The 2009 single "Jungle Drum" remains one of the most recognizable tracks in the career of the Icelandic musician, record producer, and composer Emilíana Torrini. Born in Kópavogur in 1977, her path from an Icelandic restaurant singer to an internationally credited songwriter and vocalist has spanned multiple genres including pop, indie pop, and trip hop.
Early Development and Training
Emilíana began her vocal training as a soprano in a choir at the age of seven. She transitioned into formal opera studies at age 15. Her early name was recorded as Emilíana Davíðsdóttir due to Icelandic naming regulations, a requirement involving her father Salvatore Torrini, who had to adopt the name Davíð Eiríksson. Once regulations shifted, she began using the surname Torrini. Her professional trajectory changed after Derek Birkett, the owner of One Little Indian Records, recruited her after hearing her perform in an Icelandic restaurant, leading her to move to London.
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Before establishing her solo career, Torrini was a member of the group GusGus, contributing vocals to their 1997 debut album, Polydistortion. She also maintained a significant presence in the collaborative music scene, providing vocals for Thievery Corporation’s 2002 album, The Richest Man in Babylon, where she also held writing credits for tracks including "Resolution" and "Until The Morning." Additionally, she performed vocals on Paul Oakenfold’s 2002 track "Hold Your Hand." In 2003, she co-wrote and produced "Slow" and "Someday" for Kylie Minogue’s album Body Language, earning a 2005 Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
Solo Discography and Industry Challenges
Throughout her career, Torrini released albums including Crouçie d'où là, Merman, and Love in the Time of Science. Her 2005 release Fisherman's Woman and the 2008 album Me and Armini solidified her standing. In 2013, she released Tookah, following a rollout that included tracks like "Speed of Dark" and "Autumn Sun." Her catalog expanded in 2023 with Racing the Storm, created with the Colorist Orchestra, and 2024 with Miss Flower. She has noted that she refrained from releasing solo albums between 2013 and 2023 due to conflicts regarding her previous label, Rough Trade.
Notable Media Contributions
Torrini provided the vocals for "Gollum's Song" for the 2002 film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Her interpretation of the Jefferson Airplane song "White Rabbit" gained exposure through its inclusion in the film Sucker Punch and an episode of the series 12 Monkeys. Further collaborative efforts include her work on the 2017 Kid Koala project Music to Draw To: Satellite, where she provided vocals for seven separate tracks.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Kópavogur, Iceland
- Citizenship: Iceland
- Occupations: Composer, singer, producer, lyricist, DJ
- Major single: Jungle Drum (2009)
- Grammy Nomination: 2005 (Best Dance Recording)
- Languages: Icelandic, English
- Known for: Gollum's Song (2002)
Questions readers ask
Why did she change her name?
She was required to use the patronymic Davíðsdóttir at birth due to Icelandic naming regulations but transitioned to Torrini after those laws were changed.
Did she compose music for film?
Yes, she performed "Gollum's Song" for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers in 2002.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: pop music, indie pop and trip hop
