Meet the new wave of Icelandic artists set to play at Airwaves 2025
As Iceland Airwaves prepares to dominate Reykjavík’s nightlife hubs for three days next week, we meet 15 of the most exciting homegrown artists performing for the first time at the festival.
It's now just a week or so now until locals and visitors in Reykjavík get a chance to unwind, disconnect and soak in the aural and visual sensory chamber that is Iceland Airwaves.
With around 109 artists spread over eight stages on the main programme, and numerous others across unofficial off-venues, there is plenty for the musically-oriented to feast on at this year's festival, which runs from 6-8 November.
Local acts and international ones vie for attention – and here's the full lineup – but as always we’re way more interested in the homegrown newcomers and so we've put together a list of the most interesting Airwaves virgins. These are the rising Iceland-based artists who have never performed before at the festival (at least not under their current name) and are very worthy of your time as you jump between the basements and halls of 101's best venues fuelled by beer and a late night kebab from Mandi.
Knackered
From the North of Jutland in Denmark to the second most northern capital in the world, Iceland-based producer Knackered has been part of the Reykjavik grassroots scene since 2015 and draws inspiration from UK dance music, grocery store fridges and 2000s R&B. Following three singles, her debut EP ‘fyi’ drops on 6 November.
Describe your sound? My electronic music is characterised by genre-defying and playful productions that merge contemporary club music with pop structures. you can dance in the front or deep-listen in the back! or vice-versa. come as u are!!!
And your live show? I just can't wait to play a hard-hitting live-set for whoever shows up. i love playing live, i love dropping punchy drums, sneaking in cheeky hook-lines, and weaving in satisfying synths. it makes me feel like i'm discovering the music alongside the audience! it's gonna be so fun!!!
What should we listen to? My friends particularly seem to connect with my latest single called 'hot and bothrd (depression talking)'. It's a good indicator of what elements will come out at my show. That, sweeping textures, and beats for dancing!
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? I'm so biased because all my friends are such incredible musicians - but to mention a few: Lindy Lin, Gargan, Ronja, Glupsk, Slummi, and BSÍ (of course)
Tips for a first time tourist? I think a nice thing to do is participating in the cultural events taking place downtown, and supporting the scene in whichever capacity the person visiting has. It could be through going to a concert, buying local records, or simply not making noise complaints when they're staying in the city centre where culture takes place. The worst thing you could do is make noise complaints at your hotel. It kills our culture.
Best late night snack? Vegan hotdogs in Viki Vaki! No raw onion or mustard for me though.
Best hangover food? The next morning you should browse records in Smekkleysa, 12 Tónar, Reykjavík Record Shop, or Lucky Records.
HASAR
HASAR, meaning ”ACTION” in Icelandic, formed just two years ago and include members from bands such as Hórmónar and Une Misère and named as one of the best live acts in in the Reykjavík Grapevine's 2025 music awards
Who's in the band? Örn Gauti (guitar and lead vocals), Þorsteinn Gunnar (bass and vocals), Fannar Már(guitar and vocals), and Leifur Kaldal (drums)
Describe your sound? Raw fast punk and roll where sweat drips from the walls... hypnotic rythyms, driving bass lines and memorable hooks.
And your show? If you don't like to dance and have a good time, don't come see us. There are no inactive audience members at a Hasar show. You must move, and if you don't we will force you. Have fun, and that's a threat
What should we listen to? Our first single "Báða daga allar helgar" and the song "Gera sitt besta" that's a pretty good idea of the vibe you are going to get.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? The most exciting bands in Iceland now are: Flesh Machine, Kvikindi, Gaddavír and Spacestation.
Tips for a first time tourist? Don't buy water if you are a tourist, the tap water is fine. And the best thing to do is just go downtown and talk to the locals and find fun events that are going on.
Best late night snack? Either a kebab (pick a place) or Hlölli.
Best hangover food? Probably at Prikið
MAIAA
Dark-pop artist MAIAA blends bold lyricism with powerful, emotionally charged soundscapes. After competing in the Eurovision national finals in 2024, she released her debut EP Lovesick.
