Who to see at Iceland Airwaves 2019

This performer is an accomplished violist, having performed as a soloist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. While she’s classically trained, as a singer/songwriter she instead performs poetic folk tunes, employing a vocal range akin to Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. Already critically acclaimed, she makes her Airwaves debut this year.

BEST FIT: Where in Iceland are you from?

ÁSTA: When I was born we lived in 101 Reykjavík, but then my parents moved a few times when I was growing up. My childhood years were spent in Grafarvogur, teenage years in 108 Reykjavík, but now I’m back “home” in 101.

When did you start making music?

I finished my BA in viola performance from The Royal Danish Academy of Music one and a half year ago, after having played the viola since I was three years old. On my last semester in RDAM I started writing poetry, just for fun. After graduation I moved back to Iceland to live in this tiny village in the West Fjords called Flateyri. I took my dad's guitar with me and it wasn’t until then that I realised that I could turn these poems I had written into lyrics and that I was actually able to sing and create melodies to them.

Describe your sound

Up until now, most of my music has been written in the really dark winter of the Icelandic Westfjords, surrounded by mountains and nature all around. It could be described as gentle, intimate, poetic and quite folkish with a melancholic undertone.

I absolutely love playing around with the Icelandic language and my lyrics are very dear to me. Sometimes I even like to look at myself as a storyteller, as well as a musician. Each song has a story behind it that I want to tell. I realise that not everyone speaks and understands my lyrics, because they are all in Icelandic. But even if you don’t understand the words that I am saying, I hope that you can still feel what I’m trying to say.

Why should we come see you at Airwaves?

There are not so many artists that sing entirely in Icelandic, so if you want to hear some raw and intimate music sung in this beautiful language, you should come to my show at Airwaves.

Who else should we check out?

Hjaltalín is amazing, and also Moses Hightower. Go see Hugar if you want something meditative and Sykur if you want to dance your ass off. Svavar Knútur always makes me smile. Also, I recently discovered Frid and I’m excited to see her live at Airwaves.

Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?

Go to the swimming pool and get some fries at Reykjavík Chips. Then, if you’re up for it, go for a walk on Ægissíða - it’s very pretty.

This young singer/songwriter shot to stardom in 2015 when she partook in the national prelims for the Eurovision Song Contest, landing in third place. At the time she was only 16-years-old, making her the youngest contestant to compete. She’s been active in the trio Náttsól since then, but her big claim to fame came last year in the form of a starring role in the harrowing and critically acclaimed drug-fuelled tragedy film Lof Mér að Falla. Now, riding high on success, she’s struck out on her own and is releasing her first solo album.

BEST FIT: Where in Iceland are you from?

ELÍN SIF: I grew up for the most part in central Reykjavík although I was born in Montreal and lived in both cities as a child. I’m much of a city girl.

When did you start making music?

I had a pretty musical upbringing due to the fact that my mother is a music teacher and made an effort in incorporating music into daily life activities. I remember making up melodies very young and driving my sisters crazy singing them all the time. When I was 15 years old I found a new way to approach the instruments around me and I remember sitting down and almost deciding to write a song. That’s when I fell in love with song-writing.

Describe your sound

I would describe it as almost minimalistic and acoustic indie-folk. I write most of my songs alone with my guitar and I want my sound reflect that. I have a passion for story-telling so my focus on lyrics is an important part of my music.

Why should we come see you at Airwaves?

When your heart is pounding after running around downtown Reykjavík in the November storm, trying to soak in all the experiences Airwaves has to offer… My performance could just be the calm and cozy moment you will be looking for. I am also extremely excited to be playing my songs with a band for the first time. I have gathered some pretty amazing players to join me but I promise to keep it intimate and take you on a ride.

Who else should we check out?

There is so much talent to choose from. I am really excited to see the band Between Mountains play. Go see Matthildur if you want to hear some absolutely breathtaking vocals. Icelandic legend Pétur Ben is one I don’t want to miss out on seeing and the band Vök is a must if you are in the mood for dancing.

Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?

For a unique experience I recommend taking a walk down to the coast and to the old lighthouse in Grótta. Nearby is a geothermal footbath called Kvika that is incredibly cozy and beautiful. If you are lucky you might catch some northern lights and then this is the perfect spot to be at. It’s also free of charge.

