While studying at the ICMP, Árni Hjörvar Arnason was a very busy bassist taking advantage of every opportunity that came his way, playing with Judy and Bailey Tzuke on tour, Sony/RCA signed band, The New Devices and JJ Pistolet. From his presence in the vibrant live music scene of Camden and Shoreditch, Arni built his name as a fantastic bassist and together with JJ Pistolet has put together the successful band The Vaccines.
The Vaccines formed in 2010 and have since been a huge success in the UK. BBCs Zane Lowe named "If You Wanna" as his 'Hottest Record in the World' in August. On 29 November 2010, the band released their debut single "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)" / "Blow It Up", in the UK. The band performed live on Later with Jools Holland, the first band ever to do so before releasing a single.
In 2015, the band released their third studio album, "English Graffitti", with Zane Lowe again picking the first two singles, "Handsome" and "Dream Lover", as his Hottest Records.
In January 2011, they were placed third in the BBC's Sound of 2011 poll and, in the same week, appeared on the cover of NME Magazine for the first time. The band then spent the beginning of the year touring on the 2011 NME Awards Tour, supporting Crystal Castles. Having been signed to Columbia Records, the band released their second single "Post Break-Up Sex" on 24 January 2011, where it debuted at number 32 in the UK. It was at this time the band were nominated for an MTV Award for "Best New Band of 2011" and a Critics' Choice Brit Award. Following a trip to SXSW, the band then released their debut album What Did You Expect from the Vaccines? on 14 March 2011 through Columbia Records, to generally positive reviews.
On the 3rd September 2012 The Vaccines released their second LP. 'The Vaccines Come Of Age' reached Number 1 in the UK Albums Chart. In July 2013 they supported the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park shortly after playing the notorious Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival.
2018 has seen the band continue to go from strength-to-strength, "I Can't Quit",the first single to be taken from their new album was released in January and was BBC Radio 1's 'Hottest Record in the World'. Their third album 'Combat Sports' was released in March and charted at #4 in the UK, the album release was followed by a UK tour, culminating with a show at London's 10,200 capacity venue Alexandra Palace. This was followed by an extensive world tour.
The band continue to tour extensively, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Shake rooms and arenas with your Bass
As a bassist, you’ll know that mastering the four-string is harder than it looks – but at ICMP, we’ve been training the best for over three decades. You’ll get to lock in with a faculty of top-class tutors, learning not only the secrets behind a great groove and performance, but also the business, music theory, production, marketing and additional skills you’ll need to get noticed. As an ICMP student, you’ll also join a community of new collaborators, friends, and industry contacts – and access our amazing rehearsal rooms, gear, masterclasses, industry events, and recording studios.
To start your music career today, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.
Bass courses
As a bassist, you’ll know that mastering the four-string is harder than it looks – but at ICMP, we’ve been training the best for over three decades. You’ll get to lock in with a faculty of top-class tutors, learning not only the secrets behind a great groove and performance, but also the business, music theory, production, marketing and additional skills you’ll need to get noticed. As an ICMP student, you’ll also join a community of new collaborators, friends, and industry contacts – and access our amazing rehearsal rooms, gear, masterclasses, industry events, and recording studios.
To start your music career today, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.