Who are you MAIAA? Well my real name is María Agnesardóttir, but everyone calls me ‘Mæja’ which is pretty hard to spell for the rest of the world so i took up MAIAA as an artist name and I’m a solo artist. Singer songwriter who got her love for songwriting from playing the guitar
Describe your sound? Dark pop with pretty bold lyrics at times. You could say my songs are all about love, but it’s more about the things that are wrong in love. I love evolving my sound and am very excited to showcase my new songs as they are a little bit more ‘edgy’ and creates its own sound world in a way.
And your live show? This is the first time I’m putting together a live band, and it’s amazing to hear my own songs like that. You should come see me at airwaves if you’ve ever been wronged by someone before haha! Then you’ll relate to the music the most. Also to hear some new fresh pop from an Icelandic perspective in English hah! I’m playing at BIRD venue and will have cool merch for you to take home as a souvenir
What should we listen to? The best way to start would be "Ecstacy" and "Dee Dee". also mentioning "The problem is you" because that’s a masterpiece on it’s own, if i do say so myself :D
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? Wow so many, i think the Icelandic music culture is so unique because everybody is doing their own thing in many genres. Laufey of course, Gugusar, Bríet and Elín Hall to name a few! Love my women in music
Tips for a first time tourist? The worst thing would be buying water in the grocery store (our tap water is amazing), the best thing would be to explore the nightlife and talk to some locals! Extra points if you go to the local swimming pools and get our famous hot dog afterwards!
Best late night snack? I love going to Hlöllabátar after a late night in Reykjavík centre, it also opens until late on the weekends.
Best hangover food? I would recommend going to brunch anywhere and ordering lots of mimosas to start your day. That’s the only logical way of dealing with a hangover in my opinion haha!
Iðunn Einars
After many years of classical violin and composition studies, Iðunn Einars decided to change paths within her music in 2021, and with EP Allt er blátt in 2022 she found her own way in performance and composition by using her classical education alongside a desire to create something new. Her first full length album, Í hennar heimi, was released late 2024 and won the Kraumur award as one of the most creative and ambitious albums of 2024 as well as being nominated as the pop-album of the year at the Icelandic Music Awards.
Who's in the band? Iðunn Einars, songwriter, singer, keys. Joining me on stage at Airwaves will be Elvar Smári Júlíusson (guitar), Þóra Birgit Bernódusdóttir (bass) and Jón G. Breiðfjörð Álfgeirsson (drums).
Describe your sound? My music is a merge of classical and pop, with hints of electronics and alternative sound. Inspired by Kate Bush, Joanna Newsom and Caroline Polachek. It is dreamlike, vulnerable, complex, even nightmarish at times. However, I feel like my sound is evolving at the moment as I am feeling very inspired by the Copenhagen Music scene. You might get a hint of that new sound at my performance.
And your live show? At Airwaves I will be performing the music from my debut album for the first time with a full band!!!! It has been an absolute pleasure to rediscover my music in new arrangements, performed by such talented instrumentalists. I try to make my concerts an intimate and captivating experience. You can expect me to sing very high notes and for the band to rock. :)))
What should we listen to? "Sameinast" is my radio song! It was also chosen as the best Icelandic song of 2024 by Straumur Radio Show.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? Rakel is the first one to come to mind, her new stuff is truly amazing. The Icelandic music scene has so many great women like Ásta, Róshildur and K.óla to name a few. I've also been really into digital ísland and the new music by Kusk and Óviti this year.
Tips for a first time tourist? I love Reykjavík, but sometimes it feels like it's turning into a place that is more for tourists than for locals. I guess this is the best and worst thing about the city for visitors; plenty of things to do but at the same time it is very much a surface level of what the city really has to offer. But with a little bit of effort I think visitors can find some great things to explore and experience the true Reykjavík.
Best late night snack? Nothing beats a pulsa, the traditional Icelandic hot dog!
Best hangover food? The swimming pools are great for the Sunday hangover; hot tube, sauna and even a cold plunge if you dare.
Geðbrigði
The raw experimental heavy punk of Geðbrigði takes inspiration from experiences, people, places and feelings. The band formed in may of 2023, and have since played at many local festivals and won first place at this year's Músíktilraunir.
