Puffin Artwork by WIHO

Artwork #7: Icelandic Music Maffia Puffin with Guitar  (Acryl, 25x25cm)

GusGus "Esja"

GusGus
"Esja", the beautiful mountain nearby Reykjavik

Vicky by WIHO

 Artwork #6: Vicky (12x12 cm)

Ensími @ Havari 4. December 2010 @ 16:00

Ensími 

@ HAVARÍ 

4. December 2010 @ 16:00 

The band recently released their 4th Album "Gæludýr" after an 8 year release hiatus. But they were playing with almost every other band in Iceland.  Album was released by Record Records.
Free Admission

Iceland Airwaves @ The Garrison, Toronto 16. November 2010: The Video

A Live Video of the Canadian Iceland Airwaves Night @ The Garrison @ Toronto feat. Lay Low & Retro Stefson

Apparat Organ Quartet "Cargo Frakt" New Single

The 1st Single of the 2nd Album of Apparat Organ Quartet "Pólýfónía is:
"Cargo Frakt"

Benni Hemm Hemm Release Concert @ Bakkus on 11. December 2010

Benni Hemm Hemm 

"Skot"

Release Concert 

@ Bakkus 
Saturday 11. December 2010

Supporting acts:
PRINSPÓLÓ
BÁRUJÁRN
DJ ÖFULL

Doors @ 21:00

Tickets presale @ Havari

Admission: 1000 IKR in presale - 1500 ISK @ the door

Song of the 191. Week is Peter & Wolf's song "Lagið Um Guð"

191. Song of the Week is by the duo Peter & Wolf  (aka Pétur og Úlfurinn) "Lagið Um Guð," the song about God of the album "Ching Ching Bling Bling" (2007).

 

The two persons behind this duo are Pétur Einarsson is one of the brothers in Pornopop, and Unnur Andrea Einarsdóttir of Cocktail Vomit.
Unnur's website
Buy the whole album @ Gogoyoko.

Vinyl "Who gets the blame" Video

Vinyl
"Who gets the blame" (2003)

Who Knew @ Spieghel @ Eurosonic Festival, Groningen (NL) on 13. January 2011

Who Knew

@ Eurosonic/Noorderslag Festival

Groningen, The Netherlands

Thursday 13. January 2011@ 22:00 

@ De Spieghel  
Who Knew @ MySpace

Bróðir Svartúlfs "Velkomin" Video

Bróðir Svartúlfs
"Velkomin"
Brand new video made by Bowen Staines, was recorded @ Sauðárkrókur in the band's neighbourhood in North-Iceland.

Bróðir Svartúlfs "Velkomin" Music Video (2010) from Bowen Staines

Free Music: Weirdcore III Compilation

Weirdcore

Get a lot of free electronic music here.
A compilation featuring: Tonik , Yoda Remote, Rafgashaus, Fu Kaisha, Thizone, Futuregrapher, PLX & Ruxpin.

Kúra release their EP "Multicolor" on 3. December

From a creative space between Reykjavik and Copenhagen, the Icelandic electronic duo Kúra provides the light magnetic voice and Icelandic accent of the young Fanney Þórisdóttir, supported by the deep beats and tones of Brynjar Bjarnfoss' productions.
The two Copenhagen based cousins from the cold north, are releasing their debut EP “Multicolor” on 3. December 2010.
"Multicolor" holds six tracks including remixes by Lulu Rouge, Max Cooper and Brynjar.
The digital EP will be available for purchase in all major online music stores from 3. December.
Kúra - Gógó by Kúra

FM Belfast "Underwear" Video

FM Belfast
"Underwear" of their Debut Album "How to make friends" (World Champion Records/Kimi Records).

