Eyþór Arnalds

Eyþór Laxdal Arnalds (born 24 November 1964) is an Icelandic musician, composer, cellist, and businessman. His musical work includes classical, electronic, and pop genres, and he has also held executive roles in technology and energy sectors as well as positions in local politics.

Early life and education Eyþór was born in Reykjavík, Iceland. He began playing music and working in theater at an early age. He studied cello with Gunnar Kvaran in Reykjavík and later with Frances-Marie Uitti in Amsterdam. He studied composition with Atli Heimir Sveinsson in Reykjavík and with Dutch composer Louis Andriessen in Amsterdam.

Eyþór graduated with a composition degree that included the performance of his symphonic work Terta, written in three movements for the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. He later received an MBA from Reykjavík University and completed executive education in economic history at Harvard University.

Along with the bands, Eyþór has composed music for theater, dance, film, and symphony orchestra. His compositions often blend classical and electronic elements. He has collaborated with artists including Tony Hadley, Midge Ure, and Nik Kershaw in recent live performances with Todmobile.

In 2025, he released a solo album titled The Busy Child, which features 12 tracks composed for up to 20 cellos. A string orchestra version of the album was conducted by Viktor Orri Árnason. The album explores themes related to artificial intelligence and human identity.

Controversies Eythor has been involved in controversies related to media ownership and political transparency. In 2017, it was reported that he became a key shareholder in the media company that publishes Morgunblaðið. His involvement raised questions due to the company's financial situation and its connections to the fishing company Samherji.

In 2019, calls were made for Eyþór and Samherji to clarify their roles and ownership stakes in Morgunblaðið. Critics argued that the financial and editorial independence of the media outlet was unclear. He also dismissed criticism from members of the Pirate Party as exclusionary politics.

Personal life Eyþór was married to musician Móeiða Júníusdóttir, with whom he has two children. He later married yoga instructor Dagmar Una Ólafsdóttir, and they also have two sons together. In a 2019 interview, Eyþór confirmed that he and Dagmar Una had legally separated. Since 2021, he has been in a relationship with the Icelandic visual artist Ástríður Jósefín Ólafsdóttir.

Selected discography

Solo

The Busy Child (2025)