Q&A / MagFi

What or who inspired you to start making music?

• I grew up listening to records from the ’60s and ’70s and was inspired by bands like Pink Floyd and Beatles etc. I believe I’m a bit older than most lofi producers, so back when I was younger there wasn’t as much accessibility to music as there is today with streaming, so I would listen to records from start to finish with no distraction. I also played piano and guitar from a young age so I believe that combined with listening to good records inspired me to make music of my own.

 

What is your creative process like when making music?

• My mentality is basically sitting down and keep trying until I find something worth working on. It’s not always magical. But before I do anything music-related, I need to have an open day with nothing scheduled and no distractions on my mind. I also write ideas in the ‘notes’ app on my phone as well as recording ‘voice memos’, so when the time is right I’ll look at those and see if any of them are worth pursuing.

 

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? 

• Where I am now. I’m from Reykjavik, Iceland, but now I live in Southern California which is truly a dream come true. I could have never imagined when I was younger that I would move to the US and California. It’s not been an easy journey but it’s definitely been worth it.

 

Aside from lofi/chill beats, what is your favorite music genre?

• I do have multiple genres that I’m into so I can’t really name one specifically… I do however make music in the “Tropical House/Chill-out” genre and I have done quite well there as “Magnus Gunn” on Spotify. I like that genre because it’s a blend of real live instruments and electronic elements, I do enjoy creating melodic hooks which work well in that genre.

 

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

• Good question. I often look at life through the movie “Butterfly Effect” where one small moment in your life can change everything. There are many small and big moments like that in recent years that have shaped my path moving forward, in a positive way. For me, it’s believing in myself and the process more than anything. I really believe that if you are genuine, humble, and hardworking that good things come your way. I also take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way, large or small.