This week on eTown, we welcome Ásgeir from the northern climes of Iceland, sharing his sensitive and contemplative music. Iowa native Pieta Brown joins us with new music inspired by what she calls a “Midwest tundra conjuring.” Plus, eTown host Nick Forster talks with historian Susan Schulten as the country marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Growing up in a tiny Icelandic town of around 40 people, Ásgeir began writing songs as a child and went on to become one of Iceland’s most successful recording artists. His debut became the best-selling debut album in Icelandic history and was later released internationally in English as In the Silence. Ásgeir makes his first eTown appearance with songs from across his career, including his new album, Julia.
Pieta Brown returns to eTown with songs from her new album, Dreamin’ Of. Raised in a musical family as the daughter of singer-songwriter Greg Brown, Pieta has spent more than two decades developing a songwriting voice and creative presence of her own. Recorded in Wisconsin and northern Minnesota with S. Carey and Mike Lewis of Bon Iver, Dreamin’ Of finds Pieta exploring love, loss, war and the search for hope in uncertain times.
In our interview, Nick talks with Susan Schulten, Distinguished University Professor of History at the University of Denver, about the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln and what history can teach us as the United States marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration.