Icelandic composer Einar Tönsberg has been nominated for an Annie Award for his music in the animated Irish children’s television series Puffin Rock. His nomination is in the category Outstanding Achievement, Music in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production. The 43rd award ceremony will take place Sunday, February 6, in Los Angeles.
After studying in London and living there for ten years, he returned to Iceland and settled with his family in Hvalfjörður, West Iceland. “There’s a different kind of tempo in the countryside than there is in the city,” he told RÚV, “much more tranquility and no temptations. You don’t go to a movie or for a short visit; it’s good if you have to concentrate.”
He has composed music for a number of films and ads, the first iPhone ad among them. He says he enjoys composing for children. “I think I just found my niche. I was lucky enough to have a three-year-old daughter once I started this [job]. She’s a very tough boss, sincere, and when she’s satisfied, then everything is moving in the right direction.”
He stresses the importance of being happy as he composes the music for Puffin Rock and says he smiles much more frequently since he began the job.
The seventy-eight episodes of Puffin Rock already produced have enjoyed world-wide popularity. The third season will be produced next fall.