Who's in the band? Tótó (vocals), Agnes (guitar), Hraun (drums) and Ásthildur (bass)
Describe your sound? Gloomy-heavy-punk-rock is as accurate of a description of something as indescribable as the band Geðbrigði.
And your live show? Our performance and music have been described as "angsty", “heavy” and "passionate" and at times uncomfortable or unbearable. We play one of a kind Icelandic punk/rock.
What should we listen to? We are currently in the midst of production and mixing of our debut album but that means you will have to come and see us. Although, rough demo recordings of our early songs are available on Bandcamp (tracks 17 and 18).
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? Other than us we would say our friends in Duft and Gaddavír.
Best late night snack? Kaffibrennslan is a cozy coffeeshop good for hangover cures
Best hangover food? Lemmy, a cool rock bar on Austurstræti.
Inki
Ingibjörg Friðriksdóttir's music under the name Inki blends catchy melodies, punchy rhythms, deep basslines, and velvety vocals within an electronic soundscape. An award-winning composer, her work is through-composed and inspired by being slightly over-caffeinated and her interest in people has shaped her creativity, taking her to unexpected places – like producing music at San Quentin Prison while earning her master’s in music composition.
Describe your sound? The genre lies somewhere between electronica and hip-hop-inspired indie alternative — think if James Blake and Lykke Li had a drunken heart-to-heart in an Icelandic mountain cabin. I create music for late-night drives and the feeling of going barefoot on the dancefloor. So if you are a night over day type of person who kicks of their shoes the minute a good beat comes on, I think you´ll enjoy my set. Sometimes my music is a bit moody, but I'll promise to weigh out the darkness with not-so-dramatic stories, so the set never gets too serious. The foundation is a deep, bassline that shakes you both physically and mentally – but it can't just be loud; it has to be hooky too.
And your live show? I’ve been circling around in my head how to make this show truly unique. For me, shows are about personal connection. They’re these rare moments that exist only in that time and space, and they are unique not only because of the performer but also because of who was there that night in the audience. To share that feeling, I’ve created a project called Postcards from Iceland Airwaves. I’m inviting everyone who shows up to write a postcard home — to send a little piece of that moment to someone you care about. It’s a small celebration of real human connection in a world that’s constantly online.
On stage, I’ll be joined by Robin Pearkes, an amazingly talented guitar/bass player and not only one but two legendary drummers - Hössi (Plastic Gods/Godchilla) and Keli (Agent Fresco). Seeing those two drummers on stage together is reason enough to come. But if that's still not enough - I'll be 39 weeks pregnant. So if you want to see a real Icelandic whale on stage - that'll be me.
What should we listen to? In the lead-up to my Airwaves show, I’ve been releasing the first singles from my album Locally Grown. There will be five new singles out before the show — but I’ll also be performing brand-new songs that haven’t been released yet. So it’s your chance to hear something no one else has heard before you. I’d start with "I Think We Would Have Been Friends" — a song I wrote about my grandma’s sister. She was a colorful lady who always went her own way. The song comes in two versions: Dawn and Dusk. If you’re reading this after 3 November, you can also check out my cover of To Build a Home, which closes my Airwaves set — leaning towards a UK club sound: beat-driven, full of texture, but still holding on to the intimacy of the original track by The Cinematic Orchestra.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? You can’t go wrong with Scam — a duo made up of two music powerhouses, Herdís and Salka. If you catch their show at Kolaportið, you’ll be able to say you were there right at the start, because this collaboration is only just beginning. Saint Pete is my favourite Icelandic rapper, and I’m excited to see him live for the first time. And if you’re after a more introverted festival moment, I’m sure pianist Magnús Jóhann will deliver.
Tips for a first time tourist? Robin, one of my bandmates, is British, and this year his wife and a few friends are coming to Iceland Airwaves. I’ve been putting together a little list of “best things” for them to do during the day. I’d say hit a swimming pool — Laugardalslaug or Sundhöllin are both great.
The Sequences Art Festival also has some great shows running during Airwaves. If you want to see some art during the day, I’d recommend stopping by the Marshall House, not far from downtown Reykjavík. For music lovers, there’s an exhibition by the Fischersund Collective — Jónsi from Sigur Rós, Sindri and Kjartan Hólm, along with their siblings and partners Inga, Sigurrós, and Lilja — who together have created a mesmerising audio, visual, and scent experience.
