Line-up

Headliner
GusGus Last time in Istanbul: 8 years ago

Venue

Zorlu PSM 100% Studio

Levazim Mah. Koru Sok. No:2, 34340, Istanbul, Turkey

www.zorlupsm.com/tr

Capacity: 700

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GusGus biography

Initially started as a film and acting collective in 1995, GusGus is an electronic house music group from Reykjavik, Iceland.

Although GusGus has gone through a series of lineup changes, the group as a whole has endured since their inception in 1995. Combining a range of different genres and ideas, with unique sound and vision, they created a trademark style. The group released their debut self-titled album in 1995, which they recorded while taking a break from film and acting. The following year they were able to sign with 4AD Records who helped them release their sophomore album, “Polydistortion” which was released in 1997. While with 4AD they set out on a series of tours, which allowed them to gain a large following, further adding to their success as a music group.

Part of the reason for a series of lineup changes was due to the stresses of touring life, resulting in members leaving the group, however, the group endured. Between 1999 and 2011 GusGus released six more albums. Additionally, they released a live album with the title “Mixed Live at Sirkus, Reykjavik,” in 2003. The group has also remixed a series of other artists’ songs. On 23 June 2014 the group released their ninth studio album, “Mexico.” The nine-track album fared well with the critics. The lineup consists of Stephan Stephensen, Birgir Þórarinsson, Daniel Ágúst Haraldsson, and Högni Egilsson.

Live reviews

Not many famous artists come out of Iceland, maybe because it’s small, or possibly because their emphasis on the importance of live music is lesser than other nations, but their production of GusGus largely makes up for this. The band have released a staggering nine studio albums since their formation back in 1995, and I’ve followed their career every step.
The great thing about GusGus is that they made an enterance into the electronic world before many of today’s mainstream DJs, producers, and artists. This early emergence placed them in good stead to entice the media with their original music, and slide it into popular culture. Although they’ve had many band members come and go over the years, every time I’ve seen them perform, they’ve been incredibly strong, and the alterations of line up only gives the band more originality, an no two performances are the same.
Although the music is mainly elector/techno with some house infulences, they experiment with various genres, and make them great tracks to dance to. My favourite live track that I’ve experienced was a remix that they did of Bjork, and their mixing is the most skilful to watch live. It was cool to see them in a club setting, as their live performance encourages dancing big time!

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