Advocating for Iceland With a Bit of Electronica

“Náttúra” is Björk’s ode to, and plea for, the environment. Respect it and handle with care.

Traditional of Björk’s trip-hop, her recently released single “Náttúra,” Icelandic for nature, was composed specific for a cause – to raise awareness in rally and protest for the ecological issues of Iceland. With an energy crisis and a massive corporate presence closer than the horizon, they face many problems America is in the thick of.

“Náttúra,” released by One Little Indian, is a simple, yet effective, composition of drum, bass, and vocals that encompasses beats Björk began her solo career with in the early 1990s. Tribal rhythms and significant lyrics teach to be humbled by nature and to respect your surroundings. In “Náttúra” Björk is joined on vocals by Thom Yorke of Radiohead.

Björk is cofounder of the organization Náttúra that is actively calling on the Icelandic government to preserve its scenic landscapes. She is initiating a search for solution and an end to the ongoing problem of foreign corporations that currently use Iceland to build aluminum factories and smelters. Björk perceives this as a takeover. Factory/corporate domination is an intercontinental working-class concern and she wants the masses to see how vast these problems stretch. Iceland has the largest unspoiled land in Europe and if something isn’t done the future will be grim. Björk is asking for government and corporations to stop abusing and taking from Earth, but to utilize natural resources and by looking at other possibilities. Björk believes in a sustainable quality of life while existing harmoniously with nature.

Back in June, Björk and the Icelandic ambient-acoustic band, Sigur Rós, held a concert in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, to encourage action and knowledge. Náttúra seeks to initiate a think tank for alternative ways to build and prosper with nature by going green and preserving the wilderness.

Furthering the release and purpose of “Náttúra,” the organization will be hosting a series of workshops and seminars at the University of Reyjavík. They hope to open dialogue among innovative thinkers on concepts of how to obtain sustainability. Ideas, suggestions, and comments are also welcomed and can be found at Náttúra.info.

All proceeds from the single release will go to the Náttúra campaign. That alone is reason enough to download “Náttúra.”

by Genette Nowak