Björk

Iceland, 1977–now

Icelandic singer and composer, first with the Sugarcubes and then in a solo career (Debut, Homogenic, Vespertine) combining electronic production, contemporary classical arrangement and an unconventional vocal style.

MusicRoots documents 4 artists who influenced Björk and 2 artists Björk influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Björk?

• Kate Bush — Kate Bush was a definitive influence — her experimental approach to pop encouraged Björk to expand her sound from Debut onward.
• Karlheinz Stockhausen — Stockhausen was a great source of inspiration — Björk studied his ideas, shared studio time with him and interviewed him about his approach.
• Siouxsie and the Banshees — Siouxsie's post-punk vocal drama was a model for Björk's own vocal and compositional experimentation.
• Joy Division — Joy Division's stark post-punk atmosphere was among the new-wave/post-punk influences on Björk's early experimentation.

Which artists did Björk influence?

• Nelly Furtado — Cited among her influences, and audible in the yelps and swoops on Whoa, Nelly! — a pop singer treating her own voice as a percussion instrument.
• Evanescence — Björk has always been Amy Lee's idol — 'musically, lyrically, artistically, stylistically, everything' — a key influence on Evanescence's atmosphere and vocal expression.