Tónlistarviðburðir um allt land

AMIT - Airwaves

AMIT is a UK based electronic music artist.

Svartidauði - Airwaves

The masked conquerers of the wastelands. After numerous tours and festival appearances following the release of their 2012 monolithic debut, Flesh Cathedral, and the dissonant EP, Synthesis of Whore and Beast, Svartidauði has become a name to be reckoned within Europe’s underground, extreme music scene.The terrifying beauty of their music has made Svartidauði a favourite amongst cultists and hipsters alike.

Tonik Ensemble - Airwaves

Tonik Ensemble is the musical output of Icelander Anton Kaldal Ágústsson. Exploring the vast expanse of the electronic spectrum the soundscape is a mix of electronics and the more organic live instruments. It is a strong signature sound of contrasts: rich and stripped bare, minimalist but intricate, finely crafted and yet very instinctive. Together with an ever-evolving cast of talented collaborators, the output is a deep, atmospheric yet soulful pseudo-techno.

Agent Fresco - Airwaves

Hailing from Iceland, Agent Fresco’s music is a reflection of this ever-changing landscape, with its overwhelming sense of freedom and vastness. This is a progressive art rock band that needs to be experienced from a few steps back to be grasped in its entirety, like a bold work of art. Even by the wide-open standards of Icelandic music Agent Fresco’s interpretation of the rock genre is unusually soulful and multi-layered, with a quicksilver rhythmic pulse and mother-of-pearl harmonies reflecting every mood colour imaginable. In the last couple of years, their iridescent, propulsive, arty and highly addictive music made the highly esteemed Reykjavik band become the favourite of a music-loving nation and an act sparking international interest.

Soffía Björg - Airwaves off-venue

Soffía Björg hails from Borgarfjörður, a fjord in the west of Iceland. Although the waters of Borgarfjörður appear calm, the fjord has significant undercurrents and shallows. Soffía studied classical singing, swifted over to jazz & has fiddled with bluegrass & americana. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Composition. Soffía is currently working through a set of songs for her first album scheduled for release in 2016. As a warm up for the album she has now made available online the single ‘Back & Back Again’ where; “The music drifts along beautifully in a classic, dark hued setting while Soffía’s rough cut, yet warm voice, infuses it with a strange blend of innocence and danger.”

Vio - Airwaves off-venue

Vio are the winners of the 2014 Icelandic Music Experiments (Músíktilraunir), with their singer also receiving the award for best singer. Formed only three weeks before the contest, they started out as a semi-acoustic trio but soon evolved into a four piece alternative band with a broader soundscape.

Brian Pokora - Airwaves off-venue

Brian Pokora plays at Lucky Records on November 5th at 13:00.

Axel Flóvent - Airwaves off-venue

Axel Flóvent is a musician hailing from the northern fishing village of Húsavík. At the age of 19 Axel has already spent a few years creating his own music and performing in Húsavík as well as all over Iceland by himself and as a part of his bands. His music can be described as modern folk music. At its core it´s acoustic and low key but bears obvious influences from other forms of music such as indie rock, pop and electronic music. Keeping in the vein of modern folk singers Axel has been active writing and recording his own songs and has a numerous online releases available.

AmabAdamA - Airwaves off-venue

AmabAdama is an Icelandic reggae band that took its current form in the spring of 2013. The band consist of a singing trio, guitar, bass, drums, brass and keyboard. The band has been praised for it’s joyful stage presence. People who like dancing to the reggae heart beat and vibing to the bassline should enjoy AmabaDama´s debut album that came out in the fall of 2014. In the beginning of 2015 the band picked up 7 nominations for the Icelandic music awards, more then any other artist. Salka Sól won singer of the year both at the Icelandic Music Awards and the Icelandic Listeners awards where the band also won newcomer of the year.

Wesen - Airwaves off-venue

Wesen (or ₩€$€₦) are duo Júlía Hermannsdóttir and Loji Höskuldsson. They started working together in 2004 under the name We Pained the Walls. After taking a few years off to work on other projects (Sudden Weather Change & Oyama to name just two) they’ve reunited in the last couple of years to once again step outside their comfort zone and make a new album under the new name Wesen. Wesen play catchy experimental electronic pop music and their live performance style is straightforward but striking, making use of both playback and live buildup.

The Anatomy Of Frank - Airwaves off-venue

The Anatomy of Frank is a five-piece band from the mountains of Virginia. Their melodies and subject matter tend toward nostalgia, intricacy, and nuance, touching on every facet of the human heart. Focusing on fingerstyle guitar work, rich harmonies, and melodies that sound like they were forgotten from childhood, the mood journeys from quiet delicacy to roaring climaxes over the course of their songs.

Úlfur Eldjárn - Airwaves off-venue

Úlfur Eldjárn is a composer, multi-instrumentalist and electronic musician from Reykjavík, best known for his soundtrack work and as a member of the legendary Apparat Organ Quartet. Úlfur will perform music from his upcoming solo album – The Aristókrasía Project – a collection of musical poems touching upon the topics of space travel, the history of science, technological progress and the love between humans and machines. The music combines epic analog synthesizer melodies with bold romantic string arrangements, organic beats and emotionally charged vocoded singing. Úlfur will be performing on live electronics with a string quartet and percussion ensemble – a rare performance that is not to be missed!

Kælan Mikla - Airwaves off-venue

Kælan Mikla is a three-piece poetry-punk band from Reykjavík that is becoming darker and more refined, delving into the no-wave genre and adding more instruments to their sound. The band consists of three close friends that perform original poetry any way they please, breathing a fresh breeze of avant-garde into the Icelandic music scene. The band was formed after winning first place in a poetry slam competition held by the Reykjavík City Library in January 2013. They have since made the local festival circuit, as well as gone on European tours of their own. Kælan Mikla’s style is best characterised by a dark melancholic sound, filled with heavy thumping bass, loud drums, melodic synth segments, and mercurial vocals that go from spoken poetry to full-on screams. Their lyrics focus on topics such as inner turmoil, and their stage presence is at times intimidating to newcomers, but brings regulars into an introspective and melancholic trance.

