Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.11.2018, Blaðsíða 24

The R
eykjavík G
rapevine
Iceland A
irw
aves Special 20
18
24
them. So it is with en-
ergetic indie-pop band
Bagdad Brothers, who
heralded the arrival
of “póstdreifing”—a
teeming arts collec-
tive throwing parties,
releasing music, plan-
ning exhibitions, and
genera l ly hav i ng a
lovely great time. Check
them out for a lungful
of fresh energy. JR
Berghaim
Bergur Andersen is a
well-known figure on
the Icelandic music
scene, and has been in
countless great bands
over the years. When
he moved to The Neth-
erlands, he found him-
self all alone, and so,
Berghaim was born. A concept
project with a lo-fi acid-fried
sound and a weird visual uni-
verse, this is a intriguingly ex-
perimental highlight amongst
this year’s crop of Airwaves new-
bies. JR
Bríet
At only 18 years old, Bríet took
the Icelandic music scene by
storm this year with her debut
single “In Too Deep.” A mix of
electro-pop and R&B, Bríet’s
tunes combine breathy sultri-
ness with earworm melodies
with a relaxed trap vibe. If there’s
one artist that’ll please both the
mainstream and indie crowds,
it’s Bríet. One to watch. HJC
Dadykewl
While the hype bubble of Ice-
landic rap seems to be headed
for a traditional Iceland-style
burst, late-comer to the scene
Dadykewl is just getting started.
He arrived in style this year with
a well-received album featuring
a variety of party tracks, intro-
spective trap-rap, and a catchy
collaboration with Alvia Islan-
dia. JR
Elín Harpa
Telly addicts and pop fans may
recognize Elín from her partic-
ipation in Iceland’s version of
‘The Voice’ in 2015, when she daz-
zled the panel with her angelic
voice and engaging performanc-
es. With her first album slated
for release in 2019, you can grab a
preview of her original material
at the festival. CES
Eydís Evensen
Classically trained pianist and
composer Eydís Evensen wrote
her first piece at the the tender
age of six. Her music is ethereal
and beautiful, and still centered
around the piano. She’ll use Air-
wave to premiere many composi-
tions that have never before been
performed live. CES
Helgi
Helgi’s music runs the gamut
of human emotion: heartbreak,
anxiety, love, ambition, loss
and energy. At least, that’s what
his bio on the Iceland Airwaves
website says. But the multi-in-
strumentalist is known for his
technical skill and sincerity, so
make sure to bring tissues. HJC
Hildur Vala
Another TV talent show inclu-
sion, Hildur Vala first entered
the Icelandic music scene in 2005
when she won the Icelandic ‘Pop
Idol’ and released an album that
topped charts over a long period.
Since then, she released anoth-
er album but it is not until now
that she shares her third album
"Geimvísindi," which she will
perform at Airwaves. CES
Huginn
If the spectrum of the Icelandic
pop-rap mainstream goes from
angry-about-something aggro
dudes to watery-eyed stoner
party jams to fuck-the-patri-
archy feminist rhyming, Hug-
inn is floating around happily
in the shallow end of the pool
with some easy-going
autotune pop that you
might hear playing in a
duty free lounge soon.
JR
Ingibjörg Turchi
You might recognise
Ingibjörg from Icelan-
dic disco band Boogie
Trouble. While juggling
life as a young musi-
cian, Ingibjörg is also
expanding her musi-
cal knowledge through
a BA in Composition
from Iceland Academy
of the Arts. Now debut-
ing her solo work, she’ll
perform her own me-
lodic take on the ambi-
ent genre, combining
instrumentals w ith
electronic effects. CES
Julian Civilian
Julian Civilian is the solo project
of the Reykjavík underground
music vet Skúli Jónsson, who,
while having played Airwaves
many times, is finally getting
his first solo slot. With a grungy
feel—think My Bloody Valentine
playing feel-good tunes—Julian
Civilian is certain to be a relaxed
and enjoyable show. Expect in-
tense harmonies, introspective
lyrics and, above all else, good
vibes. HJC
Karitas
If you’re looking for some Euro-
vision fun at Airwaves, look no
further than Karitas. The winner
of the 2016 season of ‘The Voice’
Iceland, this singer knows how
to make her notes shimmer.
While she’s collaborated with
Daði Freyr and released a Christ-
mas song, Karitas is best known
for her cover of “My Love” by Sia,
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Ingibjörg Turchi
Kjartan Holm
KUL