And the worst tourist trap? The Northern Lights buses. Just get out of the city lights and look up — that’s all you really need.
Best late night snack? Hlöllabátar is the late-night legend and I think they taste even better after a few drinks. I always go for the New York one, but I think the bacon one is more of a classic choice. Hlölli is right next to the taxi queue, so that’s also handy.
Best hangover food? For the morning after, I'm a bit strange and prefer not-so-greasy food when I'm hungover. So I would head to Pósthússtræti Food Hall and grab a poké bowl, either the one with crispy chicken or salmon.
Mukka
Hailing from Reykjavík, Mukka lo-fi aesthetics crossed with dreamy, psychedelic soundscapes came to light first on their 2018 release Study Fun Nr. 1; last year they continued their sonic exploration with Study More Nr. 4, further solidifying their signature approach to sound design and composition.
Who's in the band? We started out as a duo in 2017 but since moving our music on to the stage we have become a five man band. We like to rotate our instruments around a bit during our live shows but for the most parts we got Kristjón Hjaltested and Gunnar Steingrímsson rotating between bass and synths. Guðmundur Óskar and Þorleifur Sigurlásson mostly play guitar and synths while Guðmundur does the bulk of the singing as well. Then we have our drummer Eyþór Eyjólfsson who is free of any rotation.
Describe your sound? We've always found it hard to label our sound to be honest and try to avoid that question most ofthe time. However it has been labeled for us in the past as groovy and hypnotic, somewhere on the borders of indie-psych and kraut-rock. We want our music to be just as relevant in a concert hall andin an elevator.
And your live show? If you're looking for a sound that you don't hear very often you should definitely come. Our music is accompanied by beautiful visuals from our friend Anton Borosak and it really makes for a dreamlike experience that will hopefully stay with you for some time.
What should we listen to? All our albums have kind of different moods and feels, but the opening track of our catalogue seem fitting.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? Many great artists today in Iceland! We'll give our shoutout to our friends in Bear the Ant, good soulful psychedelia right there. Also if you really want to get your ears dirty, Skrattar should to the trick – they're super cool!
Tips for a first time tourist? The pools are definitely a local phenomena so bring a swimsuit. Get coffee at Prikið, then chill and buy some records at legendary record store 12 Tónar. After that take a stroll through the museum garden at Listasafn Einars Jónssonar. Also probably get hammered in the evening for the authentic local experience. Stay away from the puffin stores, they are the cancer of downtown Reykjavík.
Best late night snack and hangover food? Just eat a meal before you start drinking, no late night bite necessary. That along with the swimming pools are a decent remedy for your hangover as well.
Prince of the City
Prince of the City are brothers Peter and Kolbeinn who came up playing live in bars and music venues across Reykjavík. Their debut EP When we met I didn’t know what Gucci meant is due out this year and deals with themes such as unrequited love, obsession and fantasising about strangers online.
Describe your sound? Peter: Future memories. Something you would recognise but it's new at the same time.
And your live show? Peter: Springsteen said, "You can't tell people anything, you've got to show 'em ." I have found this to be true. I'll show you.
What should we listen to? Peter: "How You Feel Like" is our debut single, released summer 2024. We recorded it in Sigur Rós studio. It's pretty good for a first record. It has a certain purity to it. It's about a man who keeps asking a woman he loves how she feels. It's about a normal guy dating a baddie. He can't handle it..
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? Peter: Laufey. And my answer would have been the same five years ago. I saw her off-venue at Airwaves in 2022. Alone with a guitar at the 66° North store by the harbour in front of maybe a 100 people. She was incredible. She was already a star by then. As an artist, it was "highest level". And I wondered if I would ever get there as a singer. I went home and wrote a song about it. It's called "What have you been up to?" It would probably be fitting to premiere it at Iceland Airwaves this year.