Dikta @ Eurosonic, Groningen, NL on Friday 14. January 2011

Dikta 

 @ Eurosonic/Noorderslag Festival

@ Grand Theatre
14. January 2010 @ 20:00 

Grote Markt 35 @ Groningen, The Netherlands

Dikta's Websites/a>

Mukkaló "Peace of Mind" Video

"Konungur"

Mukkaló @ MySpace

Víking Bjórfest @ Hressingarskálinn 25-27. November 2010

Víking Bjórfest 

@ Hressingarskálinn (Hresso)

25-27. November 2010

Doors @ 21:00

Age 20+

Free Admission

Friday 26. November

Ensími

Cliff Clavin

Saturday 27. November

Dikta

Agent Fresco

Snorri Helgason @ Troy Bar, London on 25. November 2010

Snorri Helgason

@ Troy Bar, 10 Hoxton Street, N1 6NG, London, UK

25. November 2010 @ 20:00

Other artists are Cas Cristenson, Indigo Earth & Larissa McKay

Snorri Helgason's Website

"Yule": Christmas Music by the Bedroom Community

Christmas comes early this year…for music lovers!
Bedroom Community made a special Christmas compilation album with previously unreleased material.
In true Christmas spirit, the album is called "Bedroom Community: Yule",  will be free to download exclusively with every purchase between November 24 - December 31 made through the newly redesigned webstore: Shop here.
The album contains over 60 minutes of remixes, exclusive tracks, unreleased album outtakes and scores from all your favorite Bedroom Community artist (along with a mystery mum and the missing piece of the Puzzle). Remixes by SonLux, Kippi Kanínus (amiina) and MaJiKer.
With the album comes "create your own CD" kit, so you can even make your own copies of the CD and give to your loved ones as the perfect handcrafted Christmas present!
The name derives from the Icelandic christmas men (plural!), the "yule lads" - the 13 mischievous santa clauses, sons of Grýla, who were said to eat children and steal stuff.
Merry music Christmas from Bedroom Community!
The tracklist
00.00 The Amidons: It's Good To Be Kind—mangled by Nico Muhly
00.32 Nico Muhly: The Only Tune—SonLux Remix
05.19 Ben Frost: The Gravity of Numbers
11.16 Valgeir Sigurðsson: Focal Point—Kippi Kanínus Remix
17.00 Sam Amidon: Kedron (acoustic)
19.36 Puzzle Muteson: Parachute
22.28 Daníel Bjarnason: Night Music
29.46 Valgeir Sigurðsson: Vetur
33.18 Nico Muhly: Wonders—MaJiKer Remix
40.16 Valgeir Sigurðsson: Dark Christmas
45.05 Daníel Bjarnason: Stars
48.42 Ben Frost: There are no others, There is only us
58.13 Nico Muhly: Bells For Zach
60.05 Valgeir Sigurðsson: Air

New Apparat Organ Quartet released in December 2010

Apparat Organ Quartet releases a new album next month
"Global Capital", a song of their previous album

Sólstafir on Tour in Europe in December

Sólstafir goes on an European Tour next month
The band Sólstafir is going on an European tour in December with the bands Swallow the Sun and Mar De Grises. In December 2007 the band traveled to Göteborg, Sweden to record their 3rd full  album “Köld” which was released early 2009.
In 2010 they played @ a lot of festivals (e.g. Roskilde).

Tour Dates in December

1.12. Steinbruch Theater, Darmstadt, Germany
2.12. Magnet, Berlin, Germany
3.12. Eastclub, Bischofswerda, Germany
4.12. Progresja, Warsaw, Poland
5.12. Exit Chmelnice, Prague, Czech Republic
6.12. Randal Club, Bratislava, Slovakia
7.12. Arena, Wien, Austria
8.12. Hirsch, Nürnberg, Germany
9.12. Kiff, Aarau, Switzerland
10.12 Parma, Italy
11.12. TBA, France
12.12. Be Cool, Barcelona, Spain
13.12. Ritmo y Compas, Madrid, Spain
14.12. Music Box, Lisboa, Portugal
15.12. Hard Club, Porto, Portugal
16.12. Tartufo, Bergara, Spain
17.12. Le Ferrailleur, Nantes, France
18.12. Glazart, Paris, France
19.12. Underworld, London, UK
20.12. Kade, Zaandam, Netherlands
21.12. Matrix, Bochum, Germany
22.12. Haus 11, Stuttgart, Germany

