Lay Low is the alter-ego/stage-name of Iceland’s lovely Lovísa Elísabet Sigrúnardóttir – lovely for many reasons, not least because she took the time out of her busy schedule to speak to Nordic Vibes. On a rare few days off at home following her appearance at the By:Larm festival and ahead of her solo show at the Nordic Delight festival in Utrecht on Saturday (and in between those mundane chores like house cleaning), Lay Low shared a few tales of life on tour and some exciting news of the new album!

Nordic Vibes: You’ve had a busy start to the year – how was touring the UK?

Lay Low: It has been a great start to the year 2013. I feel it’s always nice to have things start off quickly after the decadent holiday season where indulging myself is the main task. So starting off with a few concerts at a rather small local bar with Of Monsters and Men was a good way to get the blood pumping. Then, the tour with Daughterin the UK was also great and a very interesting experience. We played in churches most of the time which suited me since I was playing solo. And we (me and my very nice manager Mr Gis Von Ice) drove up and down the country through all sorts of weather. It was great!

Can you tell us about your preferred tour set-up – solo or with a band?

I have been touring with a band through the years. But last year I was doing a lot of support and touring with other bands, so money-wise playing it down was a better choice for me. I like having the option of doing both, solo and band. It’s a different vibe, so it keeps me alert when I change it up.

Your first album came about after you took the initiative and approached a local label. Do you still like to have a big input into that side of things?

I’m not signed to any label at the moment. I’ve been thinking and talking and wondering about these things. Not sure where I’ll land my next album, but I’m pretty sure it’s going to go well. There are so many options on how to release albums these days… exciting!

We are eagerly waiting news of your fourth album – do you know when it might be out?

I’m hoping to have the album ready for you in the autumn. So these days I’m finishing off songs between playing and hope to start recording in April. Also, we are planning a very exciting and special event/release happening in the spring. Hope I can announce that soon. 🙂

Do you have any Nordic festivals or musical tips to recommend?

I would really recommend visiting one of Iceland’s music festivals. There’s Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavik, and Rauðusandur and Aldrei Fór ég Suður which are in very beautiful places up in the west of Iceland. Very cosy and friendly festivals, good music and great Icelandic experiences.

And, of course, you’ll be in town soon for Utrecht’s own Nordic Delight festival – any thoughts on this?

I’ve been very fortunate to be able to play in Belgium and Holland quite a few times when touring with Emiliana Torrini and Of Monsters and Men. I wouldn’t want to miss out playing this part of Europe!

Lay Low plays 4.30 pm at the Nordic Delight festival on 2 March (see timetable here).