Tips for a first time tourist? Peter: Going to the pool is actually what makes Reykjavík habitable during the winter months. If it wasn't for the pools I would be wintering in Tangier. Writing an 800 page novel about a janitor at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2019. It wouldn't be about Covid at all. It would mainly focus on his love of the K-Pop band EXO.
Best late night snack? Peter: I swear to you, back in the day you could order steak at 1AM at a place like Ruby Tuesday. There would be drug dealers at one table and junior stock brokers at another smoking and talking business over Lobster Alfredo. That's all gone now. They banned indoor smoking and then there was the banking crash of 08'. Today, I wouldn't know. I don't drink. I don't even eat anymore. I just dream.
Best hangover cure? Kolbeinn: The trick is not going to sleep during Airwaves. That's how you avoid the hangover. It's only 72 hours. It's perfectly safe. For the most part.
Follow Prince of the City on Instagram at @princeofthecityofficial
slóra
Danish-Icelandic duo slóra – vocalist/keyboardist Sara Flindt and drummer/percussionist Svanhildur Lóa – draw on elements of songwriting and the freedom of the avant-garde, blending synths, piano, drums and pedal manipulation.
Describe your sound? It’s always difficult as a musician to put words to your own music — sometimes it’s better to let someone from the outside describe it. We really like how Airwaves put it: "slóra live where structure meets chaos — improvising, experimenting, and letting the moment lead. Expect hypnotic synths, percussion, and pure creative freedom."
And your live show? For this concert, we’ll bring special people to the stage - Danish musician Lukas Loeb and Icelandic saxophonist Sölvi Kolbeinsson. The music will take shape in the moment, which makes it exciting for us — and hopefully for the audience too.
What does slóra mean? It means “to stroll” or “to take one’s time” in Icelandic — something you’re usually told not to do as a kid. To us, slóra is a playground for curiosity, a space to get lost and linger. Like walking home from school, tripping over a flower, and letting it take an hour longer to arrive.
What should we listen to? We’re about to release a new album, tearstobealone, on 7 November. It consists of fourteen takes of the same composition and invites listeners into new ways of listening. Leading up to the release, we’ll share one take each day starting 24 October 24.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? We’re huge Ólöf Arnalds fans, and she’s also playing at this year’s Airwaves. Also, a shoutout to RAKEL, who just released an album that Sara helped produce together with friends and fellow musicians in Reykjavík and Denmark.
Tips for a first time tourist? The best thing would be the local pools — followed by a Vesturbæjarís.
Best late night snack? Best late-night spot could be Mandi. And honestly, Le Kock has the most delicious Greek potatoes — aaaaah, with grapes!
Atli
Hailing from the north of Iceland, Atli Stefánsson recently moved back home after spending the last three years in London and has been releasing under his own name since 2021. His debut album Epilogue of Something Beautiful was born from an incredibly difficult time in his life where he struggled with loneliness, growing up, and letting go; songs such as "Missing Her So" earned him millions in streams and a record deal. His second record Lights Out dropped at the start of this year.
Describe your sound? Songwriting is my therapy and it has helped me overcome the toughest of times, and doing so helped me create music that resonated with others. You could say I write the soundtrack for heartbreak. I am heavily inspired by artists like Lewis Capaldi, Bon Iver, & James Arthur and I try to combine elements of raw indie with grand productions to create a sound unique to myself.
And your live show? This is my first time performing at Airwaves and I intend to make a memorable debut (I even bought my first stage outfit). My goal with every show is to bring people together and create an atmosphere of empathy and healing. When people leave my show they’ll hopefully be leaving with their hearts just a little more full. I will be performing with my incredible bandmates Daníel Andri & Gabrielle Lacerda who are sure to turn this show from good to great!
What should we listen to? It’s hard to choose a different track than "Missing Her So". It’s one of the first songs I released and in many ways has been the track that brought me to where I am today. It is the song that made me realise I could actually become a songwriter and to this day is the song I get contacted about the most. I have heard many beautiful stories from strangers about their connection to the song and I think it’s amazing that something I wrote in my garage at 20 years old would impact people all over the globe.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? I love Arny Margret!. She’s making some really pretty indie music that hits you in all the right places.
Tips for a first time tourist? The best thing is simply taking a stroll downtown, explore the less busy streets, see where the wind blows you, grab a bite at Pylsuvagninn and go for a pub crawl!
