Bjork Aoty
Bjork has amassed an astonishing body of work over four decades. Her albums span various genres and are distinguished by her three-octave voice and unique musical choices.
She has been called one of the world’s most influential artists. Her works range from avant-garde explorations of vocal music to haunting Icelandic chamber music compositions.
Early Life and Education
Bjork continues her exploration of voice as an instrument with Post, one of her most compelling albums and one which showcases intricate, multilayered songs which create an extraordinary listening experience.
Homogenic was her next artistic statement about loss that cemented her unique musical vision and set it apart as one of her signature releases in her discography. It remains one of her signature works to this day.
Volta followed in 2007, bringing together a diverse cast of musicians including Toumani Diabate (kora player), beat programmer Timbaland, poet Sjon, singer Antony Hegarty (Antony Hegarty), cellist Min Xiaofen and an all-female Icelandic brass section – it became Bjork’s sixth top ten album of the decade! She later embarked on her multimedia project Biophilia to combine music and science via apps, educational collaborations with children as well as touring shows;
Professional Career
Bjork found immense success with her debut album Post and quickly established herself as an innovative producer and songwriter, working with artists such as Aphex Twin, Graham Massey, Tricky, Dillinja and Eumir Deodato among many others.
Bjork created her fifth post-Sugarcubes release, Medulla, as an album composed entirely from vocals – featuring multitracked voices from herself, Faith No More frontman Mike Patton and throat singer Tanya Tagaq among others.
Once completed, she embarked on an 18 month world tour before beginning work on Biophilia – an interactive exploration of humanity’s relationship to sound and the universe, created through collaborations with scientists, custom-built instruments makers and video game designers. Biophilia became her signature work to date; released both as apps on iPad/iPhone as well as CD.
Achievement and Honors
Bjork has garnered numerous awards and honors for her work. Seven of her studio albums have reached the global Top Ten charts and she has participated in major musical projects and film productions.
Post expanded her musical horizons by fusing together crunchy beats and Icelandic folk music with industrial, ambient, trip-hop, and experimental sounds on her 1995 release ‘Revivals.’ Both commercially and critically successful.
In 2014, she collaborated with Matmos to release their electronica album Vespertine. It featured traditional Icelandic songs mixed with drum-and-bass breakdowns and Casio blurps for an interesting listen.
Homogenic was Bjork’s follow-up album that employed darker sounds like bass clarinets and gabber beats, released through apps created by her as both an artistic and technological feat.
Personal Life
Bjork is married to artist Matthew Barney and they share two children together. Bjork is an advocate for women’s rights as well as helping protect the environment through numerous efforts she has undertaken.
She has participated in many different musical projects. She was part of the Sugarcubes band as well as working on music videos with directors such as Thierry de Mey, Damon Albarn, and Spike Jonze.
Bjork released her fourth album ‘Vespertine’ in 2001, working alongside many acclaimed musicians like Matmos, Howie B and Zeena Parkins for its creation.
This album was an immediate hit, featuring elements from her previous releases combined with fresh ideas and concepts that make it her best work to date. Her ninth studio album Vulnicura, released in January 2015, depicts her divorce and subsequent sadness that ensued as well as depicts loneliness she experienced as a result.
Net Worth
Bjork reportedly boasts a net worth of $45 Million. She is an artist known for experimenting with music and pushing its limits with her experimental approach.
She has collaborated with numerous artists in creating her music. For instance, in 2004 she released Medulla which included contributions by artists like Tagaq, Dokaka, Rahzel Mike Patton and Robert Wyatt – and featured their work alongside her singing. It became one of her highest charting albums.
Bjork has long been recognized for her activism. She has helped raise funds for nature conservation efforts in Iceland. Bjork was the founder of Stopp, Let’s Protect the Park initiative that strives to conserve Iceland’s natural environment. Additionally, she has written several books related to environmental and scientific topics as well as receiving multiple awards and nominations throughout her career.