Meet the new wave of Icelandic artists set to play at Airwaves 2024
Lead image: virgin orchestra
As Iceland Airwaves prepares to dominate Reykjavík’s nightlife hubs for three days next week, we meet ten exciting artists performing for the first time at the festival.
With a looming US election (and a snap Icelandic one) threatening to upend or entrench the status quo, locals and visitors get a chance to unwind, disconnect and soak in the aural and visual sensory chamber that is Iceland Airwaves.
With 87 acts spread out over six stages on the main docket, and numerous others on official and unofficial off-venues, there is plenty for the musically-oriented to feast on. Local acts and international ones vie for attention, but as always we’re very interested in the local newcomers.
We have compiled a list of ten of the most interesting Airwaves Virgins, local artists that have never performed before at the festival (at least not under their current name), in the hopes that ticket holders might check out these amazing talents taking their first steps on the big stage.
Arnór Dan
Arnór is no stranger to Airwaves, having played there numerous times with his rock band Agent Fresco. He started creating emotional rock back in primary school, and since founding Agent Fresco he’s also collaborated with the likes of Ólafur Arnalds, Yoko Kanno, Kevin Penkin, Úlfur Úlfur and Hugar, lending them his vocal prowess and writing talents. Arnór has numerous accolades to his name, including vocals on the BAFTA award-winning soundtrack for Broadchurch and best Male Singer of the Year’ at The Icelandic Music Awards for Agent Fresco’s 2015 album Destrier. Now he steps into his own, sans collaborators and band to perform solo material he’s been cooking. Fragile, solemn, evocative, hypnotic
Describe your sound
Haha, I can’t do that, so I asked ChatGPT instead: "Arnór Dan’s voice is hauntingly ethereal and achingly expressive, often marked by a delicate, almost fragile quality that feels as though it’s floating above the music. His vocals are often described as angelic and intimate, with a hint of melancholy that makes his performances deeply emotional and immersive.
There’s a distinct Icelandic or Nordic vibe to his voice—a cold, spacious resonance, like echoing through a vast, lonely landscape. He also has an impressive vocal range that can transition smoothly from soft falsettos to powerful, full-bodied notes, creating a dynamic intensity. His tone often feels restrained yet passionate, capable of conveying raw emotion with subtlety, which makes his sound ideal for music that aims to evoke strong visuals or atmospheres."
Why should we come see you at Airwaves?
Hmm, well if ChatGPT didn’t do the trick, then I for one can’t wait!
It’s been four years since I last stood on a stage, so I’ll promise an emotional and vulnerable journey with me at Fríkirkjan. I’ve been so lucky to have collaborated with a lot of incredible artists and now I’ll finally perform some of those songs live for the first time ever, plus there will be guest appearances and brand new music to share.
I have a gut feeling that the atmosphere and experience will be quite raw and powerful. Plus the lineup for the evening is pretty sick. I was just talking with Gabríel Ólafs, who will be performing right before me, and we agreed that we absolutely LOVE the line up and would attend as audience members in a heartbeat.
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
I’ve honestly been disconnected from the music scene for a couple of years, which makes this years Iceland Airwaves so incredibly exciting for me. I can’t wait to be knocked out by an unfamiliar, raw, energetic performance somewhere in Reykjavik that weekend. I can't fucking wait.
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
The water is the first thing that comes to mind. Dip into the local pools and connect with the locals or fellow tourists.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
Hydrate and hit the pools my friends!
Bear the Ant
This psychedelic and soulful act was created during the Covid-19 pandemic. The band consists of Björn Óli, singer and guitarist, who began playing guitar at age twelve in a Nirvana cover band, and drummer and producer Davíð Antonsson who is best known for his involvement with blues rock band Kaleo. Together they’ve released EP Unconscious, of which two songs rose to the top slot on local rock station X977, and they’re stepping onto the big stage for the first time accompanied by a full band.
Describe your sound The question of your own sound or style of music is always a bit difficult, but maybe it’s positive if it’s hard to put a label on it… I would say it’s something like a blend of soul, rock, pop, indie and psychedelic rock. Our live set is somewhat loose, with an improvisational feel to it.
Why should we come see you at Airwaves?
Maybe you should, maybe you shouldn’t. But if you like our music already or want to listen to something hopefully new and refreshing, you should! We’re also gonna have our biggest band yet, brass and backing singers, I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun!
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
Wow, so many.. my favourite artists would probably be Júníus Meyvant, Hjálmar, Ásgeir, Moses Hightower and so many more really! Kári Egils is also a really exciting new artist coming up.
