FM Belfast hailing from Iceland create 'inspirational' electro-indie-pop, known for their unpredictable live shows amongst their cover songs re-working the likes of Rage Against The Machine and Technotronic. Inspired by artists including Gary Numan and Pavement, they began as a living-room project with Árni Plúseinn (vocals, computers, lights) and Lóa (vocals, percussion). ‘Pump’ became the first FM Belfast song created as a Christmas present for friends, before Árni Vil and Örvar joined to form a quartet. They have since played the Airwaves Festival every year, and their debut album 'How To Make Friends' to be released on Morr Music/Kimi Records. We speak to Lóa about their success so far, their love of awkward Americans and cold French fries.

Q & A
WHAT'S…
...so special about you, then?
It depends on who you ask. Our relatives would say that we are great but French people think we are ugly yet entertaining. This question has weird effect on me, I can only think of "special" things and no special things.. No wait, The Cackle Sister´s yodeling is both special and a little bit "special". You can find them here.

...your worst vice?
It used to be cigarettes but now it´s mostly lard, sugar and computer games.

...do you eat for breakfast?
Coffee and silence.

…the story behind your name?
We were trying to come up with a name that sounded like someone was trying really hard to be very cool. Our original project was very different from FM Belfast like it is today. We couldn´t be cool if our lives depended on it.

...your worst fashion secret?
Arni Vil: My red Duffel coat, Arni R: My mended underpants, I refuse to believe that underwear can be worn out so fast. Loa: My hobo leather jacket everybody hates but I secretly love and will never throw away.

...your favourite website?
Peopleofwalmart.com, Cakewrecks.com, Awkwardfamilyphotos.com (these are Loa´s favorites since she is americanophile and a big fan of awkwardness) Arni R is a Boingboing.net, Createdigitalmusic.com and Instructables.com enthusiast  and Arni Vil´s favorite is Wikipedia and he is a recovering facebook and myspace addict.

...at the top of your shit list?
Our government, melting snow revealing the dog shit of winter past, cold French fries, loudmouths and jerks.

 ...are you listening to now?
Retro Stefson, Micachu and the Shapes, Skakkamanage, Avro Pärt and random things on other people´s ipods.

DD: How would you describe your work?
Lóa: Happy dance-music with occasional drama

‘How To Make Friends’ is released January 22nd on Morr Music / Kimi Records