BJÖRK’S BESTIE, MANU DELAGO.

Manu Delago is besties with Björk, plays an instrument called “hang” and hasn’t bumped into his neighbour, Conchita Wurst.

DNA: You’re called the “pioneer of hang”. Explain that please?

Manu Delago: I didn’t call myself that, but

I play a relatively new melodic percussion instrument called hang and trying to create unique music with it so I guess that’s why people call me some kind of pioneer.

You’re originally from Austria. How was that for you growing up?

It’s a beautiful country with a very high standard of living. I love going back to the mountains to recharge my batteries, but from a music point of view I’m very happy I moved to London 10 years ago.

Our favourite Austrian is Conchita Wurst. Do you ever cross paths?

No, but I remember when she, as Tom Neuwirth, was on the TV show Starmania and came second. My friend Nadine Beiler was on it and won – she was only 16.

Is it true Björk discovered you?

Björk saw my videos on YouTube and invited me to record for her Biophilia album. I’ve been a big fan of her music since I was a teenager. It was pretty amazing to make music with her. You also tour with Björk?

Yes, since 2011 and it’s been inspiring. I love the music, but also how much she cares about the visual and sonic aspects of live shows.

Do you aspire to the level of global fame she has reached? I’m not thinking about fame, and I don’t think Björk ever aimed in that direction either. It’s more about being creative and authentic. I try to make unique music and it’s nice if people like what I do.

Who were your musical idols when you were growing up?

As a teenager I really wanted to be in a cool band like Red Hot Chili Peppers. My family is musical and I grew into being a musician. I started playing concerts when I was 15 in venues I technically wasn’t allowed into. I earned money in the evenings and went to school in the mornings.

What have been some highlights of your career so far?

Performing concerts in 50 countries. Most of them playing my own compositions, but I also enjoy playing as a sideman with some of my favourite artists like Björk, Anoushka Shankar, The Cinematic Orchestra or Ólafur Arnalds. In my spare time I love being in the mountains where I have some literal highlights.

Tell us about your fascinating Parasol Peak film project?

Parasol Peak brings my passion for music and mountains together. I took seven musicians and a film crew on a multiple days hike into the Alps and we returned with an amazing film and album. Everything was created live in the mountains. Are you planning to do more movie projects? Parasol Peak was a massive project and I’m very happy how it turned out. In the near future I’ll focus on music again, but you never know.

Do you ever think, “If I write a great pop song I can retire comfortably”?

I love listening to great pop songs, but from a composer’s point of view I’m not writing pop music. Most of my music has too many edges and weird moments. For me it’s more important to be creative and unique, rather than generating hits for the masses.

Do you have many friends who are gay?

I’m a musician who lives in London so, yes! I used to live with a lesbian.

What issues are closest to your heart?

As a touring musician, inevitably I fly a lot and feel guilty about it, so I try to make all other parts of my living as environmentally friendly as possible. I eat local, good quality food, avoid plastic, save water and electricity and basically do whatever to protect our planet.

What’s the one thing that might surprise people about you?

Maybe that I’ve been a musician all my life but don’t drink alcohol or coffee.