Sólstafir Live @ Airwaves 2010

Sólstafir @ MySpace

Photograph Copyright Wim Van Hooste

Icelandic Summer - Music of Rökkurró

Trailer with music by Rökkurró

Eyvindur & Halla Story from Juraj Jedinak 


Rökkurró @ MySpace

Valdimar Release Concert "Undraland" @ Fríkirkja on 27. November 2010

The band Valdimar released the album "Undraland" on Geimsteinn Label.
Buy the album on Gogoyoko

útgáfutónleika - release concert on 27. November @ Fríkirkja @ Reykjavík

Valdimar @ MySpace

Emmsjé Gauti "Oh Yeah" Video

Emmsjé Gauti  feat. singer Ljósvaki
"Oh Yeah" feat. on his forthcoming album "Bara Ég"(Only Me)
Directed by Einar Bragi Rögnvaldsson & Ingi Lárusson

Interview with Alex Somers: visual artist, guitarist, producer, etc.

Interview with Alex Somers

Jónsi

New Ólöf Arnalds Video for "Surrender" feat. Björk on vocals

Ólöf Arnalds
"Surrender" feat. Björk on vocals

Ólöf Arnalds - Surrender from Arni & Kinski

Ólöf Arnalds@ MySpace

Extreme Chill @ Kaffibarinn 24. November 201

Extreme Chill

presents

Skurken - Beetmakin Troopa - Arnljótur - DJ AnDre

@ Kaffibarinn 

Wednesday 24. November 2010 @ 22:00

Free Admission

Feldberg @ The Scandinavia House - Nordic Center in America (New York) on 2. December 2010

Duo Feldberg, Eberg (Einar Tönsberg) & singer Rósa Birgitta Ísfeld (of Sometime fame), will perform @ the Scandinavia House – The Nordic Center in America @ New York on 2. December @19:00. Other performer is the Danish-Swedish musician Christine Owman.
“Dreamin'” from their début album "Don't be a stranger" (Cod Music, 2009) is their most famous track. “Out of Scandinavia” is an ongoing series of uniquely selected musical performances played on the first Thursday of each month, headlining a myriad of fresh Nordic musicians that features one-off and premiere performances.
Feldberg @ MySpace

Song of the 190. Week is Singapore Sling's cover of Bang Gang: "One More Trip"

190. Song of the Week is a cover of Bang Gang's song "One More Trip" by Singapore Sling.

This song is featured on the new Bang Gang album "The Best of Bang Gang".

 

Work in Progress - Nostalgia

Review in magazine for the West Icelanders (Canada) of the Bless Album "Gums" (1990)

Review in a magazine for the Canadian Icelanders (West Icelanders)

of the Bad Taste Compilation World Domination or Death (Vol. 1) (1990)

The Sugarcubes (1987)
 

KUKL (1986)  

Einar Örn Benediktsson & Björk in KUKL (1985)

KUKL on the roof in 1984

Björk (1984)

No Future For Me - Back to the early 80's... 

This afternoon I was working on my other new blog, a virtual Icelandic Music Museum (IMM). Digging in the online archives provided by the Icelandic National Library. I've found some articles about KUKL, Tappi Tíkarrass, Purrkur Pillnikk, Vonbrigði, Þeyr, etc.

Going back to the time that The Fall with frontman Mark E. Smith came to Iceland & wrote a song about it. Jaz of Killing Joke and Echo & The Bunnymen hit the North Atlantic. Followed in the 90's  when Goldie, Damon of Blur & Jarvis of Pulp became the new friends of Iceland.
The time when British managers were downtown 101 for the British bands!?

Photographs of very young "manager"/singer Einar Örn Benediktsson, Björk just a singer in a band, Sigtryggur "Siggi" Baldursson was banging the drums almost 30 years ago, that I've never seen before.