Elín Ey - Airwaves off-venue

Elín Ey is an Icelandic blues singer-songwriter. Her first album ‘See you in Dreamland’ was released in 2008, and since then she has performed in many concerts in Europe and in the U.S., including London, Brighton, San Francisco and New York.

Østfrost - Airwaves off-venue

Norwegian band Østfrost has a sound that’s difficult to describe, sitting somewhere between jazz, pop, indie and folk. Thankfully they’ll be playing five off-venue shows during Airwaves, allowing you the opportunity to find out for yourself just how good their music is.

Elín Sif - Airwaves off-venue

Elín Sif is a singer/songwriter living in Reykjavik, Iceland

Árstíðir - Airwaves off-venue

The first Icelandic band to ever win the Eiserner Eversteiner European Folk Music Award, Árstíðir became a YouTube phenomenon after a friend recorded an impromptu performance of “Heyr himna smiður” in the Bürger Bahnhof train station in Wuppertal. After a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund their new album, the band took up residence and composed the album’s songs in Toppstödin, an abandoned coal-fired power plant repurposed as a creative space. They then recorded Hvel at the studio Orgelsmiðjan, home to many of Iceland’s renowned recording artists. The result is a collection of songs which weave both traditional and electronically-inspired instrumental threads together with soaring vocal harmonies, and that critics have described as “beautiful and atmospheric” and “utterly mesmerizing.”

The Anatomy Of Frank - Airwaves off-venue

The Anatomy of Frank is a five-piece band from the mountains of Virginia. Their melodies and subject matter tend toward nostalgia, intricacy, and nuance, touching on every facet of the human heart. Focusing on fingerstyle guitar work, rich harmonies, and melodies that sound like they were forgotten from childhood, the mood journeys from quiet delicacy to roaring climaxes over the course of their songs.

Vio - Airwaves off-venue

Vio are the winners of the 2014 Icelandic Music Experiments (Músíktilraunir), with their singer also receiving the award for best singer. Formed only three weeks before the contest, they started out as a semi-acoustic trio but soon evolved into a four piece alternative band with a broader soundscape.

Alchemia - Airwaves off-venue

Alchemia is a heavy-metal band from Hafnafjörður, Iceland, established in 2007. The band quickly built a reputation in the local rock scene in Reykjavík for their stage performances and their blending of heavy metal with various other genres, for example: carnival themes songs such as Con of Man and a funky dance groove in the middle of their song ‘Insanity’.

Teitur Magnússon - Airwaves off-venue

Ojba Rasta’s singer/guitarist Teitur Magnússon released his long-awaited solo debut, titled ’27’, last december. We’re talking about a diversely influenced ‘indie pop’ record and you can witness and parttake in its enjoyable laid back’ness Live this Airwaves. You’ll hear simple and catchy songs layered with a psychedelic texture and some sweet melodies thanks to a rich and colorful instrumentation. Drawing from a wide array of sounds and elements, Teitur brings you a fresh slice of Icelandic pop, daring to take you higher!

Bláskjár and band - Airwaves off-venue

Bláskjár is the alter ego and solo project of Icelandic composer and musician, Dísa Hreiðarsdóttir. Bláskjár´s music is best described as lyrical folk music where storytelling plays a big role. The solo project was launched in May 2014 as a part of Dísa´s final project for her masters studies in the Iceland Academy of the Arts. Bláskjár is a singer/songwriter, and focuses on playing humble and lyrical music, straight from the heart. Bláskjár´s music has many elements, such as classical and theatrical influences, so the music is both theatrical and picturesque. Bláskjár loves the nature and uses soundscapes to enrich her songs. Bláskjár´s newest single, Silkirein, sets the tone for her upcoming EP, which will be released this fall, where she mixes together, natural soundscapes, electronica and acoustic tones bringing everything together in a magical mixture of acoustic/electronic folk music. Bláskjár recently joined forces with a group of talented musicians and together they form Bláskjár and band. Bláskjár released her first single in January 2015 and will release an EP this fall.

Electric Space Orchestra - Airwaves off-venue

From the mushroom fields of Iceland!!

Sonord - Airwaves off-venue

Sonords will be playing Bar 11 at 15:30 on November 5.

Femdome: Kriki / Fura / When Airy Met Fairy / Reykjavíkurdætur / Kimono

Femdome, oh Femdome. You give us five artists in a row. How will my heart survive the glory of it all?

Baula - Airwaves off-venue

Experimental pop/rock band Baula performs at Lucky Records on November 5th at 16:00.

The Anatomy Of Frank - Airwaves off-venue

The Anatomy of Frank is a five-piece band from the mountains of Virginia. Their melodies and subject matter tend toward nostalgia, intricacy, and nuance, touching on every facet of the human heart. Focusing on fingerstyle guitar work, rich harmonies, and melodies that sound like they were forgotten from childhood, the mood journeys from quiet delicacy to roaring climaxes over the course of their songs.

French for Rabbits - Airwaves off-venue

French for Rabbits hail from the remote natural setting of Waikuku Beach, in New Zealand’s South Island. Vocalist Brooke Singer expresses intimate narratives against the cast of the damp colonial cold; her voice delicately steeled against winsome guitar lines, and the eerie instrumentation. It’s a weather-beaten dreamscape, nostalgic for warmth and hopefully lilting towards sunnier climes. While the warm instrumentation lends itself to pleasant comparisons with the Paisley West Coast pop-rock styling’s of bands like Mazzy Star, French for Rabbits are infused with a cold, brooding gaze evident through carefully decaying beats and glacial guitars akin to Laura Marling or Daughter on opiates. In 2014, they released their debut album ‘Spirits’ on Portland label Lefse Records (home to A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Sea Oleena) and toured with Danish songwriter Agnes Obel.

Black Desert Sun - Airwaves off-venue

Desert rock band Black Desert Sun plays at Gallerí Fold on November 11th at 16:00.

