Reykjavík Grapevine - 19.11.2018, Síða 40

40The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 19— 2018Culture
Cheryl K. Ang
Cheryl K. Ang works at the Iceland Music
office, where part of her job is listening to
tonnes of new Icelandic music on a daily
basis, while munching down matcha Kit
Kats. A panellist at our 2018 Grapevine
Music Awards, she’s a source to be trust-
ed. Here are her picks for the must-see acts
at this year’s Iceland Airwaves festival.
Vök
These guys are so underrated. “Before”
is one of those songs that you’ve almost
certainly heard before but never knew
the name of, and if you’re looking for
feels, then Margrét’s gorgeously mel-
ancholy voice is all you really need.
Ólafur Arnalds
The best way I can think of to describe
Ólafur Arnalds’ music is being hit with
a heavy dose of nostalgia. Everything
feels at once new but familiar, in a
wonderfully comforting way. I’m so
excited to see how his new album is
going to sound in a live setting.
Hugar
These guys are on the up and up, with
a new album due soon and some of the
best atmospheric sounds out there.
They have a great evocative cinematic
sound that’s a real treat. It’s the the
type of music that transports you
elsewhere and makes you forget about
time.
Aurora (NO)
There’s something magical about Au-
rora’s incredibly versatile, crystalline
voice. It carries itself effortlessly from
Oasis’ emotionally fragile ‘Half The
World Away’ to the dance-pop ‘I Went
Too Far’—the mix of folk and electron-
ic elements is addictive, if nothing else.
I can’t wait to see what else comes of
her music.
Superorganism (UK)
If you ever wondered what memes
would sound like in musical form, Su-
perorganism is your answer. This band
is the epitome of internet music, with
band members creating diverse tunes
from all over the world, with lyrics
that sound like Juno’s flowing stream
of consciousness. They’re impossible
not to love.
Alex Sinclair
Alex Sinclair is the marketing manager
of the Mengi organisation, and as such is
subject to a constant stream of new Ice-
landic music. We asked her to pick out
some of the most exciting Icelandic acts
on this year’s Airwaves lineup.
aYia
Saying I am a super fan is probably put-
ting it lightly? aYia is one of the most
exciting projects to have come out of
Reykjavik in recent years and their de-
but album is going to send them on a
path of world domination. Check them
out before they are too busy conquer-
ing the planet.
Berghaim
A good friend of mine describes Ber-
gur in the following way ‘all the girls
want to be with him, and all the boys
wanna be him’ and I think that sums
him up perfectly. Berghaim is his new
solo project which is a bit more experi-
mental and different to his usual indie
sounds, but it’s a great mix of story-
telling and simple but engaging beats.
Definitely one for fans of ducks.
Madonna + Child
I love everything about this band.
Their aesthetic, their music and their
stage performance is unique, mysteri-
ous and creepy in the best possible way.
JóiPé x Króli
I have seen these guys perform so
many times I have literally lost count.
I once even chased them across Iceland
and saw them three times in one day.
They are that good.
Une Misère
I only saw these guys live very recently
at PrikPort and I loved it. Their energy,
tunes and willingness to climb dan-
gerous structures whilst performing
makes them a highly engaging act to
watch. It’s safe to say I will be at all of
their shows from now.
on.
Geoffrey
Skywalker
A mogul sitting near the top of the Party-
bær, Sticky Records, and the Prikið em-
pire—the beating heart of the local rap
scene—Geoff has an eagle eye for what’s
new and worth checking out in 101.
Arnar Úlfur
Arnar is a full scale power-house of an
Icelandic rapper, so seeing him diverge
from his ordinary stage presence with
legendary band Úlfur Úlfur is special.
He delivers amazing technique with
his music and is already a veteran in a
young scene. Arnar also has a special
connection to crowds and his experi-
ence shines through. Plus, the music
itself is amazing.
Bagdad Brothers
I would nominate Bagdad Brothers as
the most diligent newcomers to Reyka-
vík’s live music scene. Their self-de-
scribed pop music is extremely exper-
imental and vibrant, while at the same
time they are always searching for new
direction and inspiration. Don’t miss
them at Airwaves. Also, check out more
work from Bagdad Brothers publishing
company, post-dreifing.
Birnir
The wildcard of the Icelandic hip-hop
scene, and the most talented rapper
to make his mark on the scene in the
last ten years. Coming off his latest re-
lease, MATADOR, he will surely deliver
a super fresh and crowd-friendly set.
Birnir’s festival performances always
go the extra mile. This is the one.
CYBER
All female hip-hop collective art-group
CYBER are sitting on a brand new pro-
ject that will see the light of day soon.
The real value and vibe from this group
comes through during their live shows.
Expect extravaganza galore.
kef LAVÍK
It’s simple: Whatever you do, don't
miss kef LAVÍK. This band is amazing.
And it’s a rarity to see them perform
at a festival. Get on the bandwagon.
Words:
The Grapevine
Music Dpt.
Photos:
Art Bicnick
Airwaves Tipsters
Things to do and see straight from the professionals

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