Kristina
Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk has opened up about her recent changes to the way she tours. She shared how these changes allow her to maintain a healthier balance between her professional and personal life. This transformation came after years of following a traditional, demanding tour schedule.
In an interview with The Guardian, Björk explained how she shifted her perspective on touring to make it more sustainable, especially after releasing her seventh album, Biophilia, in 2011. This new approach has not only impacted her career but also set an example of how artists can innovate their methods to prioritize well-being without compromising their art.
Shifting Away From the Traditional Tour Model
For years, Björk followed the conventional tour schedule of traveling from city to city with tight, back-to-back performance dates. While this approach is standard in the music industry, it often takes a toll on artists and their teams. Long hours, constant travel, and the pressure to deliver perfect performances can leave little room for personal life or relaxation.
Björk decided to break away from this model. Instead of constantly moving from one location to another, she adopted a residency-style approach. This means staying in one city for weeks at a time and performing multiple shows there.
She explained her reasoning: “The nuts and bolts are more flexible. Maybe being a woman, or a matriarch, or whatever, I try to make it more that people can actually have a life.”
This innovative way of touring not only benefits her but also the people who work alongside her. By reducing the constant hustle, she has created a more balanced environment for everyone involved.
Challenging Traditional Work Culture
Björk’s decision to change her touring style goes beyond convenience. It reflects her resistance to what she describes as a “macho” work culture in the entertainment industry.
“I have gently fought, since my teenage years, this macho way of how people organise both films and tours,” she said. “They expect everyone to work 18 hours a day, every single day, until everybody throws up. I always wanted to coexist. You can have a personal life. You can have your kids. You can have your partners there.”
Her approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining a personal life alongside a demanding career. While she admits that she hasn’t fully succeeded in creating the perfect balance, her efforts are a step toward a more sustainable way of working in the music industry.
The ‘Cornucopia’ Tour: A Visual and Artistic Marvel
Björk’s most recent Cornucopia tour, which spanned over four years, is a testament to her unique artistic vision. Unlike typical concerts, this tour featured an elaborate and immersive experience.
The show included 27 moving curtains that captured projections, along with LED screens to create a visually stunning, digitally animated performance. Björk described it as “a modern lanterna magica for live music,” referring to an old-style magic lantern that projected images.
The Cornucopia tour wasn’t just about music. It combined technology, art, and environmental activism. For instance, during a 2019 London performance, the concert featured a recorded message from climate activist Greta Thunberg, underscoring Björk’s commitment to raising awareness about climate change.
Documenting the Journey: Cornucopia: The Book
To capture the essence of her groundbreaking tour, Björk released a book titled Cornucopia: The Book. This 480-page publication is a detailed chronicle of the four-year journey. It includes over 300 images taken by photographer Santiago Felipe, providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the tour’s development and execution.
The book is not just a visual diary but also a testament to the hard work and creativity that went into making the Cornucopia tour a reality. It showcases how Björk’s team combined art and technology to deliver a performance unlike any other.
A Glimpse Into the Future: Climate-Focused Concert Film
In addition to the book, Björk has teased an upcoming concert film centered around the Cornucopia tour. The movie, filmed live in Lisbon, Portugal, focuses on climate crisis activism, a topic close to Björk’s heart.
Although fans were expecting more details about the film by the end of 2024, further updates are yet to be announced. However, the anticipation for this project highlights Björk’s influence not only as a musician but also as an advocate for pressing global issues.
Björk’s Legacy: Artistry and Activism
Björk’s career has always been defined by her refusal to conform to industry norms. Whether it’s her music, her fashion, or her touring methods, she continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations.
By prioritizing her well-being and encouraging her team to do the same, Björk is redefining what it means to be a successful artist. Her willingness to adapt and innovate serves as a powerful reminder that it’s possible to achieve great things without sacrificing personal happiness or values.
Her Cornucopia tour is a perfect example of how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. From the intricate stage design to the inclusion of climate activism, the tour reflects Björk’s unique vision and commitment to making a difference.