The worst thing to do is probably trying to do your shopping at the store “10-11”. It is a 24/7 store that is just for quick small purchases. If you need cheap groceries I recommend going to Bónus or Krónan.
Best late night snack? There’s only one contender here and that is Devitos! It is the best pizza in Reykjavík and it might even be the best pizza in the world. It is both the best late night drunk bite and hangover cure.
Best hangover food? Buy a large pizza, eat half of it & take an ibuprofen before going to bed, and then eat the rest for breakfast!
Andervel
Earnest, intimate, heartfelt, delicate, Andervel is the music project of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist José Luis Anderson – born and raised in Mexico and now based in Iceland.
Describe your sound? It has a multicultural essence, shaped by carefully crafted lyrics in Spanish, English, and Icelandic. To put it in one way: my music is warm, like the people of Mexico, and invites listeners to pause, contemplate, and look inward - much like the nature of Iceland - within an earnest, intimate and sensitive space.
And your live show? You can expect a fresh and uncommon take on folk/indie music, Mexico and Iceland brought together In a unique way. On top of that, we have a new album coming up, and most of our set is material from that upcoming album, so the only way to hear it right now is by coming to our show.And as if that weren’t enough, Andervel currently performs as a 4 people band and not to brag about it but it’s a pretty awesome band: Silla, Sólrún, Sakaris and myself. We are pretty tight, and it just sounds so good!
What should we listen to? "Noche" is a pretty well-written song, in the style of a classic canción mexicana. "Faðmaðu mig" is my first song in Icelandic, written during the COVID times. It’s basically about longing for human touch and connection. Shout-out to Sóley, with whom I collaborated to write the lyrics in Icelandic. "A Kinder Way" is a bit different from the two above, slightly more experimental and with a message I think we could all use these days: Let’s be kind to each other. For real. "No Sé" is a song about cultural shock and one I believe anyone who’s emigrated from their place of origin can probably relate to.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? I think there are many artists in the local scene doing exciting and interesting things, each within their own genre and all worth checking out. At this moment at the top of my mind is BSÍ, one of my favourite acts in Reykjavík and my friend Jelena Ćirić, who will also be performing at the festival this year.
Tips for a first time tourist? Well, it sort of depends on the season, the landscape changes so much but I would sa: walk around downtown, sit at a nice café- a favorite of mine atm is Kaktus inside Listasafn Íslands (the National Gallery of Iceland) - and then it is also nice to explore out of the city. I recommend going to one of the natural hot springs in the countryside.
The worst thing I can think of right now is to be underdressed under the rain, on a windy day. It is getting pretty cold out there, no matter what you do you wanna be prepared.
Best hangover food? I've been sober for three years now, so I might not be very up to date but I must confess I did enjoy Hlöllabátar back in the days!
Izleifur
Rising star Izleifur released his sophomore album Ég á móti mér just seven months after his debut ÞETTA ER IZLEIFUR. The young rapper – who grew up among the boiler pot of Reykjavík culture – explores themes such as self doubt, depression, young love, heartbreak and egomania in his exciting take on hip hop.
Describe your sound? A combination of emotionally raw rap, influenced by rap and trap artist such as Future, Travis Scott, Yung Lean, lately I have been inspired by 2000’s pop music so I have been digging in that as well. I have a heavy focus on production also since producing is how I started and I do a lot of the production myself.
And your live show? I think you should come see me at Airwaves to get a taste of the local scene and see what the hype is behind Icelandic Hip Hop... expect great energy, a lot of emotion as well as some new songs from my upcoming album, releasing soon.
What should we listen to? "Síminn Dauður" is a great intro song that incorporates a lot of the different elements that you can find throughout my music.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? I really love what the guys in Inspector Spacetime are doing, such great energy, then I have to shoutout my brothers Daniil & Floni who are also performing at Airwaves this year. The new stuff from them is super exciting.
Tips for a first time tourist? The best has to be the local swimming pools, none of those fancy lagoons, go the local spot and soak in the Hot Tub. The worst? The tourist gift shops, just don't!
