Born and raised in Manitoba, Canada (once known as New Iceland because it has the largest population of Icelanders outside of Iceland), Lindy Vopnfjord began singing traditional Icelandic folk music at a young age. His parents were working regular jobs but found time to write and play music with their two children at festivals around Canada, even traveling to Iceland to perform.
“We sang all these Icelandic songs, which we learned phonetically,” says Vopnfjord of his father’s teaching style. “He’d pull out this big sheet of paper, wrote down the lyrics, and we wouldn’t have any supper until we memorized the whole page.”
Eventually, Vopnfjord wanted to start writing his own music. Together, the brothers Vopnfjord formed Northern Junk. The group received some critical acclaim and landed a single on Canadian radio stations. His brother, Kris, still writes and performs music.
While his Icelandic roots played a key role in his early musical career, Vopnfjord now finds inspiration in stories of struggle.
"I've been writing songs for people who have experienced extremely trying circumstances in very oppressive states and their ability to champion over all odds," says Vopnfjord.
The Canadian-born artist has written songs about a young woman who fled North Korea and a man who was arrested and imprisoned after trying to build schools for underprivileged children in India. Vopnfjord also draws musical inspiration from his wife.
Vopnfjord married fellow musician Sally Panavas in 2007, after meeting while they were both on tour. The couple now lives in Hamilton, Ontario, with their daughter, Joni.
Vopnfjord was in town in support of long-time friends and fellow Canadians, Whitehorse.
Vopnfjord’s last album, released in 2013, did well in the Canadian music charts. He is currently working on another album to be released next year.