More scans @ Icelandic Music Museum

 

The Fall in Iceland in 1981

New Snorri Helgason Video: "Ólán" by Máni M. Sigfússon

Snorri Helgason
He plays lo-fi soul, urban folk & pop music in the spirit of the original singer-songwriters of the early 70s – just not as cheesy. He lives in London since a few months; he hopes this gives his musical career a boost. He is/was a prominent member of the band Sprengjuhöllin.
"Ólán"

Snorri Helgason - Ólán from Máni M. Sigfússon
Snorri Helgason's Website

Interview with kimono

kimono Do Not Play Math Rock

Operating out of Iceland for the greater part of the last decade, kimono have long been your classic band’s band, meaning that most of the musicians performing at Airwaves count kimono as their favourite local band (the guitar bearing ones anyway). That’s not to say people outside of bands don’t like them – of course they do. Calling kimono a ‘band’s band’ is just our little way of trying to convey how influential they’ve been over the past decade, and how richer the local guitar rock scene is for their contribution.
In any case, we asked them our classic Airwaves questions to prepare for their performance @ NASA on Thursday. So read on and get prepared!
Who are you? What can we expect from your Airwaves appearance, and what can we expect of you in general?
We are kimono. We play DC hardcore by way of Iceland (not math rock like our one-sheet says… what the fuck is math rock?). You can expect to get your ass kicked.
Are there any acts missing from the bill that you’d like to see on there?
Bob Cluness said the other day that Mastodon was missing. I didn’t think so until he said it. Now there’s a Mastodon-sized hole in the schedule. Thanks Bob.
A lot of our readers are first time Airwaves-visitors. Do you have any tips for them? What to see, what to do, what to avoid, etc? Where to buy records? Or a good place to grab a bite or get away from it all for a while?
Sign up to gogoyoko and buy Icelandic music directly from the artists and labels. You’ll find almost every Icelandic band playing at Airwaves on there and you can extend your Icelandic music experience far beyond the confines of a single weekend that way. I am biased because I work at gogoyoko. Then again, if you need physical things to hold in your hand go to Smekkleysa (Laugavegur), 12 Tónar (Skólavörðustígur) and Havarí (Austurstræti). These are all excellent music stores with excellent people to help you find what you’re looking for.
Given that most Airwaves-visitors won’t have a lot of time in their schedule to see the Icelandic countryside, are there any nature-havens close by that you’d recommend?
I once saw a recommendation in a guidebook for people to visit Europe’s largest outdoor bar in Seltjarnarnes. The thought of tourists visiting Eiðistorg to see Europe’s largest outdoor bar makes me smile, so I’ll second that recommendation.
LOL. Who are your favourite Icelandic acts these days?
Seabear. We toured with them this September and they were a lot of fun to see live.
A lot of international journalists like to ask: “How has kreppa affected the Icelandic music scene.” Do you think the question is valid? Do you have a preferred way of answering it?
It depends on what you mean by that question. If you’re asking, “have any Icelanders started to write songs about the economic collapse,” then I have to admit that I have no idea, or at least I haven’t heard any.
But there are changes happening or about to happen. The music centre downtown (Harpa) continues to be built because the government decided not to fund the expansion of a golf course to the tune of about 500 million so that those funds could be used to finish the building, which I think is a positive step. I’ve heard that a portion of that money had already been used by the golf people, but not for what it was supposed to be used for, so they have to pay it back.
I find that this story illustrates very nicely the spot where we are standing today, because you have a clash between the new way of thinking (hopefully, to build up the culture) and the old way (unfortunately, to build up the golf courses). According to a report that I saw presented the other day, the amount of money generated for the Icelandic economy by the creative industries in Iceland is almost as much as the fisheries and we continue to spend a disproportionate amount of money on sport (Is golf a sport? I don’t know… maybe Bob Cluness knows). This country will only escape the mediocrity of the present when it starts to nurture the types of activity in which it has the most talent. We have not done enough to support our filmmakers, dancers, visual artists, video game developers and musicians operating in Iceland and this is what needs to change. We’re not there yet, but I can see it in our near future when I hear stories like this one about the Harpa.
There are some very intelligent and thoughtful people, like the people at Iceland Music Export or the Federation of Icelandic Artists, working at making this happen. People like Bob Cluness and his mastodon-sized hole.
Anything else?
Bob Cluness.
"Tomorrow" Live on Icelandic TV


kimono's Website
Source:
Iceland World Countries

Back to the 70's: Mannakorn

Mannakorn 
"Gamli skólinn" (The Old School)

