Reykjavík Music Mess 2013

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It’s 2:30pm in Reykjavík, and we’re sitting with our backs to the breathtaking Three Sisters mountains, preparing to embrace the blossoming Reykjavík Music Mess festival this weekend. The third iteration of the annual event, an in-city celebration of both the familial independent scene of Iceland’s capital and of close friends from far overseas, the festival will take place in two venues: Volta, a smart new venue and club in the heart of the downtown neighbourhood of Reykjavík, and Kex, a strikingly-designed hostel, bistro-bar and live room with a view across the city’s spectacular coastline – and, incidentally, where we’re currently sitting.

Withered Hand // Jóhann Leó Lindu Birgirsson

The restaurant is alive with anticipation for the weekend, with independence practically bleeding from every pore. The festival have enlisted a handful of supremely talented Icelandic artists to photograph bands from the lineup and create new images from them – all of which are being showcased at the Kex Hostel tonight at 8pm. The show will act as the celebratory opening party for the festival, where all ticket holders are invited to spread out amongst artists, band members and media – courtesy of festival sponsors Thule & Reyka .

Boogie Trouble // Þorvaldur Jonsson

The festival’s aim of being eclectic and unexpected is certainly realised in its lineup, which features bands that showcase the young-bloods of Reykjavík’s lauded contemporary music scene – Oyama, Bloodgroup, Mammút, Muck and Sykur, to name a few – as well as prominent performances from Australia’s DZ Deathrays and the soft murmurings of Scottish songwriter Withered Hand. Oh, and as if our surroundings weren’t already jaw-droppingly otherworldly enough, our nights are to be kissed with the perpetual light of Iceland’s summer – and we can’t shake the feeling that we’ve got an unforgettable weekend in store for us.

Keep your eyes peeled for our coverage of Reykjavík Music Mess, coming next week.