It’s been over a decade now since Of Monsters and Men dominated alt-rock radio with their indie-folk anthem “Little Talks,” helping to add a bit of nuance to the American notion of Iceland as the home country of Björk, Sigur Rós, and the very slim range of artists who fall in between those very specific poles. The Reykjavík-based band has released albums at a steady clip of once every four years since their 2011 debut, yet instead of returning with their fourth LP this year the band’s vocalist Nanna struck out on a solo venture instead, releasing her debut solo collection of art-pop songs How to Start a Garden at the beginning of the summer.
And next weekend she’ll be bringing this music back to her Icelandic hometown after a North American solo headlining tour, kicking off a set of European dates at Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavík alongside Bombay Bicycle Club, Yard Act, Anjimile, Blondshell, Andy Shauf, Arny Margret, and more established and buzzing artists. Yet instead of soliciting Nanna for a festival preview, we asked the songwriter to share a handful of her favorite local Icelandic acts which together illustrate the wide variety of rich sounds currently coming out of the country—from longtime staples of the indie scene such as múm and Ólafur Arnalds, to more up-and-coming acts who’ll actually be taking the stage at IA alongside Nanna, including the aforementioned Arny Margret.
Check out the full playlist along with Nanna’s writeups below, and find more info about Iceland Airwaves at their website here.
Slowshift feat. Fay Wildhagen & Kristian Kristensen, “EndUp”
Slowshift isn’t solely Icelandic, so this is a bit of a cheat. But my bandmate Brynjar is one third of this band. Ambitious, beautiful music. They’re playing Iceland Airwaves and I think it’s a must-see.
RY X feat. Ólafur Arnalds, “oceans”
So, so, so good! That’s all I can say!
Salóme Katrín, RAKEL, & ZAAR (Sara Flindt), “While we wait”
During the pandemic, these three artists made an album together. All brilliant artists on their own, and together some magic happened. One of my favorite albums of 2022. This track feels otherworldly and witchy and dreamy. Salóme and Rakel will perform with me during Iceland Airwaves, and Rakel is supporting me for my upcoming tour.
Árný Margrét, “they only talk about the weather”
I find Árný Margrét’s music captivating. This song takes me to a specific time and place. It’s always so nice when songs can do that.
múm, “I’m 9 Today”
There were a few múm songs that I wanted to include, but chose this one. The rhythm in this song hurts my teeth and that’s what I like about this song.
Mammút, “Salt”
I toured Europe with Mammút back in 2015. Their stage presence feels like a spell. One of my favorite bands to see live.
Prins Póló, “París norðursins”
I’ve been listening to this one a lot lately. It just feels like a good time! And I wanted a good-time song on this list. The lyrics are my favorite part of many of his songs. Funny with a dark undertone.
Mugison, “Ear”
Mugison is playing IA and just released a new album. This is a song from Mugison’s very first album. I was obsessed with his album when it came out.
Róshildur, “Fólk í blokk (v2,3)”
Róshildur is an exciting up-and-coming artist. This song has been on my mind a lot lately. The lyrics and melodies perfectly complement each other. I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
Björk, “All Is Full of Love”
It wouldn’t be a proper Icelandic playlist without including Björk. She has undoubtedly inspired myself and generations of Icelandic women in music. I love this song. It feels both heartbreaking and hopeful—my favorite combination.