Back to the 70's: Icecross

Icecross

Icecross

Magma vs. Björk: Full Interview with Björk vs. Censored Edition

Full & original article about the battle in words & statements between Canadian enterprise Magma vs. singer Björk
Published Macleans article without Björk's accusations. Publisher removed a lot of Björk's words.
Another Interview in Icelandic now online in 3 parts (9. November 2010)
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Hjaltalín @ Havarí on Saturday 20. November @ 16:00

Hjaltalín @ Havarí on Saturday 20. November @ 16:00  
 +

Útgáfutónleikar - Release Concert 

Hjaltalín
 Hjaltalín is giving 2 concerts
@ Tjarnarbíói
Friday & Saturday Night 19-20. November 2010
Released of 

"Alpanon - Hjaltalín" 

Summer Concert with Sinfóníuhljómsveit Íslands released on CD & DVD

Supporting Act: Orphic Oxtra 

Doors @ 20:00
Start @ 21:00
 Admission: 2500 IKR
Buy tickets @ MIDI
 "Sweet Impressions" Funk Harmony Park RMX
 

"Rósa" 1 GB Multimedia USB Drive Released on Hljóðaklettar Label in January 2011

"Rósa" Release

1GB Multimedia USB Drive (Catalog Hljóðaklettar #HKUSB2) will be released January 2011.
This is a 1GB USB drive containing music, videos, and 2D art. There are 16 artists, representing 9 countries. This release is limited to 65 hand numbered units available through mail order in January.
Hljóðaklettar
Featured Artists
AGF
Birta Thrastardóttir
Björk Viggósdóttir
Heidi Mortenson
Ilex
Jóhanna Kristbjörg Sigurðardóttir
Marit Victoria Wulff Andreassen
Melissa Roberts
Mia Mäkilä
Nebulagirl
Ragnheidur Gestsdóttir
Sabrina Joy
Sophia Maj
The Black Madonna
Unnur Andrea Einarsdóttir
Yarlen Ferreira

Dr. Spock & Ragnheiður Gröndal covered "It's oh so quiet"

Ragnheiður (Ragga) Gröndal, together with the band Dr. Spock, covered the cover of Björk "It's oh so Quiet".
This song was used as endtitle music for the horror movie "Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre.

Dr. Spock @ MySpace
Ragnheiður @ MySpace

S.H. Draumur @ NASA @ Airwaves 2010 - Photograph Slideshow

All Photographs Copyright Wim Van Hooste

Record Records Concerts @ Faktorý on 10-11. December 2010

Record Records & Beck's  present 2 Nights @ Faktorý, Smiðjustígur 6, Reykjavík 10-11. December 2010 Doors @ 22:00 Start @ 23:00 Admission: 1000 IKR/night - 1500 IKR for both nights Tickets @ Bókabúð Mál og Menning @ Laugavegur,  Brim @ Kringlan & MIDI: http://midi.is/tonleikar/1/6265  Friday 10. December 2010 Ensími Bloodgroup Of Monsters and Men Sing for me Sandra Saturday 11. December 2010 Agent Fresco Moses Hightower For a Minor Reflection Útidúr  Útidúr plays "Killer on the Run": an exclusive binaural set from BinauralAirwaves.com from Binaural Airwaves

Review of Airwaves 2010 - Photographs by Markus Moises

Change my name

This was the last & final post on my blog I love Icelandic music. 
It is not the first on my blog. But my friend Markus provided me some exclusive footage of my favorite artists.

I was in Reykjavik one WE before Airwaves running around my 101 habitat to obtain some Pré-Airwaves feeling.

Enjoyed some bands that I heard for the first time live:

Two Tickets To Japan, Morning after Youth & Coral @ Rock Bar Dillon on Thursday 7. October

Valdimar @ Sódóma on Friday 8. October

BOB @ Faktory (working on their 2nd album) on Saturday 9. October

My Review of Airwaves '10

Pré-Airwaves - On Tuesday I enjoyed 7 artists @ Faktory. Thank you Rúnar Magnússon! More Hljóðaklettar Please!

On Wednesday 8 gigs @ Faktory. Hell yeah there was more Hljóðaklettar!

On Thursday 5 (venue) + 4 (off-venue) gigs

On Friday 5 (venue) + 4 (off-venue) gigs (2 bands not on stage @ Airwaves)

On Saturday 6 (venue) + 1 (off-venue) + 1 backstage/soundcheck @ NASA (Hellvar)

On Sunday 4 gigs (off-venue) + 1 short movie screening (Where's the snow?!)

