Since the release of his debut album Eulogy for Evolution fifteen years ago, Ólafur Arnalds has become something of a mainstream success, earning placements in films like The Hunger Games and Looper and receiving a Grammy nomination for his 2020 song with Bonobo “Loom.” All of this may be surprising considering he makes instrumental, piano-based soundscapes that don’t exactly scream “mainstream.” But the emotion he’s able to convey through his music reaches a wide range of people who maybe wouldn’t necessarily gravitate towards instrumental music.

This summer he stopped by KEXP for an emotional performance that, according to his conversation with Cheryl Waters, is about being ready for love and opening your heart to the possibility of it. This performance, as well as prior KEXP performances by frequent Arnalds collaborator Nils Frahm and Icelandic icon Jonsi, are included in this week’s episode.

Recorded 06/09/2022.

1. Happiness Does Not Wait

2. Momentary

3. Saman

4. We Contain Multitudes

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