[Cover photo credit to Peter Erskine]

Jakob Magnússon has done TV & film production work, environmental activism, and even a stint as the cultural attaché of the Icelandic embassy in London. His new musical project, Jack Magnet Science, is his latest project.

The project is an amalgamation of members of the Icelandic band Stuðmenn, which he co-founded, and US-based Jazz artists such as Peter Erskine (Weather Report, Steps Ahead) and Matthew Garrison (Shapeshifter, The Zawinul Syndicate). The ensemble has released their second single “Itsyamo,” available now via Floki Studios. Their album is titled Future Forecast.

The new track “introduces listeners to landscapes of a far away imaginary land of peace and prosperity.” It was the only chart-based piece on the album, unlike the other six tracks that were mostly improvised creations.

The creation of Future Forecast came from three days of improvisation which culminated into hours of music split over 72 tracks that then provided the basis for 7 brand new tracks.

Magnússon reflects:

None of us had ever  witnessed or been a part of something like this before. A new band that mixed very old friends with strangers. In the serenity and remoteness of northern Iceland, the music just came to us and things kept intuitively flowing. There were a few charts on hand as a starting point but those were soon abandoned – except one. Someone would call out a chord or figure and off they went. We all had open minds, determined to just allow new adventures to happen.

He continues:

We wanted to make an album that would sound like one could imagine inventive new music sounding in the future. Using modern technology, no cliches allowed, no preconceived ideas.

Once the key grooves and moods had been created, we started editing for months.  Then began the actual construction work while continuing with overdubs until we were all happy. Then we sent the tracks for mixing by Daniel Goodwyn in New York. The album was finally mastered in Los Angeles by none other than maestro “synth kingpin” Scott Kinsey.

Aside from plans to tour and record more, each member of Jack Magnet Science recounts a “transformative experience” at Floki Studios that rekindled their love for making music.

Future Forecast will be available on all platforms worldwide via Floki Studios on June 8,  2024 which also marks the groups live debut at Reykjavik’s Harpa Concert Hall. Jack Magnet Science will be part of the Reykjavik Art Festival.