Best late night snack? I am a big fan of Bitabíllinn; if you know you know!
Best hangover food? For the hangover cure, there is no place like Prikið!
Emma
Atmospheric four piece Emma is a project created by siblings Sindri Snær Ómarsson and Breki Hrafn Halldóru Ómars along with friends Ásgeir Kjartansson and Óðal Hjarn Greta. Together they have created a diverse set of songs that aim to encapsulate different emotions and have built a rep for dynamic and gripping live performances.
Who's in the band? Sindri (vocals and occasional drummer), Breki Hrafn Halldóru Ómars (vocals, guitar and occasional harmonica), Óðal Hjarn Grétu (keys and accordion) and Ásgeir Kjartansson (drums, trumpet, guitar and cello).
Describe your sound? We often describe it as atmospheric Folk. The music is rooted in acoustic instrumentation and elevated with a vast soundscape from the synths. This allows the music to be raw and vulnerable while still existing in a bigger sonic world. It’s very dynamic and varies in volume and power, but at it’ core stems from a place of trying to find acceptance and healing after tough times.
And your live show? We are an ambitious live band. Our shows are lively, we love to improvise and each band member plays multiple instruments. Since this is a big show we’ll have some friends playing with us to make the sound even bigger and better. We try to create a nice atmosphere where the music gets to flow through everyone involved. It’s fun, it’s emotional and we like to think at it’s core it’s just really good unique music that we’re extremely proud of..
What should we listen to? "Stranger Now" is our biggest song and also the first song we ever wrote and performed. It’s a powerful and beautiful song that I feel represents us well. If you want to go crazy, listen to "Hide". It’s a 9:21 minute journey of a song that will leave you a little bit shook by the end of it.
Generally though, we recommend listening to our debut album, Halidome, in full. The whole tracklist is very narrative driven and deliberate, we promise it won’t disappoint.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? There are so many exciting artists making incredible music in Iceland right now. Our friends at BKPM just released a banger album this summer. Krassoff is one of the strongest live performers in the country and has some singles out.
K.óla, Lúpína, Kusk & Óviti, Bjarni Daníel, Woolly Kind, Amor Vincit Omnia, Andervel, Laglegt, Slacker Essentials, Einakróna, Symfaux and many many more. The music scene is so rich and beautiful and we’re sorry if we forgot to mention anyone but know we love you!
Tips for a first time tourist? The best tourist thing you can do is look at events on Facebook and find some concerts to go to, there’s always something going on and I’m assuming if you’re reading this you love music!
The worst thing is tourist traps like Magic Ice or something. Any bar in the winter is cold already anyway and most of them won’t charge you an entrance fee.
Best late night snack? Kebab Sara and Bæjarins Bestu Pylsur are a great late night snack.
Best hangover cure? In the mornings, our bakeries are great and very affordable (for Iceland). Bernhöftsbakarí is tiny but has some incredible Rúnstykki and Snúðar that will fix you, with a side of Kókómjólk of course. Bagels at Wake and Bake also slap every time.
Flesh Machine
Formed by Kormákur Jarl Gunnarsson while he was living and studying in Berlin partly as a coping mechanism for his depression and anxiety, Flesh Machine blew up in the underground scene in late 2022. The band's first single, released in January 2023 got a nod from Anthony Fantano and in 2025 the band were nominated at the Reykjavík Grapevine Music Awards as “Ones To Watch”.
Describe your sound? Someone once described Flesh Machine as playing “moustache-heavy crybaby rock” but make of it what you will.
And your live show? We build a wall of sound that hits you in the chest. Our shows are never the same but at Airwaves you can expect high energy, hijinks and a good time.
What should we listen to? We are releasing a new song, “Taking My Time (WobWob)”, on 7 November when the clock strikes midnight, accompanied by a fun music video – but to sate your hunger in the meantime we recommend listening and watching the video to our latest single “Nothing Never Happens”.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? Jón: Iðunn Einars, her last album “Í Hennar Heimi” was one of the top five best albums released in Iceland last year, in my opinion. Her music is beautiful and dreamlike, with beautiful melodies and compositions. Everyone should keep their eyes and ears on her.