Emmsjé Gauti - Airwaves off-venue

Despite his young age, Emmsjé Gauti is a veteran when it comes to the rap game. After honing his talent for the last 13 years in Reykjavik’s small but vibrant and competitive rap scene, he released his debut solo album in 2010 which proved a big hit among fans and critics alike. Catapulting into the spotlight with his feature on the Blazroca’s hit “Elskum Þessar Mellur”, the aptly titled “Bara Ég” (“Only Me”) solidifies his status as one of Iceland’s most prominent young artists, striking an eclectic balance between flamboyant pop, humor and unadulterated rhyming skills. Say what you want about young Emmsjé Gauti, he gets the party started! Go check out his videos on Youtube (he’s put out more of them this year alone than most artists do in their entire careers). Gauti released his second solo album in 2013 called “ÞEYR”. “ÞEYR” is a darker, heavier release than his first outing and showcases the growth of the artist. If you are into punk-like shows, stagediving and random bullshit, Gauti is your go to guy.

Tonik Ensemble - Airwaves off-venue

Tonik Ensemble is the musical output of Icelander Anton Kaldal Ágústsson. Exploring the vast expanse of the electronic spectrum the soundscape is a mix of electronics and the more organic live instruments. It is a strong signature sound of contrasts: rich and stripped bare, minimalist but intricate, finely crafted and yet very instinctive. Together with an ever-evolving cast of talented collaborators, the output is a deep, atmospheric yet soulful pseudo-techno.

Blöndal Kvartett - Airwaves off-venue

Blöndal Kvartett plays at Íslenski Barinn on November 5 at 16:00.

Cyber - Airwaves off-venue

Cyber performs at Bar 11 on November 5th at 16:00.

Østfrost - Airwaves off-venue

Norwegian band Østfrost has a sound that’s difficult to describe, sitting somewhere between jazz, pop, indie and folk. Thankfully they’ll be playing five off-venue shows during Airwaves, allowing you the opportunity to find out for yourself just how good their music is.

EinarIndra - Airwaves off-venue

EinarIndra started making and performing electronic music more than a decade ago. After crashing his hard drive he took a break from the digital, picking up the guitar and singing. Now he´s again embraced his electronic roots, love of synths and working on laptops mixing it with live instruments resulting in creating organic electronic soulful music.

Andartak - Airwaves off-venue

Reykjavík-based artist and musician Andartak (Arnór Kári) creates electronic music based on his experiences as a multi-dimensional being and his desire to portray visual journeys. Past albums have explored everything from the zodiac to mindscapes.

The Roulette - Airwaves off-venue

It all started with the break up from The Mars Volta, feeling the need to produce aggressive progg rock! Featuring members from bands such as Gone Postal and The Wicked Strangers. The Roulette are gaining attention for their energetic and passionate live performances. The band often switches from pure rock n roll to outer space psychedelic rock, often leading to extended incredible breakdowns down a chasm of vibrant sound! Having been compared to the energetic live performances from At The Drive In, The Roulette reach from the dark quiet void to bring to each performance a trip through the 4th dimension!

Sturle Dagsland - Airwaves off-venue

Sturle Dagsland consists of the norwegian brothers Sturle & Sjur Dagsland. They alternate at playing on an array of instruments and electronics, harmonically creating an expressive-progressive ever-changing soundscape dominated by Sturle’s unrestrained innovative vocals ranging from ravening ferocious screams to virtous angelic chanting. His distinctive voice, large vocal range, multilingual lyrics and unique approach to songwriting and composition won him the “Emerging Artist” award in Copenhagen in 2012, and they have toured all across the world ever since.

Börn - Airwaves off-venue

Börn is a dark feminist punk band, drawing influences mostly from 80’s goth- and anarcho punk.

Betty the Shark - Airwaves off-venue

The band consists of professional surfer and Roxy Team rider Lee-Ann Curren, Philip Caradona, a.k.a Charphil, Yan Renaut and Quentin Marty. Playing together since high-school, Lee-Ann and Philip write and compose all the songs. Their first EP Sad Bad and Glad is available for free download, and they will be releasing their debut album Shepherd Of The Moon with the label Summer Bizarre in May 2014.

Axel Flóvent - Airwaves off-venue

Axel Flóvent is a musician hailing from the northern fishing village of Húsavík. At the age of 19 Axel has already spent a few years creating his own music and performing in Húsavík as well as all over Iceland by himself and as a part of his bands. His music can be described as modern folk music. At its core it´s acoustic and low key but bears obvious influences from other forms of music such as indie rock, pop and electronic music. Keeping in the vein of modern folk singers Axel has been active writing and recording his own songs and has a numerous online releases available.

FURA - Airwaves off-venue

“Haling from a small fishing village on the east coast of Iceland, FURA is the offspring of vocalist Björt Sigfinnsdóttir. In 2013 FURA started working on her debut album and collaborated with the production duo Hallur Jónsson and Janus Rasmussen (Bloodgroup). The nucleus of the work explores the contrast between dark beats and the heightened, sensual, female voice of Sigfinnsdóttir, while exuding the mystical nature of their ravishing environment and the sense of isolation and emotion produced by its landscapes. In 2013 the group released their first single “Demons” and in 2014 the second single “Poems of the past”. September 2nd is the release of the third single “ Moments”. The self titled debut album will be out on November 2nd 2015. FURA has now teamed up with Danish drummer Emil Vissing and guitarist Thomas Volmer, to form the live sound. “

BERNARD + EDITH - Airwaves off-venue

Manchester based electronic-pop duo BERNARD + EDITH is already firmly established within the city’s underground music scene, Greta ‘Edith’ Carroll and Nick ‘Bernard’ Delap draw on influences ranging from Fever Ray and Portishead via Cocteau Twins, David Lynch and Kate Bush to create the most deliciously dark art-pop/soul. With their much-anticipated debut album Jem out on 11/05/2015, BERNARD + EDITH have just unveiled a visually sumptuous video to new single “Heartache”. Directed by Iris Debaveye with costume design and styling by Myfanwy Holland, the Heartache video was a vision by BERNARD + EDITH. Set in a bubble Fantasy World, Heartache is a fluffy cushion for you to rest your head on and reflect on life after things go wrong.

Epic Rain - Airwaves off-venue

The music of Epic Rain is rooted in underground hip-hop, but in later years he has widened the horizon and explored various music styles, including cabaret, dark folk, country and blues. Out of these traditional genres he has created a new and fascinating domain of sounds.