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
I would try to get a glimpse of the countryside, maybe even see the northern lights, get cold, wet and eat some lamb.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
Go to any of the swimming pools, lay in the hot tub, you’ll feel like a million bucks after that.
jonfri
Jónfrí is the solo project of Akranes-born, Reykjavík-transplant Jón Frímannsson, who has been DJing since the time vinyl was king and Technics turntables were the weapon of choice of the craftsmen. He only picked up a guitar a few years ago and toyed with songwriting until he released an earworm of a debut album, Draumur um Bronco, this spring.
Describe your sound
This is always a tricky question. We’re currently recording our sophomore album, which will be a disco-flavoured indie affair. It’s a question of venue and vibe how we sound, but at Airwaves you’ll get danceable tunes with a thumping kick drum.
Why should we come see you at Airwaves?
We’re playing at Gaukurinn, a staple of Reykjavík’s nightlife since the dawn of time. It’s an honest no frills kind of bar/club that really comes to life during the festival. I have many fond memories of that place. Music should be good too.
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
There has been so much good stuff coming out lately. Both super impressive albums and shiny singles. Check out Kött Grá Pje, Superserious, Malen, Róshildur, ADHD, Gosi, Elín Hall, Julian Civilian, Spacestation. The list goes on. If you’re attending Airwaves go see Pétur Ben and Hjálmar, both pillars of the Icelandic music scene in the past decades.
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
I’d probably say go see nature. Do The Golden Circle or visit the Blue Lagoon. Kinda touristy but for a good reason. Then crawl some pubs before the festival starts. But not those decorated fancy ones. They’re no fun. Maybe head out for Grótta if there are northern lights, you can see them best from there.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
Depends on how hungover you are but I’d go swimming in Vesturbæjarlaug, then maybe go to the Art Museum and see Jónsi’s (from Sigurrós) exhibition “Flóð”. Then I’d go record shopping at Lucky Records, they usually run a pretty interesting off-venue program during the daylight hours of the festival.
K.óla
28-year-old Katrín Helga Ólafsdóttir has been active in the indie and DIY music scene for a while, in particular with the post-dreifing art collective. She started playing classical piano at age ten, and made her own songs in her early teens. From 2015-2022 she was involved with dream pop band Milkhouse, releasing three albums, but alongside that she started her own solo act, K.óla, where she marries simple melodies with honest and quirky lyrics. As K.óla she’s released three albums (being awarded the Kraumur award for 2019’s Allt verður alltílagi) and nine singles. To say she’s overdue to play at Airwaves is a gross understatement.
Describe your sound
I started to learn classical piano when I was 10 and was always a quite bad student; I didn’t want to practise so much but I was always excited about making my own music. When I started making music it was out of curiosity of trying to express some dramatic teenage emotions that I found hard to put in words but could find an outlet for them in my music. Some say my lyrics are quite honest, bold and playful. I guess the music medium makes me share myself in a different way.
I have been playing with a live band in my solo act, but now since I have been living in Copenhagen and travelling a lot between Iceland and Denmark my setup changes a lot. It is all between performing with a string trio and flute playing the classical guitar, or playing with a more rock n roll setup.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
I would recommend going to one of the amazing Swimming pools we have in the capital area, sit in the hot tub for an hour, and go to the steambath, if you have the nerves you should also go to the cold pot. That really works for hangovers. Then afterwards I would recommend going to Brikk, they make very good sourdough bread. I would either eat there or buy a whole loaf of bread and a hummus or avocado salad to bring home. If you want to have the authentic local experience, you go to the ice cream shop at any hour of the day between 12-23. Yes, even though it is very cold weather.
Klemens Hannigan
Many a-time has Klemens been in the Airwaves spotlight, as he is internationally known as one third of the industrial-bondage-performance battery called Hatari. But now, for the first time, this Icelandic-Irish-English-German father of three daughters (with a fourth on the way) steps onto the stage with his own solo project where he utilises his delicate voice to guide debut album Low Light through a gentle form of chaos.
Describe your sound
My album Low Light is a co-production between Leifur Björnsson, Howie B, and myself. It feels raw, pure, full of sacrilegious emotion. An album that stays true to my innermost feelings. An album soaked in Leifur’s fruitful lust. An album exquisitely coated with Howie B’s elegance. With burning, soft, organic soundscapes, weaving together the raw and vibrant flavors of both traditional and unconventional instruments. Everything comes together, exploding my’ inner musical world into a new soulful dimension. So to paraphrase it: grit pop rock, with a dash of velvet soul.
