Music and motor combine young people

The engine room was founded in 1996 and is located at Dalshrauni 10, which is best known as the old liquorice factory. The motorhouse is a community centre. for young people aged 13-20 with facilities for the repair and maintenance of various vehicles. In the same premises there is also Music workshop Music Worlds , where a studio has been set up for rehearsals and recording for young and talented musicians. The youth centre is staffed by Birgir Þór Halldórsson, Askur Máni Stefánsson, Starri Steindórsson and Guðmundur Frímann Kristinsson. 

The local paper, Hafnfirðingur, dropped in for a chat with the lads.  

^{Starri, Askur and Birgir on the workshop side of the premises. Photo/OBÞ}

Starri and Askur say they themselves used to go to the Motorhouse when they were schoolmates back in Year 8 or 9. „We weren't in the same group of friends, though; shared interests brought us together here, and the friendship has lasted ever since. We were into car trading and that sort of tinkering, and this was the place to meet up. The oldest in the group who was here back then is now 29.“ They say the job is great fun and that it's mainly lads who come to the motor part of the business, usually on their own but sometimes with their girlfriends. „They also come from all neighbourhoods of Hafnarfjörður, which is a good development from how it used to be. Kids who don't necessarily fit in with the activities at the school's youth clubs or at the Youth Centre find a safe environment here. Often, they are kids on the fringes who have interests they associate with this place.“ 

<sup>Part of the recording studio. Photo/OBÞ

A good facility has been set up for musicians to practise. Photo/OBÞ

Important gadgets have been collected. Photo/OBÞ</sup>

Don't have to be part of a band

Birgir Þór runs the music section, Músikheimar, and says that many musicians from Hafnarfjörður have taken their first or important steps there since the community centre was founded. „For example, Ingi Bauer, who comes from the pop scene, and the rock band Sign. Back then, bands were perhaps called something different from what they are today. I, for instance, met the drummer in my band, Alchemia, here when I was 18. The band Blóðmör, who won Músíktilraunir last year, rehearsed and also recorded their first album here. Other bands that have taken part in that competition have rehearsed and recorded demos here.“

^{The band Blóðmör, who won Músíktilraunir last year, were rehearsing in the premises. Photo/The band's Facebook page}

Just over two years ago, Arnar Þór Gíslason, drummer for Pollapönk, gave Músíkheimar half a million as a gesture of gratitude, and Birgir says that the sum has certainly come in very useful. In the music department, Birgir teaches the young people how studio work is done, and it costs them nothing. „When I was here back in the day, the studio wasn't used like this. They're so excited they bring all their instruments straight away, but it's best to record one instrument at a time. You can also just come in and try recording vocals, a drum cover or something like that. You don't have to be part of a band. Everyone is welcome in the studios, even up to the age of 25.“

^{Addi the drummer, when he presented the grant two years ago. With him in the picture are Birgir and Stína Mæja. Photo/OBÞ
Part of the facilities. There is a table tennis table and a sofa set there. Photo/OBÞ}

^{T-shirts with the names of the bands that have practised in the premises are on the wall. Photo/OBÞ}

Rockets have been built

Starri and Askur say that young people often come to the Motorhouse to fix a broken motorbike or bike. That is often the attraction. „But then they come more often and get to know us, each other and the operation as a whole. Those who came here perhaps 10 years ago still come here because they have formed connections.“ Askur adds: „Often, they're lads who have just got their driving licence, and they can come and clean the car, not necessarily to do anything with it. Also, just to be here. It's an open house for everyone and there doesn't need to be a project on the go, as the activity is shaped by the people who come here. We don't have any schedule or list of projects.“ Starri agrees: „It's so important that everyone understands and knows that this is, first and foremost, a facility for all sorts of activities and social purposes. Even woodwork. Here, everyone gets the instruction and guidance they need. We're good at a lot of things.“ Birgir then adds: „Rockets have, for example, been built here!“

An interview with Starri, Ask and Birgi was published in Hafnfirðinginn on 27 September 2020.