Teitur Magnússon - Airwaves off-venue

Ojba Rasta’s singer/guitarist Teitur Magnússon released his long-awaited solo debut, titled ’27’, last december. We’re talking about a diversely influenced ‘indie pop’ record and you can witness and parttake in its enjoyable laid back’ness Live this Airwaves. You’ll hear simple and catchy songs layered with a psychedelic texture and some sweet melodies thanks to a rich and colorful instrumentation. Drawing from a wide array of sounds and elements, Teitur brings you a fresh slice of Icelandic pop, daring to take you higher!

Úlfur Úlfur - Airwaves off-venue

Úlfur Úlfur is an Icelandic rap duo that’s on the rise. They’ll be playing a few times during Airwaves, both on and off-venue, so check ‘em out!

Vaginaboys - Airwaves off-venue

It was just spring that Vaginaboys burst onto the scene from out of nowhere. All of the sudden, their breakout hit “Elskan af því bara” (“Baby Just Because”) started spreading across Icelandic social media circles at an alarming rate. No one had a clue who they were, but everyone fell in love all the same, their unique brand of ice-cold, sexy 808 auto-tuned R’n’B resonating in hip-hop and indie circles alike. The ‘boys made their stage show opening up for Sin Fang in May, and they’ve barely let up since, releasing a steady trickle of new material through their Soundcloud, performing shows all over town, all the while successfully managing to keep their true identities under wraps.

Centric - Airwaves off-venue

Centric plays at Cintamani on November 5th at 17:00.

Dad Rocks! - Airwaves off-venue

Dad Rocks! is a band from Denmark, fronted by Icelandic-born songwriter Snævar Njáll Albertsson. Albertsson writes songs that are always sincere, often related to aspects of modernity but seldom without an element of humour and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The music is inspired by a diversity of artists such as Bill Callahan, Why?, Sigur Rós, Sparklehorse and Do Make Say Think. The unique mix of folk and pop combines complex guitar work with piano, trumpets, violin and sometimes even an entire brass band or a girls choir. The band uses acoustic instruments to create a beautifully orchestrated sound but also tend to deconstruct such organic landscapes with the use of noise rock and electronics. The name itself, Dad Rocks!, is more than just a pun on the ‘dad rock’ genre: it’s a tribute to his kids, acknowledging that they are his primary source of inspiration. When describing the world around him, he is essentially reflecting on the world that his son and daughter will grow up in.

TRPTYCH - Airwaves off-venue

Accumulated experience can be a real forte when it comes to music making and nowhere is this truer than in the case of TRPTYCH, a Reykjavík techno duo that was formed by Daniel Þorsteinsson and Guðni Einarsson this spring. These wise veterans, in respect to the ever emergent Icelandic music scene, build beautifully on their long standing involvement with it and craft a sublime, dark electronica that simply glides within the listener; such is the effortlessness of the execution. TRPTYCH sprang fully formed out of the box, the city’s most prominent electro outfit today by far. Save up your energy, as the slow, pulsating, tightly woven and masterfully detailed soundscape will leave you utterly spellbound. You have been warned!

Svavar Knútur - Airwaves off-venue

Hailing from the harsh Icelandic western fjords, Icelandic Troubadour Svavar Knútur, summons his inner demons and outer storms to reflect upon the existential crises and frolicking joys of modern day rustic fjord dwelling men.

Churchhouse Creepers - Airwaves off-venue

Churchhouse Creepers, where the only thing that matters is the groove. Forged by two unbreakable principles, good times and grooves. Influenced by everything from early 70s rock giants to modern day poprock and death metal. Churchhouse Creepers play rock that fuses heavy stonerrock grooves with more mainstream sing alongs, and then throw in a metal riff every once in a while for good measure. The band was formed near the end of 2013 in Akureyri by Bjarni, vocals/guitar, Sigurgeir, Bass/vocals and Þorvaldur, Drums. At first it was just a sideproject since all members were busy in other bands such as Hindurvættir, Azoic and Malignant Mist, but as months went by it got more serious and since the fall of 2014 CHC has recorded three songs and been playing non-stop both in Reykjavík and Akureyri since.

East of My Youth - Airwaves off-venue

East of My Youth is an Icelandic electro-band formed in 2014. Last summer the band released its first single “Lemonstars”. The band played two successful concerts at Iceland Airwaves last year and have since then been working on their first album. The band is touring in Berlin and Amsterdam this summer. East Of My Youth plays melodic, electronic pop and draws its influences from artists like Austra, FKA Twigs, Florence & The Machine etc.

Ari Bragi Kárason & Anni Rorke

Are you in Reykjavík, but not feeling in the mood for Airwaves? DO NOT FRET, as Seltjarnarnes City Library is hosting a concert! Ari Bragi and Anni Rorke will play sweet jazz tunes to keep you entertained.

Kanilsnældur - Airwaves off-venue

Kanilsnældur are a DJ duo that focuses on deep house.

World Narcosis - Airwaves off-venue

World Narcosis palys a powerful blend of grindcore, black metal and pretty much everything else. They are fast, evil, and to the point. Their latest album ‘World Coda’ is bleak, intense and inherently unnerving, pushing their boundaries to the breaking point, raging from furious blastbeats topped with dissonant tremolo picking – to a spastic heaviness and explosiveness that sounds like the end of the world.

DJ Flugvél og geimskip - Airwaves off-venue

dj. flugvél og geimskip (Airplane and Spaceship) is a one girl’s project that draws influences from a thousand worlds.Defined as electronic horror-music with a space twist, the music is a mix of playful beats, cool bass, catchy melodies and high pitched vocals. She sings about evil cats taking over the world, alien experiments, demons hiding in shadows and the weird world below the surface of the ocean. Her live performances are lively, colorful and poetic and her music deals with mysteries, dreams and dangers of the night. On stage, dj. flugvél og geimskip is alone in the midst of keyboards and drum machines. Her concerts are like a strange blend of music, horror stories, poetry and theater. The mood is set by story­telling between songs, the use of incense, smoke, lights and a backdrop video. The audience is left feeling like they are in a vivid dream or have travelled to outer space.

