MAGNI, Front Man for the Platinum-Selling European Rock Band A MOTI SOL, Rocked the U.S. This Past Summer as a Finalist on ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA…
We Checked In With MAGNI About His Experience on the Show, Life with His Son, and
What He’s Up To Now…
Ok, for those of you who didn’t watch any TV last summer, Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, and Gilby Clarke (formerly of Motley Crue, Metallica, and Guns ‘N Roses, respectively) aired a reality show on CBS called Rock Star: Supernova in which they chose a frontman for their new band, Supernova. Normally I would write this off as just another reality show, but the music turned out to be truly amazing and the show was a huge hit!
In the end, four finalists remained, including Magni, who is the front-man for the platinum-selling European rock band A Moti Sol, based out of Iceland. Although Magni didn’t end up
winning, he’s been busy with a new album and the whole rock star / dad thing…
OK, THE BASICS…
Name, Magni Asgeirsson. Born in 1978. One son – Marino Bjarni Magnason born in September 2005.
COULD YOU GIVE ME SOME BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF?
I was born and raised on the east coast of Iceland in a town called Bakkagerdi (pop. 150) – til the age of 15. My parents are
farmers and I grew up with animals and work-ethics along with a close family. At 15 I went to a boarding school for 3 years – At that time I really got into music and I have basically been doing that since – Joined my band – a moti sol – in 99 – moved to Reykjavik and have been a professional musician since.
WHAT GOT YOU INTO MUSIC?
I have always been fascinated by music and instruments. Ive been singing since I can remember and playing guitar since I was 11. I think music is something you cant explain or understand in full – Its something that fills my soul and makes my life a lot more fun.
TELL US HERE IN THE U.S. WHAT A MOTI SOL IS LIKE IN ICELAND/EUROPE… YOU GUYS ARE HUGE FROM WHAT I CAN TELL!
a moti sol is an Icelandic band in every aspect possible – we play in Icelandic and we have never even thought about “making” it in the big world. In our market we have basically achieved everything a band can, platinum records, sell out shows, 15 hit singles and all of that. The point is that we are the best of friends and we enjoy playing together so we dont need to be world famous – besides the fact that process is a pain in the butt 🙂
HOW WERE THINGS DIFFERENT ONCE YOU ARRIVED FOR ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA? TOTALLY DIFFERENT LEVEL OF HYPE OR PRETTY MUCH WHAT YOURE USED TO?
Since the show, everything has elevated to a whole new level – popularity, exposure and funny enough
our band as a unit and as musicians – we stepped it up a notch as well.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING ON THE SHOW?
Looking back, my favorite parts were playing with the house band and hanging out with some of the nicest people I have ever met. And having met them and gained friends for life is the best thing I take back with me along with all the amazing memories.
SO, HOW DOES THE WHOLE ROCK STAR LIFESTYLE WORK WITH HAVING A FAMILY?
Having a kid, well, everything changes – In the best possible way – Its not about you anymore – Its about that little person living with you – and the fact that its your job to make sure he grows up to be a good person. Since the show Ive been a stay home dad with the laptop and the phone all day and me and Marino have had a blast! I love it!
WAS FAMILY LIFE WHAT YOU EXPECTED? HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOU?
I think everybody has an idea of what it’s gonna be like to have a kid but nothing really prepares you for it – your whole life and personality changes in a way – at least in my case – when it happens, and of course you lose sleep for a few years…. hehe
HAS THE EXPERIENCE OF HAVING YOUR OWN FAMILY INFLUENCED YOUR APPROACH TO YOUR MUSIC?
Not really – I maybe have a little less time to actually work on it and lyrically I may be a little more soft but it all seems to work out.
WHATS NEXT FOR YOU? FOR A MOTI SOL? (I KNOW YOUVE BEEN DOING A GOOD AMOUNT OF TOURING.) I HEAR A MOTI SOLS NEW ALBUM WILL BE COMING OUT PRETTY SOON…
We have been playing a lot since I got home and our new album was released in late November – The band is ten years old at this point and we are having the time of our lives – and that to me is what music is all about 🙂
YOUVE GOT A BIG BIRTHDAY BASH COMING UP, RIGHT? PRETTY EXCITED?
November 30. the House Band, Toby, Storm, Dilana and myself will be playing together in Reykjavik – I am organizing the bash myself and its hard damn work – but I love it and Im incredibly excited!
ANYTHING ELSE? – All my love to all the people that watched our little summer of fun and if you want to stay in our lives just check me out online. Thanks a lot!
Links:
www.myspace.com/magnirocks
www.magnirockstar.com
www.amotisol.is
Images: Courtesy of Magni Asgeirssona
Ben Murphy, founder of The Father Life, is an Adventure Athlete, Writer, and Wellness Advocate who used to be obese. You can ask him your questions at www.BenMurphyOnline.com. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and three daughters.