This down-to-earth trio has only been playing for a year, having competed in Músíktilraunir and landed in second place. Konfekt (“Confections”) plays the sort of soulful and groovy tunes just perfect for all the cool cats out on the prowl during Airwaves.

BEST FIT: Where in Iceland are you from?

KONFEKT: We are all from Seltjarnarnes, a small town that is Reykjavík’s neighbour.

When did you start making music?

We’ve all been playing music for a long time and known each other since kindergarten, but didn’t start making music together until a little under a year ago.

Describe your sound

Groovy feel good music!

Why should we come see you at Airwaves?

We haven’t released a lot of music yet so this is your chance to hear us before the whole world. And we promise you’ll have a good time!

Who else should we check out?

Oh wow, there’s so much we’re excited for! But to name a few, you should check out OMAM, Vök, GDRN, Gabriel Ólafs and our friends from this years Músiktilraunir Ásta, Blóðmör and Flammeus!

Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?

Find the nearest swimming pool to you and soak in there for a while. Then eat something good and you should be ready to go!

Quintet Morpholith has been active for the past three years, playing at fringe shows for the small but loyal metal fans of Iceland, as well as appearing at DIY punk festival Norðanpaunk and mainstream metal fest Eistnaflug. Since their formation, Morpholith has been slowly building steam, winning the local Wacken Metal Battle competition this year and making their debut at Airwaves.

BEST FIT: Where in Iceland are you from?

MORPHOLITH: The band members all live in the capital area but we rehearse at the edge of civilization, or Hafnarfjörður as some call it.

When did you start making music?

We began playing gigs in late 2016, after a few months of experimenting with our sound.

Describe your sound

An avalanche of riffs, fuzzier than the Icelandic sheep during winter, projected by the finest tube amplifiers found in the Icelandic heartland.

Why should we come see you at Airwaves?

Because we are the only band with more amplifiers than band members.

Who else should we check out?

Our buddies in Auðn and Une Misére of course. They played the same Wacken Metal battle thing we did some years back and both are now among Iceland’s top metal exports.

Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?

You might want to get Telegram on your phone and find some of the local dealers, then find a nice sofa of your choice and light a fat bowl of the finest Icelandic skunk available.

For those coming to Airwaves hoping to dance the night away, we present ROKKY. This artist has all of her ducks in a row, with thumping house beats, techno vibes and enticing tunes, proving even the coldest winter can be full of warmth. Don’t forget your dance shoes and well put-together outfits.

BEST FIT: Where in Iceland are you from?

ROKKY: My parents are from Iceland, but I was born and raised in England and I moved to Iceland when I was twelve. I lived in Hafnarfjörður to begin with, where a lot of my family lives, and then we moved to downtown Reykjavík.

When did you start making music?

I’ve always been making tunes in some way or another and played around with different genres and bands. But I started really finding my ROKKY sound about three years ago and was proud to finally show people my music.

Describe your sound

Fat synth-electro-dance-pop. When I make music, I want to be able to dance to it. I love French electronic music and I listen to a lot of tech house and ‘80s music, so I like to think it’s a mix of all of those things.

Why should we come see you at Airwaves?

I promise a lot of dancing. And if you appreciate a good bassline and you like to bob your head or even side-step a bit, hole-in-one. I’m playing a slightly more poppy set on the Thursday off-venue at Studentakjallarinn, Saturday at 8pm at Dillon and then the main show at KEX Hostel on Saturday at 10pm, which will be even more electro dance vibes.

Who else should we check out?

It’s really hard to narrow the list down, there are so many great acts this year. But I’m definitely going to see Detalji. She has a really cool live show, very powerful and the visuals are fantastic. I’m also really intrigued by Pattesutter and what his live show will be like. Other acts I want to see include Akkan, Booka Shade, aYia, Georgia, Ivan Dorn, Otha, Snapped Ankles and Sykur

Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?

My mind goes straight to a hot tub. Either at a local swimming pool, or just ask people who have them in their garden. And I recommend snacking on harðfiskur (dried fish) it’s delicious and rich in protein and you can buy it in any supermarket.

Iceland Airwaves from from 6-9 November. Find out more at icelandairwaves.is