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
So much good stuff going on; I love Ásgeir Trausti, GDRN, Vök, Cyber, Kvikindi, and the list goes on, just pick one.
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
Visit all the public pools in the capital region, that's where the icelandic soul is.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
Go do the steam bath and cold plunge at Vesturbæjarlaug swimming pool.
Lúpína
The Icelandic-Norwegian Nína Solveig Andersen grew up in Reykjavík but has spent the last few years in Norwegian music production school LIMPI, from where she started the Lúpína project. Her musical education began at six when she studied the violin, before experimenting with composition in her teenage years and starting band Dymbrá with two good friends. Now, as Lúpína, she explores new vistas with her lyrically-focused Scandi pop, as can be heard in her album ringluð.
Describe your soundI always find it hard to describe my sound, and I guess the best way to understand it is to listen to it. But some people have said it sounds like Icelandic-experimental-scandipop, that could make sense? I am a fan of trying out new things in my productions, hence why all my songs sound kinda different, or they all have their unique personalities but still fit into the lúpína universe. I like electronic music, pop music, choir music, indie music, and my music is some mix of all of those.
Why should we come see you at Airwaves?
Cause it will be amazing!! hahah nooo I think you should come to my show if you are into original productions and melodies in the world of pop music, with some Icelandic lyrics blended into it. Or if you want to hear something new and fresh. I promise it will be a great trip into the lúpína world for both Icelandic speakers and non-Icelandic speakers. Also, I am lucky enough to be playing in the coolest venue of Airwaves; Fríkirkjan, and everyone going to Airwaves should experience a concert there, so this is your perfect opportunity.
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
CYBER, Amor Vincit Omnia, JFDR, Una Torfa, Laufey, gugusar and many more. I love how versatile the Icelandic music scene is
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
The local swimming pools! My favorite thing about Iceland is all the warm water we have, and the pool culture. We go to the pools to catch up with friends or just get a tiny break from the hectic schedule life can bring us, and it is the best. Also you should try out some Icelandic candy, we have a lot of different combinations of licorice and chocolate, like Draumur, Þristur, Eitt sett and many more.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
Ramen Momo has some delicious ramen, Yuzu has some amazing burgers and Mokka has the best waffles
Róshildur
The Icelandic-Danish Annar Róshildur Benediktsdóttir Bøving comes from a theatre background and started releasing music as Róshildur three years ago. Her brand of alternative pop is a blend of melodic, layered vocals and textured production.This is the soundscape that carries Róshildur’s melancholic but often humorous lyrics.
Describe your soundMy sound is a form of alternative electronic pop. I like to play with electronic vs. organic sounds and samples. My productions are filled with recordings from the voice-memo app on my phone, for example a squeaky chair, a ship blowing its horn, a car beeping. Sound recordings which I then manipulate and create beats, rhythms or synths from. Each of my songs tell a story, with melancholic lyrics that are often quite visual, and sometimes have a touch of irony. When playing live I loop my voice, saxophone and synths, so each concert turns out different from the last.
Why should we come see you at Airwaves?
Because it will be epic. I am playing in such a beautiful venue, the church by the pond, which will really suit my music and elevate it to a new level. I will also be playing some new songs and trying new experiments, expanding my sound and performance.
You should come to my set if you want to get hypnotised by Icelandic lyrics and immersed in soft, layered harmonies, a heavy bass and an electronically effected saxophone. Perhaps you will find yourself thinking where am I? Is this still earth?
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
I am very excited about all my fellow women producers and composers. A few who are inspiring me at the moment are Iðunn Einars, K.óla, Neonme, KUSK, Lúpína, Cyber, Gugusar.
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
The best way is to be curious. Be curious about the art, music and underground scene of Reykjavík, the culture, food, people. If you do that you are destined to find something interesting. Go to the pools and check out The Reykjavík Grapevine to find a good happy hour. Then put on a warm coat and head over to an Airwaves venue.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
Straight to the pool, hot water, cold water, sauna. There you will be reborn, while also reminiscing about last night's iconic concerts. Have a brunch/lunch at Kaffihús Vesturbæjar or Prikið and then you should end the day by watching a film at Bíó Paradís. You will be cured.
Spacestation
This quartet from Fossvogur and Vesturbær, Reykjavík, has been playing music together for the past three years since Björgólfur asked Víðir to jam when he sold him a guitar. One garage renovation later, the two had a practice space and studio and started recording demos before filling out the roaster and becoming Spacestation.