Auður - Airwaves off-venue

Though he’s produced for some of the biggest names in Icelandic hip hop, Audunn Luthersson’s own music eschews hip hop tropes like ego and posturing in favor of a lovelorn style of pop, electronica and R&B. Auðunn was recently accepted into the prestigious Red Bull Music Academy joining the alumni of Hudson Mohawke, Flying Lotus and Evian Christ.

Østfrost - Airwaves off-venue

Norwegian band Østfrost has a sound that’s difficult to describe, sitting somewhere between jazz, pop, indie and folk. Thankfully they’ll be playing five off-venue shows during Airwaves, allowing you the opportunity to find out for yourself just how good their music is.

Stafrænn Hákon - Airwaves off-venue

Stafrænn Hákon has continued sliding a comic or surreal twist in his songwriting since 1999, challenging the epic and dreamy connotations his music has always been ascribed with. Humour in combination with sincerity haslong been some of Stafrænn Hákon´s driving forces, a twisted combination that reflects a personal nuance for those curious to dig deeper into the musical mindscape of the man behind the band. The band´s current lineup consists of guitarists Ólafur Josephsson and Lárus Siguðsson, bass guitarist Árni Þór Árnason, drummer Róbert Már Runólfsson and singer Magnús Freyr Gíslason.

Agent Fresco - Airwaves off-venue

Hailing from Iceland, Agent Fresco’s music is a reflection of this ever-changing landscape, with its overwhelming sense of freedom and vastness. This is a progressive art rock band that needs to be experienced from a few steps back to be grasped in its entirety, like a bold work of art. Even by the wide-open standards of Icelandic music Agent Fresco’s interpretation of the rock genre is unusually soulful and multi-layered, with a quicksilver rhythmic pulse and mother-of-pearl harmonies reflecting every mood colour imaginable. In the last couple of years, their iridescent, propulsive, arty and highly addictive music made the highly esteemed Reykjavik band become the favourite of a music-loving nation and an act sparking international interest.

EinarIndra - Airwaves off-venue

EinarIndra started making and performing electronic music more than a decade ago. After crashing his hard drive he took a break from the digital, picking up the guitar and singing. Now he´s again embraced his electronic roots, love of synths and working on laptops mixing it with live instruments resulting in creating organic electronic soulful music.

Sir Dancelot - Airwaves off-venue

Sir Dancelot. Excellent diver, great mind for music. Good friend.

Árstíðir - Airwaves off-venue

The first Icelandic band to ever win the Eiserner Eversteiner European Folk Music Award, Árstíðir became a YouTube phenomenon after a friend recorded an impromptu performance of “Heyr himna smiður” in the Bürger Bahnhof train station in Wuppertal. After a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund their new album, the band took up residence and composed the album’s songs in Toppstödin, an abandoned coal-fired power plant repurposed as a creative space. They then recorded Hvel at the studio Orgelsmiðjan, home to many of Iceland’s renowned recording artists. The result is a collection of songs which weave both traditional and electronically-inspired instrumental threads together with soaring vocal harmonies, and that critics have described as “beautiful and atmospheric” and “utterly mesmerizing.”

Sinmara - Airwaves off-venue

Sinmara is a Black Metal band from Reykjavík and Mosfellsbær featuring members of Svartidauði, Wormlust, Rebirth of Nefast and Slidhr. The band was formerly named Chao, and under that name the three track cassette ‘Spiritus Sankti’ was released in 2012 by Norwegian label Terratur Possessions. Musically Sinmara contrast chaotic aggression with haunting melodies and dramatic build-ups, with a focus on musicianship and attention to detail. Sinmara’s debut album, ‘Aphotic Womb’, was released by Terratur Possessions in the fall of 2014 to widespread acclaim. Sinmara is an experienced and respected live band, having played countless shows in Iceland and played their first concert abroad at Beyond the Gates Festival in Bergen, Norway late August 2014. Further live appearances in Iceland and abroad are planned in the near future, and Sinmara has already been booked for Inferno Festival, Nidrosian Black Mass in Belgium and Eistnaflug Festival.

Án - Airwaves off-venue

Án performs at Tjarnarbíó on November 5th at 18:15.

Dream Wife - Airwaves off-venue

Dream Wife started out as a fantasy… literally. Icelandic singer Rakel and British musicians Alice and Bella played their first show as part of a performance project at art school in Brighton. Stuck in dreams of 90’s club kid nostalgia they continue on making music, embracing their love for edgy pop. Dream Wife name David Lynch’s women as a big influence; “powerful and seriously fucked up”. They play with the aesthetics of the 1960’s ye-ye girls movement, along with current influences such as Sleigh Bells, Le Tigre and Grimes. Dream Wife ooze with girl power; infecting the crowd with their trademark “poolside pop with a bite.” The music juxtaposes simple pop hooks, beats, cutting riffs and dreamy vocals. As a collaboration with a gang of art school friends the world of Dream Wife is brought to life with vibrant live shows, pastel mania and flying pompoms. Join the gang, let’s dance till dawn.

FURA - Airwaves off-venue

“Haling from a small fishing village on the east coast of Iceland, FURA is the offspring of vocalist Björt Sigfinnsdóttir. In 2013 FURA started working on her debut album and collaborated with the production duo Hallur Jónsson and Janus Rasmussen (Bloodgroup). The nucleus of the work explores the contrast between dark beats and the heightened, sensual, female voice of Sigfinnsdóttir, while exuding the mystical nature of their ravishing environment and the sense of isolation and emotion produced by its landscapes. In 2013 the group released their first single “Demons” and in 2014 the second single “Poems of the past”. September 2nd is the release of the third single “ Moments”. The self titled debut album will be out on November 2nd 2015. FURA has now teamed up with Danish drummer Emil Vissing and guitarist Thomas Volmer, to form the live sound. “

Tanya & Marlon - Airwaves off-venue

Tanya & Marlon, a dynamic duo from Reykjavík, will be playing off-venue shows during Airwaves.

sóley - Airwaves off-venue

Born in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, Sóley has been wowing audiences around the globe with her dark, fairytale song craft since 2010. After the “Theater Island” EP (2010) announced her as a solo musician, the fantastical, sepia-toned alt-pop tunes of debut full-length “We Sink” (2011) won her a massive, devoted fanbase: Often praised for her delicate take on composition, her songs’ “dream-like” qualities and “dark surrealism”, a track like “Pretty Face” has gained over 17 million YouTube views since its release. Having studied piano and later composition at the Icelandic Art Academy, Sóley Stefánsdóttir, who was formerly a member of the band Seabear, released a short EP entitled “Krómantík” in 2014, comprised of piano works originally composed for various theater/film productions, and is now about to return with her sophomore album Ask The Deep in early 2015. Still drawn to dark, nocturnal themes, Ask The Deep sees the bespectacled multi-instrumentalist branch out musically, both charting new sonic territory – and fighting the devil inside. Often inspired by poetry, Sóley’s tunes are the musical equivalent to dark fairytales, lucid dreams and childhood nightmares.

