The vision…
Árstraumur is the vision of producer, composer, and artist David Elfström Lilja, born in Söderhamn and based in Gävle since 2023. Under this moniker, he creates instrumental electronic music that flows between ambient atmospheres, cinematic horizons and downbeat textures… en endeavor that began with pieces originally composed to guide him into sleep and which today serves as a form of therapy, a way to disconnect from everyday life and everything outside.
The pseudonyms…
Beyond Árstraumur, David works under several pseudonyms, most notably as Moist, his outlet for pop-forward electronica. His versatility is reflected in official remixes for Pet Shop Boys (UK), Red Snapper (UK) and Lustans Lakejer (SWE) among others, while his own compositions have been reimagined by icons such as Tangerine Dream (DE), Kebu (FI), and The Beloved (UK). He has also co-written a track with Vince Clarke (Depeche Mode/Yazoo/Erasure) for Árstraumur’s upcoming album Aurora, marking another collaboration with a renowned electronic music artist.
The future…
The new album Aurora, set for release on October 24, explores new realms of ambient electronics and thought-provoking textures.
The composer…
David’s musical path began at the age of four on the drums and took a decisive turn in 1984 with his first synthesizer.. a grey Roland SH-101. His lifelong fascination with electronic sound led him to establish the independent label I/O Music in 2011, where he continues to nurture and champion innovative electronic music.
The name…
Árstraumur is Icelandic for “river current.” In Swedish, the same concept can be expressed as flodström. Another Swedish word for river is älv, which in Old Swedish was written as “elf.” When combined with ström, meaning “current,” it becomes Elfström, which is David’s own surname, subtly connecting language, nature, and identity.
(updated: 2025-10-03)