Describe your soundLike Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine before them, Spacestation aspire to redefine what noise can be within the context of pop music.
Their music combines inventive use of alternate tunings, guitar strumming and feedback, with the intensity of shoegaze, catchy Krautrock rhythms and the attitude of 60s psychedelia, to create a new, jogging, sonic landscape that makes you waste away insightful nights dancing with strangers.
Not a part of any scene, Spacestation comfortably rest on the nihilistic outskirts, eternally gazing into the void through dark shades and a haze of cigarette smoke. Main interests are white noise & wine.
Why should we come see you at Airwaves?
Spacestation is all about bringing style, fun and catchy songwriting back to rock music. We want people to really dance their ass off to our tunes and most of the time it's successful. It’s not going to be easy, the crowd will be very hot and sweaty but we guarantee a good time. People also say we look good on stage. I don’t know, you probably need to see for yourself wont you?
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
Our friends in Supersport! are doing great things for Icelandic rock ‘n’ roll. They have wonderful guitar-playing as well, it’s going to hypnotise you. Skrattar are super cool as well. They are working on a new album that we can't wait to hear.
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
Go to “djammið”, get shitfaced and partying ‘til the morning is a very Icelandic thing to do. Although we don’t really do that–we like to chill and feel comfortable the day after. Taking a Sunday ride to the country is very nice as well. It’s very beautiful here in case you haven’t heard.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
So many places. Prikið has an awesome brunch and a great vibe. Vitabar is a local bar and hamburger joint with a good vibe and even better prices. We don’t want too many tourists in those places though so please don’t tell anyone what we told you.
Vampíra
This atmospheric black metal band was formed a year ago and won the 2024 Músíktilraunir (Iceland’s venerable Battle of the Bands competition), the first black metal band to do so. Originally a duet, the band expanded to a full quintet, with members aged 17 to 24 and coming from bands such as Skúmaskot, Holdris and Gravity is Optional. Expect a theatrical and goth-inspired melodic show with lyrical themes about nature and human emotion.
Describe your soundWe play black metal with melodic elements and hints of thrash and death metal.
Why should we come see you at Airwaves?
Our shows are intense and theatrical. We feel that we are adding something new to the black metal scene, and that people should come and see it.
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
Definitely Meinsemd and Krownest. Really great music made by awesome people.
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
Experience something more than just the downtown of Reykjavík. Go to local pubs, talk to the punks, visit local gigs.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
Go to Just Kebab and have yourself a nice kebab.
virgin orchestra
Together, Starri, Stefanía and Rún make up the trio that is virgin orchestra, an experimental post-punk band formed in Reykjavík three years ago during a school trip. Combining disparate influences such as electronic music, dreampop and noise. Last year they released album fragments which was chosen as the Album of the Week on Rás 2 national radio station. Part of what makes the band so enjoyable live is their use of live instruments such as guitar, cello, bass and vocals along with prerecorded experimental soundscapes.
Describe your sound
It’s full of sultry grace and aggression, born out of capitalist frustration and unhinged emotions.
Why should we come see you at Airwaves?
We are playing at our favourite local venue so we will be in our element. It will be tight and hot and loud, and buzzing with energy. We will also be debuting a whole bunch of new, never- before-heard material. So come on down if you want an intense and emotional experience and be the first to hear our new stuff.
Who else do you think is making the most exciting music in Iceland right now?
Kælan Mikla are big favourites of ours, and CYBER are making some verrrrry cool stuff. Many of our friends from music school are also doing exciting things.
What's the best way for a tourist visiting Reykjavík for the first time to get the authentic local experience?
Go to the pool and sit in the hot tub with the older locals. Afterwards, get the filter coffee at the pool and sit and read a newspaper. For the fairy doom vibe, walk in Hólavallakirkjugarður, it’s a beautiful old cemetery close to the city centre. Swing by Smekkleysa and Lucky Records for some music browsing. Rent a car and drive it everywhere, it’s local Reykjavík chic, don’t bother with taking the buses, they are terrrrrrrrible. Hit up some of the local pubs like Kaldi or Kiki queer bar. Visit some museums or parks and completely avoid anything that has a puffin on it. It’ll be a tourist trap. Go to Skeifan for chaos.
Where should we go during the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?
Go to the pool, it cures all.
Icelandair make booking your trip to Airwaves adventure a breeze - simply choose how many days you want to spend in the country, and they take care of the flight, festival pass, and optional hotel and airport transfer. Find out more about Iceland Airwaves at airwaves.is.
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