Best Foreign Bands (as usual I had my focus on the Icelandic Artists)

2 Danish artists:

Selvhenter with 2 female drummers - nice mix with Rúnar & friends on stage

Spleen United

Best Icelandic Artists (in my humble opinion alphabetically!)

Amiina as a sextet (with drummer & Kippi Kaninus) off-venue @ Havari

Bárujárn with theremin @ Amsterdam

Captain Fufanu @ Tjarnarbio

Coral off-venue @ Backpackers Hostel (Laugavegur)

Ensimi @ NASA

Ghostigital @ Tjarnarbio

Gjöll @ Faktory

HAM @ NASA

Hellvar @ NASA

Mammút off-venue @ Hresso

Pascal Pinon @ Risid

Prinspóló off-venue @ Havari (+ I saw the générale the day before)

Reptilicus @ Faktory

Reykjavik! @ NASA off-venue @ Boston

Saktmodigur @ Café Amsterdam

S.H. Draumur @ NASA

Sólstafir @ Sódóma

Sudden Weather Change go Ghostigital @ Tjarnarbio off-venue @ Boston

Vicky @ Prikid

Best Projection

Ghostigital Saturday @ Tjarnarbio

Hlodaklettar Evenings Tuesday & Wednesday @ Faktory

Best Outfit/Stage Costume

Captain Fufanu Saturday @ Tjarnarbio

Best Dancers on Stage

2 dancing queens on stage with Barujarn @ Amsterdam

Friends on stage with Ghostigital @ Tjarnarbio

Best Pregnant Singer

Singer of Worm is Green, like fellow female singers Björk did with KUKL, Heida i Unun with big belly on stage (baby doing pogo dancing I suppose)

Brightest Icelandic Hope

Nolo @ Venue

Best Anarchistic Singer

Siggi Pönk (aka The Punk Nurse) of Gjöll Tuesday @ Faktory

Best Cover Song

Sudden Weather Change go Ghostigital: with a cover of the song "Goodmorning"

Most Disappointing Gig

Evil Madness @ Faktory: "no evil, no madness, no Johann Johannsson"

Worst food & drinks

Sponsoring by a famous Dutch Beer. Although they are obligated to give people water for free (Icelandic law), some bar personnel asked people to pay for the pure Icelandic, glacial H2O.

It was time to change the name (I don't like ALL Icelandic music/I even love non-Icelandic music) & time to reinvent myself.
You can follow my 2 new blogs entitled "Icelandic Music Maffia" & "Icelandic Music Museum"

(both abbreviated as IMM) .

Icelandic Music Maffia
A blog dedicated to independent music made in Iceland, especially for artists without a British manager (artists are in control!).

Icelandic Music Museum

A blog dedicated to all Icelandic music items, especially Rare Icelandic Records/Recordings (RIR).

I LOVE ICELANDIC MUSIC
R.I.P. 
October 2006 - October 2010

The Icelandic Music Maffia PR Manager

WVH

All Photographs in this review made by Markus Moises. Thx Markus!

Seabear @ Tjarnabíó 19. December 2010

Seabear

@ Tjarnabíó 

Sunday 19. December 2010 @ 20:00

This will be the last gig for a while because the group starts working on a new album to be expected in 2012. 

Their last album "We Built a Fire" was released by the German Label Morr Music.  

Only about 200 tickets available to see the band @ the nice venue near the lake Tjörnin, across the street of the City Hall.