Unnur Sara - Airwaves off-venue

Unnur Sara is a 22 years old singer/songwriter. This year she released her first album with original songs and lyrics in Icelandic. She has a unique voice that brings her songs a fresh and quirky character. Her tone and all around approach is pure and innocent, but in a powerful manner nonetheless, and she is at ease with both atmospheric, experimentally infused tracks and more straightforward, melodic affair. Unnur Sara is a great performer with a charming stage presence and a fantastic band.

Ceasetone - Airwaves off-venue

Going all the way from folk-ish dreamy “feel good” music to big electronic sounds and larger than life post rock soundscapes, even throwing in a little funk and jazz elements when it is appropriate. Armed with tons of energy and a lively presence on stage, CeaseTone is a joyride from start to finish!

Svartidauði - Airwaves off-venue

The masked conquerers of the wastelands. After numerous tours and festival appearances following the release of their 2012 monolithic debut, Flesh Cathedral, and the dissonant EP, Synthesis of Whore and Beast, Svartidauði has become a name to be reckoned within Europe’s underground, extreme music scene.The terrifying beauty of their music has made Svartidauði a favourite amongst cultists and hipsters alike.

Elín Helena - Airwaves

Imagine a plumber, a farmer, a buddhist, a programmer, a hermit and an apothecary and throw them onto a steam engine without brakes rolling frantically down a gravel covered mountain road heading straight into the discourse of Iceland with 500 kg’s of dynamite, spite, sarcasm, wit, fury and lunacy strapped to the front and you’ll get an idea of what an Elín Helena spectacle is all about.

Tuff Love - Airwaves off-venue

Subliminal - Airwaves off-venue

Dark and edgy atmospheres is Subminimal´s trademark, layered with experimental drum patterns and earth shaking basslines. His roots are in jungle and early drum and bass music and those influences cut through his music.

Snooze Infinity - Airwaves

Snooze Infinity is the moniker of music producer Emil Svavarsson who has played his role in the icelandic electronica scene ever since he performed on his first Weirdcore night at seventeen. Since, he has played at many festivals and shows all over Iceland, experimenting with various genres and projects. As well as having remixes released for some of Icelands top electronica artists, including Skurken and most recently Tonik Ensamble, his debut EP was released on Möller Records in early 2013. Since then Snooze Infinity’s sound and style has matured and evolved further and is now most easily recognized by his chilled ambient atmospheres and glitchy soundscapes often combined with groovy and bass heavy beats.

Vio - Airwaves

Vio are the winners of the 2014 Icelandic Music Experiments (Músíktilraunir), with their singer also receiving the award for best singer. Formed only three weeks before the contest, they started out as a semi-acoustic trio but soon evolved into a four piece alternative band with a broader soundscape.

East of My Youth - Airwaves off-venue

East of My Youth is an Icelandic electro-band formed in 2014. Last summer the band released its first single “Lemonstars”. The band played two successful concerts at Iceland Airwaves last year and have since then been working on their first album. The band is touring in Berlin and Amsterdam this summer. East Of My Youth plays melodic, electronic pop and draws its influences from artists like Austra, FKA Twigs, Florence & The Machine etc.

Þórunn Antonía og Bjarni - Airwaves

Returning to her folk acoustic roots after touring the world, Þórunn Antonía teams up with Bjarni M. Sigurðarson, and the result is a beautiful soundscape of guitar tunes, honest songwriting and beautiful vocals.

Casio Fatso - Airwaves off-venue

We are a lively bunch that play rock. Modnine rock which is influenced by the loud/quiet/loud groups of the nineties such as The Pixies and Smashing Pumpkins. We are a guitar driven rock group with emotional lyrics thrown in for good measure.

Ylfa Marín - Airwaves off-venue

Ylfa Marín performs at Osushi restaurant, entertaining diners with her indie, folk sound.

Emmsjé Gauti - Airwaves off-venue

Despite his young age, Emmsjé Gauti is a veteran when it comes to the rap game. After honing his talent for the last 13 years in Reykjavik’s small but vibrant and competitive rap scene, he released his debut solo album in 2010 which proved a big hit among fans and critics alike. Catapulting into the spotlight with his feature on the Blazroca’s hit “Elskum Þessar Mellur”, the aptly titled “Bara Ég” (“Only Me”) solidifies his status as one of Iceland’s most prominent young artists, striking an eclectic balance between flamboyant pop, humor and unadulterated rhyming skills. Say what you want about young Emmsjé Gauti, he gets the party started! Go check out his videos on Youtube (he’s put out more of them this year alone than most artists do in their entire careers). Gauti released his second solo album in 2013 called “ÞEYR”. “ÞEYR” is a darker, heavier release than his first outing and showcases the growth of the artist. If you are into punk-like shows, stagediving and random bullshit, Gauti is your go to guy.

Subliminal - Airwaves off-venue

Dark and edgy atmospheres is Subminimal´s trademark, layered with experimental drum patterns and earth shaking basslines. His roots are in jungle and early drum and bass music and those influences cut through his music.

Þórir Georg - Airwaves

“I write and perform songs. I like punk rock and guitar music from the 90s mostly as well as Neil Young and the Rolling Stones. I have some people to help me perform the songs live. It gets pretty loud sometimes but I´d like to think it´s still pretty enjoyable. My songs are personal, political and occasionally completely fictional. I´ve been doing this for a while,” Þórir Georg says of himself.