Kommi: Mukka – have been listening to them since their album, Study You nr.2, and love their psych cinematic sound. Their live shows are also super intriguing and hypnotising.
RAKEL just came out with a beauty of a debut, “a place to be”. She has a striking voice and the songwriting talent to match.
Knackered is hitting the music scene hard with her experimental electronic music. She is truly deserving of the acclaim she been getting.
Tips for a first time tourist? Go visit local venues and galleries, see a concert by a local artist/band. Support the beautiful scene we have going on here! Everyone has a unique style. To name some venues and weekly or monthly events we recommend legendary grassroots venue R6013, Sampl in Iðnó, Upprásin in Harpa and Mánudjazz at Le Kock.
The worst thing is the Northern lights tours. We’ve heard of too many tourists going home disappointed and freezing after a night of cloudwatching, no aurora in sight. Wasting money on something you can’t predict or promise. Bæjarins Bestu hot dog stand – you wait in line to get the exact same dog you can get for less money at a local gas station!
Best late night snack? If we had to pick something, nothing beats a sloppy “sjoppu” burger from Bitabíllinn. It’s nothing fancy, but you know what you're getting.
Best hangover cure? Tom yum soup at Mai Thai, we even name drop it in our newest single.
Strákurinn fákurinn
Strákurinn fákurinn is based in Akureyri and began as the solo act of Drengurinn fengurinn in 2016 with an overwhelming catalog that spans countless genres, driven by a DIY ethic and high-speed creativity. In early 2024, they transformed into a full band, featuring Agnieszka Staroń on bass and vocals, Kęstutis Balčiūnas on drums, and Drengurinn fengurinn on guitar and vocals. Their sound draws from no-wave and outsider music – raw, impulsive, and defiantly unpolished.
Describe your sound? It’s like no wave type of stuff. We are trying to imitate that late 70s early 80s New York cool which is one of the best cools. We also have a lot of way too expensive effect pedals.
And your live show? Drengurinn: I have some cool guitar pedals you can look at and maybe ask me how I like it because you were thinking of buying one and I’ll probably say “It’s nice” and then we will be friends.
Also we are representing Akureyri which is in the north of Iceland and then you can come there and go to the forest lagoon and see our shopping mall. I unironically like shopping malls. I pretended to hate them when I was younger because of peer pressure but that was all a lie. The large shopping mall in Łódź, I think it’s called “Manufaktura”, is a good one. Also “City Nord” in Bodø, Norway. Shopping malls make me feel safe. I haven’t travelled much but I always try to check out the malls. One day I want to visit an American super mall.
Agnieszka: If you like us, you’ll have a very new cool band to tell your friends about - definitely one none of them know yet. You’ll get to hear some new tracks that will be on the album we’ll be recording in November.
What should we listen to? Maybe “Líf og fjör” because it’s fun to play.
Who else do you rate in the Icelandic music scene right now? It’s hard to answer this question because someone might get sad if I don’t mention them and I don’t want to make anyone sad. But maybe Gubba hori. And also everyone else. Everyone is fantastic!
Tips for a first time tourist? Reykjavík is small - you don’t need a map to get around. There are plenty of cozy pubs and record stores. You might even get lucky and catch Björk DJing somewhere. The worst aspect is when choosing a sweet treat, you might accidentally end up with something full of liquorice. I like to eat cake at Plantan when I come. We don’t have a vegan café in Akureyri so I try to eat as much cake as possible each visit. But don’t go there because then there will be no free table for me plz. Also ready your wallet – it’s gonna be expensive!
Best late night snack? The nearest burger or hot dog stand will do just fine, and that’s a very Icelandic way to do it. If you are vegan, there are always fries.
Best hangover cure? In the morning - walk hangover off with an ocean view. Fighting with arctic wind might be the most effective remedy. If you survive that try lounging in one of Reykjavík’s pools.
You could also a burger at 2guys. They have the best vegan burgers in Iceland and also meat burgers if you are a sociopath. Tupac is the tastiest one but I usually get Biggie because that is the largest one and I’m a hungry boy. The have this 90s hiphop theme which is pretty rad.
Follow Strákurinn fákurinn on Instagram @strakurinn_fakurinn
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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