Tour Dates in November:
20. November - The Bahnhof Berlin Festival - Bruges (B)
21. November - Bitterzoet - Amsterdam (NL)
23. November - Lido  - Berlin (D)
24. November - Pod Minoga  - Poznan (PL)
25. November - Firlej - Wroclaw (PL)
26. November - Café Kulturalna - Warszawa (PL)
Seabear's Website

Berglind Ágústsdóttir "I'm on fire": A Vocal Remix

I'm on fire by Berglind Agustsdottir
Berglind Ágústsdóttir @ MySpace

Svavar Knútur released new album "Amma" today

New album "Amma" by Svavar Knútur is available @ Bandcamp for 9 USD.
Album contains covers of Icelandic folk & traditional songs alongside original material. His next album will contain originals.
The whole album was recorded live @ Aðalsteinn's (his publisher) home in the art street Skólavörðustígur of Reykjavik.
His grandmother Svava was there & listened to the good old songs that he had always wanted to sing for her. He dedicated this album to his grandmothers: Svava, Vilborg & Þórhildur. "Amma" means grandmother in Icelandic language ("afi" is grandfather). The sound engineer, Jón Skuggi, sat in the kitchen and listened to every cracking joint, hum and loud breath in the room.
Credits
Svavar Knútur: vocals, guitar & ukulele
Árni Heiðar Karlsson: piano on "Ferðalok"
Jónina Erna Gunnarsdóttir, Harpa Gunnarsdóttir, Anna Helga Guðmundsdóttir, Urður G Norðdahl: Backing Vocals on "Draumalandið"
Little Documentary about Svavar
Credits:
Producer: Lilienfilm
Journalist - Editor: Anna-Lilja Häfele
Camera Operator: Christian Struck, Sebastian Joos
Sound: Brümmer 

Konukvöldið - Ladies Night # 1 @ Sódóma 19. November 2010

Sódóma
presents
Konukvöldið #1
Friday 19. November @ 22:00
Admission: 1000 IKR
Program:
Pascal Pinon
Bárujárn
Hellvar
Skelkur í Bringu
DJ Flugvél og Geimskip

Pascal Pinon @ Gogoyoko
Bárujárn @ Gogoyoko
Hellvar @ Gogoyoko
Skelkur í Bringu @ Gogoyoko

Útidúr "This mess we've made" Release Concert 17. November 2010 @ Iðnó Theatre

Útidúr

"This mess we've made"
útgáfutónleika - release concert
@ Iðnó, near the Tjörnin Pond & City Hall
Wednesday 17. November 2010

The album was recorded @ Sundlaug Studio with help of Birgir Jón Birgisson.
Supporting Act: Helgi Valur & The Shemales who released very recently the album "Electric Ladyboyland".
Pre-sale @ HAVARÍ Shop @ Austurstræti
Admission: 1000 IKR in advance/ @ the door: 1500 IKR
Doors @ 20:00
Start @ 20:30
Útidúr @ MySpace

XIII "Transmission" Live Video (September 2010)

XIII was founded in 1993 by Hallur Ingólfsson.
XIII released their debut album “SALT” in 1994. The music is dark & heavy but found immediate a place in the international rock scene.
In 1995 XIII released its second album called “Serpentyne”. The music was slightly more refined but still quite dark & demanding.
Serpentyne was released in Europe in 1996. The band enjoyed good press coverage & good reviews.
In 1997 the band went on a 15 days tour across Germany to support the album. The tour was successful and the German rock critics were extremely impressed, calling the band "the best kept secret in Rock"!
Following this tour the band went on hiatus and was not active until 2002 when it released it’s third album called “Magnifico Nova”.
In 2009 the band resumed work and has since been very active on the rock scene in Iceland.
On the 13. September 2010 XIII’s latest album, "Black Box", was launched. It is a double album including a collection of XIII’s best songs of the first three albums together with 6 brand new songs as well as a remake of the XIII classic Wishbone from Magnifico Nova.
XIII played the song "Transmission" @ a gig @ Sódóma Reykjavik venue on 17. September 2010 to celebrate the release of their album "Black Box".
Buy the album@ Gogoyoko
Video produced by Arni Gestur Sigfusson Kontrol

XIII @ MySpace

Back to the 80's: S.H. Draumur "Öxnadalsheiði" Video

S.H. Draumur
"Öxnadalsheiði" Video, E-13 (Erdanúmúsik number 13, on Dr. Gunni's Label)

Music Alliance Pact (MAP) # 26 (November 2010)

