Matthías Matthíasson
Matthías Matthíasson is an Icelandic musician best known for being the vocalist of the Icelandic tribute band Sjonni's Friends and being the singing voice of Sportacus in the children's television series LazyTown.
Matthías Matthíasson | |
---|---|
Birth name | Matthías Matthíasson |
Also known as | Matti Matt |
Born | 1975/1976 (age 43–45)[1] |
Origin | Dalvík, Iceland[2] |
Genres | Rock |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
Years active | 1994–present |
Associated acts | Sjonni's Friends, Dúndurfréttir, Máni Svavarsson |
Life and career
Matthías was born in and grew up in Dalvík in northern Iceland.[2][1]
In his youth, he performed in several musicals, such as Hair, and Jesus Christ Superstar, where he played Peter.[1]
He was nominated for an Icelandic Music Award for "Best Newcomer" in 1995 for his acting in Jesus Christ Superstar.[3][1]
In 1996, he was recruited by athlete Magnus Scheving to be the singing voice of Sportacus (Icelandic: Íþróttaálfurinn) in the original Icelandic LazyTown plays, Áfram Latibær! and Glanni Glæpur í Latabæ.[4] Matthías continued this role in the LazyTown television series, where he sang Sportacus' vocals in both the English and Icelandic dubs.[1]
In 1997, his band at the time, Dúndurfréttir, was praised by Rolling Stone as "the best Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin cover band ever".[5][1]
In 2010, he progressed to the semi-finals in the selection of the Icelandic Eurovision entrant,[6] but ultimately lost to Hera Björk.[7]
In 2011, he became the lead vocalist of the tribute band Sjonni's Friends, the band which represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, where they performed the song "Coming Home".
Personal life
Matthías has three sons with his wife, Brynja.[1]
References
- "Matthias Matthiassen singer". Sjonni's Friends. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- "2013: Eyþór Ingi Gunnlaugsson - Ég á Líf". EuroVisionary. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- "Tilnefningar". Íslensku Tónlistarverðlaunin. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- "Áfram Latibær". Vicious Visions. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- "Quite a dime!". Iceland Monitor. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- "Iceland: line-up for national final disclosed". The official website of the Eurovision Song Contest. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- "Iceland: Hera Björk to Oslo!". The official website of the Eurovision Song Contest. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
External links
- Matthías Matthíasson on IMDb
- Matthías Matthíasson discography at Discogs