X.Q.S. - Airwaves off-venue

Stefán Már Högnason, aka X.Q.S., is going to play his techno stuff at Osushi during Airwaves.

Borko - Airwaves

He has the beard of a freedom fighter and the battlefield is our hearts. Even since long before his debut album Celebrating Life was released in 2008, Borko has been one of the most influential stalwarts in Reykjavík’s boiling music scene.

Trúboðarnir - Airwaves

The Missionaries are the public’s rock band, friends of the “under-dog” and harbingers of truth. As a band, The Missionaries were never formed. Instead, they received a calling from higher powers. Thus, being a member of The Missionaries is not a choice. The Missionaries’ work is not about religion as it’s commonly understood. Their missionary act is about fighting stagnation, common boredom and midlife crisis in its various forms, such as falling victim to golf, joining the Oddfellows or the Freemasonry.

SMURJÓN - Airwaves

The basic idea of SMURJÓN is to go on an musical expedition with endless curiosity but rusted and worn out gear likely to break down halfway. Anticipating that situation, SMURJÓN and his travelling companions (including his screaming daughters, his constantly pregnant fiance, a few enthusiastic youngsters and some of his old and most loyal friends) are equipped with repairing tools of a various kind: one Ak-47 bass guitar, an 12.000 volt electric guitar, a lot of solid hardware percussion, two shimmering Alcan aluminum trumpets, a priceless handmade titanium trombone, one deepthroat barytone saxophone, four custom built TV synthesizers and a gold coated theremin. SMURJÓN himself constantly reports the expedition’s status through his antiquated CB-microphone. The microphone is connected to a short wave transmitter.

Börn - Airwaves

Börn is a dark feminist punk band, drawing influences mostly from 80’s goth- and anarcho punk.

Arnljótur - Airwaves

Arnljótur is a musician born and raised in Reykjavík. Since a child, he has studied music and art as well as being quite fascinated by chess and science.In between playing with his reggae band, Ojba Rasta, he does projects with various people linked to improvisation and innovation as well as doing sessions for all kinds of bands, ranging from big band afro funk through pop music to experimental stuff, collaborating with various artists (Sin Fang, Úlfur Hansson, Oren Ambarchi, Retro Stefson). He has released the albums Listauki (2008), Línur (2014) and Til einskis (2015) and has almost three new albums ready. When working solo, Arnljótur makes electronic music. Also an experienced flautist, the flute often finds it´s way into the music. At this event, Arnljótur will play new pulsating electronic music mixed with a dash of his older material.

Bárujárn - Airwaves

Bárujárn was founded in 2008 after members met at a industrial showcase for corrugated iron and related suplies in Hafnir city on the wind barren south coast of Iceland. The music was to represent the black sands and waves that is the heart and life of the booming Icelandic surfer culture. Determined to succeed in a world full of tears the band went on to wither in the ashes of their poorly rolled cigarettes through relentless unprofessionalism, constant poverty and petty crime. They released an EP in 2010 commonly mistaken for the crushed remnants of a grilled sandwich due to its luxurious aluminum foil wrapping. This packaging failure resulted in the frequent discarding of the EP to the trash bin at local radio stations and hence no airplay. Theraminist Hekla Magnúsdóttir quit the band in 2011 partly because of an artistic misunderstanding but mostly due to frequent sexist remarks and the general decadence of the remaining members. As of this writing their main accomplishments subsists of a failed make it or break it tour through the neighboring Farao islands, supporting local child star turned hot-shot Brandur Enni and getting to the semi finals in the unofficial battle of the bands. After years of procrastination their debut album was released in 2013. They are currently working on their second and third efforts.

Berndsen - Airwaves

Red-bearded pop auteur Berndsen mines the 1980s for inspiration, retro music. Synth bass, programmed drums, guitar solos, retro-futurist aesthetics and dramatic vocals make for an intoxicating, atmospheric, analogue-feeling sound, reminiscent of everything from Michael Jackson to Kraftwerk to The Eurythmics to fellow revivalists like Glass Candy, Dreamtrak and Chromeo. Infinite amounts of fun live. All produced by his twin brother Hermigervill.

Bistro Boy - Airwaves

Bistro Boy aka Frosti Jonsson has been involved in all kinds of music for a very long time. Frosti found his spiritual home in electronic music after dropping out of classical piano lessons, which liberated him from sticking only to black dots on paper. BistroBoy´s music has been described as smooth and 80´s rooted with an electronic twist. Bistro Boy released his EP Sólheimar in 2012, LP album Journey in December 2013 and Rivers & Poems with Japanese ambient/drone artists Nobuto Suda in 2015.

Súrefni - Airwaves

In the nineties, the band Surefni started as a four member garage rock band with a computer playing experimental rock n´ roll. Soon the band made some changes and ended up with a whole lot of analogue synthesizers and 2 members. The band has released three albums and a number of tracks that came out on compilation albums in Iceland which include a couple of hits that stayed for weeks on music charts. Surefni where a very active live playing techno band in the nineties but around 2001 the band split after about 6 years together. In 2011 Surefni briefly rejoined to play an “in memoriam” concert and the band did a show at Sonar Reykjavik 2015.

Shockmonkey

Enjoy the sweet, gentle sounds of Shockmonkey at Café Rosenberg on Nov. 5. Will be fun, promise.

Ljótu Hálfvitarnir

Ljóta Hálfvitarnir (the ugly idiots) are going to be playing during Airwaves, but not as part of Airwaves! They’ll be hitting Café Rosenberg and will play your heart out.

Sykur - Airwaves

Shimmering string synths and scintillating arpeggios, rumbling bass that resonates within your chest, more vocal power than any one person should have a right to possess. Sykur have come to represent the forefront of the Reykjavík Electro Pop scene, and Iceland Airwaves has long been their venue for unleashing fresh, new content.

DJ Dagbjört

DJ Dagbjört will be brightening your day (night?) with his amazing beats.

Ylja - Airwaves

Ylja, originally formed as a duet in 2008, is a 5 piece band from Reykjavík, Iceland. After releasing their self titled debut album in 2012 and receiving a ‘best newcomer’ nomination at The Icelandic Music Awards, Ylja took Iceland by storm playing dreamy indie/folk music fronted by strong harmonising vocals. New material showcased on their sophomore album, titled Commotion, is bigger, more electric and alternative in genre although loyal to a background of powerful harmonies and emotional live-shows.

