Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.11.2018, Síða 8

The R
eykjavík G
rapevine
Iceland A
irw
aves Special 20
18
8
Samantha
Shay
Samantha Shay is a multi-discipli-
nary artist and filmmaker, among
other things, who’s been making
waves since she arrived in Iceland
from the U.S. a couple of years ago.
SiGRÚN
I saw her play at R6013 last spring
and it was one of the most ex-
citing concerts I've seen in Rey-
kjavík in a while. The coalescing
qualities of her experimental
loops and beats, coupled with
mystical and soft lyrics, creates
a witch power that takes me to
the higher realms. I am obsessed
with her song “The Empress."
Sóley
Many artists abroad are aware
of Sóley’s music, but right now
she's working on some ambi-
ent drone stuff that I’m so ex-
cited about. It seems like lately
she's just like YOLO and getting
weirder and weirder—it’s as if
the dark fairytale lyrics she's al-
ways written are stretched out
into these emotional sonic en-
vironments with powerful new
sounds we haven't heard from
her. I hope she plays some new
stuff at Airwaves.
Special-K
I love this project from Katrín.
It’s so clever—more than a mu-
sic project, it feels like perfor-
mance art. She is exploring an
archetype of a hyper-privileged
millennial. It's brutally honest
in a way I find admirable, and a
breath of fresh air in the scene.
Her first single "I Thought I'd Be
More Famous By Now"
captures this perfectly.
Mr. Silla
A few years ago all I
listened to was Mr. Sil-
la’s self-titled album
as I walked through
different cities, but I
specifically remember
walking through New
York and Berlin. The
glowy synths and play-
ful rhythms made me
feel like I had a crush
on someone, or may-
be had just had a break up, but
everything was slow motion and
romantic.
JFDR
Jófríður lets her honesty and
emotional interior emerge in her
music. I knew this album “Bra-
zil” would be extremely success-
ful. Her new material is increas-
ingly honest, unapologetically
taking up more transgressive
yet graceful space. A mix of
soft guitar loops, dreamy
jazzy vibes, and subterranean
electronics that loom below
her voice, and hyper-poetic
lyrics that merely hint at a
world beneath our skin. She’s
low-key prolific.
Geoffrey
Skywalker
An illustrator and mogul sitting
near the top of the Partybær,
Sticky Records, and Prikið em-
pires, at the beating heart of the
local rap scene, Geoff has an ea-
gle 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
ex perience shines
through. Plus, the
music itself is amaz-
ing.
Bagdad Brothers
I would nominate
Bagdad Brothers as
the most di l igent
newcomers to Reyka-
vík’s live music scene.
Their self-described
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’ pub-
lishing 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 lat-
est release, MATADOR, he will
surely deliver a super fresh and
crowd-friendly set. Birnir’s fes-
tival 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 project that will see
the light of day soon. The real
value and vibe from this group
comes through during their live
shows. Expect extravaganza ga-
lore.
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.
Kimi Tayler
Comedian, artist and self pro-
claimed ‘Aspiring Power Lesbian’
Kimi Tayler is all about the tunes,
as well as being one of the biggest
Eurovision obsessives in the world.
Daði Freyr
For someone like me, with an
unhealthy relationship with
Iceland’s participation in the
Eurovision Song Contest, he is
completely unmissable. Glo-
riously joyful pop—you won’t
leave without a smile on your
face.
Svala
If, like me, you have a taste for
all things Eurovision, Svala has
got to be on your must-see list,
too. She’s a great live performer,
she’s intimidatingly cool, has a
smashing voice, amazing tat-
toos and, most importantly,
banging tunes. She delivers
pretty perfect pop.
Jimothy Lacoste
Jimothy Lacoste could be Lon-
don’s answer to JóiPé x Króli.
Young Jimothy is blowing up
the scene and gaining online
buzz with tracks like “Getting
Busy,” about his busy/healthy
lifestyle. He’s worth seeing for
his exceptional dance moves
alone.
Insider
Knowledge
Airwaves tips from those who know
Words: John Rogers & Hannah Jane Cohen
Photos: Art Bicnick, Timothée Lambrecq & Juliette Rowland