander,” derived from the Greek Alexandros meaning “defender of men.” “Somers” is an English surname originating from the Middle English term summer or the occupational name for a summer‑time worker; it does not bear relevance to the individual's professional identity.
Characteristics
- Musical Style: Somers’s compositions blend ambient, post‑rock, and experimental electronic elements, frequently employing layered synthesizers, field recordings, and minimalist piano motifs.
- Visual Art: His visual work emphasizes textile techniques, muted tonalities, and abstract representations of natural landscapes, often presented in installation formats that interact with ambient soundscapes.
- Collaboration: The partnership with Jónsi is characterized by a seamless integration of visual and auditory media, with Somers providing both musical arrangements and visual direction for live performances and music videos.
- Production Work: Somers has contributed production and mixing services to a range of Icelandic artists, including Sigur Rós, and has acted as an art director for album packaging and promotional materials.
Related Topics
- Jónsi & Alex (musical duo)
- Sigur Rós (Icelandic post‑rock band)
- Ambient music
- Icelandic contemporary art
- Kitchen Motors (record label and collective)