Fufanu - Airwaves

Fufanu had their early roots in techno, but an untimely theft of their master computer with their unreleased techno album pushed Fufanu into a new realm of soundscape. Their approach delivers a unique modern rock’n’roll sound rooted in new wave, post punk and indeed future rock. Releasing their debut album later in 2015 via One Little Indian Records, being one of 10 New Artist You Need to know by Rolling Stone Magazine and winning The Band To Watch in 2015 by Reykjavík Grapevine after gaining the trust of the audience.

Emilie & Ogden - Airwaves

Emilie & Ogden is not your typical duet but rather an encounter between a young singer and a harp. Her particular voice has often been described as pure and soft, resonating in perfect harmony with the instrument. On stage, her traditional folk sound is embellished by drums, bass and a soft electronic touch, drawing inspiration from other female artists such as Feist and St-Vincent.

Bubbi og Dimma - Airwaves

Bubbi Morthens, is an Icelandic singer/songwriter and is one of the bestselling Icelandic musicians of all time. Besides a lengthy solo career, he has been a member of numerous Icelandic bands, notably Utangarðsmenn, Egó, Das Kapital, MX-21, and G.C.D. In his newest project he is teaming up with the rock-metalband Dimma where they bring to life two of Bubbi´s famous rock albums. Dimma has been active in the icelandic rock scene to the last few years and have released four studio albums.

Troubadour Matti

Troubadour Matti, the troubadouriest of troubadours, is playing acoustic covers of all your favourite songs at American Bar.

Agent Fresco - Airwaves

Hailing from Iceland, Agent Fresco’s music is a reflection of this ever-changing landscape, with its overwhelming sense of freedom and vastness. This is a progressive art rock band that needs to be experienced from a few steps back to be grasped in its entirety, like a bold work of art. Even by the wide-open standards of Icelandic music Agent Fresco’s interpretation of the rock genre is unusually soulful and multi-layered, with a quicksilver rhythmic pulse and mother-of-pearl harmonies reflecting every mood colour imaginable. In the last couple of years, their iridescent, propulsive, arty and highly addictive music made the highly esteemed Reykjavik band become the favourite of a music-loving nation and an act sparking international interest.

Blaue Blume - Airwaves

The blue flower of poetry is in no danger of losing its leaves in the company of Blaue Blume. After the band in May 2013 announced their debut track ‘On New Years Eve’ at Soundcloud, the track gained a massive attention all around Europe on various music media and blogs. It was called the best debut track in 2013 by the hype blog Fake DIY and reached the Top50 for 2013 of “The Line of Best Fit”. Blaue Blume released their debut EP “Beau and Lorette” on UK label CLUB AC30 on June 2nd 2014 and received several amazing 5 and 6 stars reviews, played shows all over Europe, festivals shows and several of sold out venue shows. Radio airplay Denmark, Germany, UK and France, their single “In Disco Lights” was the most played song at the Danish national radio station P6. The EP was by several medias rated in top 10 releases in 2014. In the work with their music they find inspiration in the drama of The Smiths, the melodic structures from the Cocteau Twins, the complexity and dynamics from “The lamb lies down on Broadway” by Genesis, the sexy” dancyness “from Roxy Music as well as in the fateful tenderness Nina Simone – to name a few references from a personal point of view.

DJ Flugvél og geimskip - Airwaves

dj. flugvél og geimskip (Airplane and Spaceship) is a one girl’s project that draws influences from a thousand worlds.Defined as electronic horror-music with a space twist, the music is a mix of playful beats, cool bass, catchy melodies and high pitched vocals. She sings about evil cats taking over the world, alien experiments, demons hiding in shadows and the weird world below the surface of the ocean. Her live performances are lively, colorful and poetic and her music deals with mysteries, dreams and dangers of the night. On stage, dj. flugvél og geimskip is alone in the midst of keyboards and drum machines. Her concerts are like a strange blend of music, horror stories, poetry and theater. The mood is set by story­telling between songs, the use of incense, smoke, lights and a backdrop video. The audience is left feeling like they are in a vivid dream or have travelled to outer space.

Daveeth - Airwaves

Daveeth is the artist name of Davíð Hólm Júlíusson. The music can mostly be characterized as braindance and acid but takes twist and turns to visit other influences. For live shows he takes the role of the conductor of acidic machinery with sweaty button pushing and knob twiddling.

AURORA- Airwaves

AURORA made her North American debu at the CMJ Music Marathon. Garnering critical acclaim from The New York Times, NPR, PASTE Magazine, Pigeons and Planes and more, AURORA has quickly made a name for herself as an exciting rising star to watch. Her Running in the Wolves EP, out now, solidifies the buzz with four gorgeous, ethereal tracks that highlight her soaring vocals and unique musical arrangements. AURORA, growing up in the small Norwegian town of Os, was first drawn to music as a young child influenced by her sister’s piano playing. Coming into her own at the ripe age of 17, AURORA started performing publicly, first for her schoolmates and now at major Norwegian music festivals and radio stations – AURORA has become one of Norway’s most talked about new artists.

BRNS - Airwaves

From the medieval and postmodern corners of Brussels come BRNS, a mesmerizing experiment in dusk, dance, and the fullness of sound. Like the dark-yet-vibrant images of Brussels, this quartet of talented multi-instrumentalists weaves together tunes that are mystical, moody and insatiably catchy. BRNS is ceaseless in their ability to unfold haunting ambience into chest-pounding beats, and then back again.

Futuregrapher - Airwaves

Árni Grétar (born 6 December 1983), best known under the pseudonym Futuregrapher, is an electronic musician described by Grapevine magazine in 2009 as “fucking brilliant.” He runs the record label Möller Records with fellow musicians Bistro Boy and Steve Sampling.

Úlfur Úlfur - Airwaves

Úlfur Úlfur is an Icelandic rap duo that’s on the rise. They’ll be playing a few times during Airwaves, both on and off-venue, so check ‘em out!