It's time for the 26th I love Icelandic music/Icelandic Music Maffia contribution to an international initiative, the Music Alliance Pact, aka MAP. I take part in this Blog Alliance since the start in October 2008. On a monthly basis music bloggers from around the globe select a track from their country which is then posted collectively and simultaneously on those blogs - giving each nation's track international exposure.
A trip around the world in 34 songs with a take off in Iceland:
This month I contributed the song "Rocketship "by the band Sykur for Iceland.
First we had Sykurmolarnir, worldwide known as The Sugarcubes. Now an Icelandic electronic trio of youngsters from Reykjavik goes under the alias "Sykur" (Sugar). Their shows are fun-filled, sexy and energetic. They collaborate for the vocals with local rappers, pop and rock singers. This MAP song is from their debut album "Frábært eða frábært" and was released 1 year ago on the Icelandic Record Records label.
Guest vocals on the song “Rocketship” are by Rakel Mjöll, singer of the band Útidúr.

To download all 34 songs in one file click here.

ARGENTINA: Zonaindie
Alvy, Nacho & Rubin - El Gal·n De La Paternal (The Magnetic Fields cover)
Alvy, Nacho y Rubin Interpretan a Los Campos MagnÈticos is the result of a singular process of research, translation and reimagining of Stephin Merritt's songs. The project was crafted by three talented musicians from Buenos Aires and Mr Merritt himself revised and approved the adaptation of his songs. El Gal·n De La Paternal (The Luckiest Guy On The Lower East Side) is the first single and you can download it here as a MAP exclusive. The whole album is available on iTunes.


AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?
Ghoul - 3Mark
I'm excited that over the next six months we'll be getting both a mini-album (in January) and a full-length release from Sydney experimental/glitch/pop crew Ghoul. It's been a long wait, but Ghoul have grown a lot since self-releasing their debut mini-LP A Mouthful Of Gold in 2008. Both the production and the songwriting have taken epic leaps toward a more nuanced, crisp sound that relies less on jazz streaks and tangential arrangements to maintain attention and more on melody and detail. 3Mark is a sign of great things to come.


BRAZIL: Meio Desligado
Labirinto - Anatema
Epic, dark post-rock is at the core of Sao Paulo-based band Labirinto, whose first full-length album is already one of the best Brazilian releases of 2010 and is also remarkable due to its gorgeous artwork. Anatema is the main song on the album, which is available from their Bandcamp.


CANADA: I(Heart)Music
Radio Radio - Dekshoo
On the surface, Radio Radio may seem like a joke: a couple of hipsters from New Brunswick rapping in extremely slangy French about stuff like Kenny G, luggage and, on this song, penny loafers. Dig just a little deeper, though, and you'll find the band members are actually expert satirists, skewering just about every target they can find (except for Kenny G; their love for him seems serious). With brilliant lyrics and fun music, it's no wonder the band was included in this year's Polaris Music Prize shortlist.


CHILE: Super 45
La Reina Morsa - Fiesta PequeÒa
Originally from southern Chile, La Reina Morsa's members took up permanent residency in Santiago with their own music projects. But their common tastes brought them together to release their debut album DÛnde Est·n Las JugueterÌas? ("Where Are The Toy Stores?"), the brand new sensation for the current season. Fiesta PequeÒa ("Tiny Party") is the first single, a great presentation card for this band which creates a pop sound that features acoustic guitar, bizarre animal visions and a sweet, child-like naivety. We strongly recommend you download the full album for free, directly from the Sello Cazador website.


CHINA: Wooozy
JJay - Nostalgic Melody
JJay's ear-melting vocals coasting smoothly over dreamy soundscapes peppered with catchy, thudding beats and soaring synths have earned him a serious fanbase. JJay first moved from Beijing to Shanghai to study while also forming several post-punk bands. After earning a master's degree in science in the US, he returned to Shanghai and met B6 with whom he shared a passion for Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk and Royksopp. Once the voice of IGO with B6, possibly the first synthpop band in China, JJay is now pursuing solo work after the band split in 2009.


COLOMBIA: Colombia Urbana
El Tigre - Quien Como Yo
Sebastian aka El Tigre is a rapper from Medellin. His new crew, Los Extraditables, are actually giving the world a new theory: Drugs aren't the only thing that can be exported from Colombia - good music can be too. Quien Como Yo is a classic dancehall track with a nightclub vibe.


DENMARK: All Scandinavian
The Kites - Summer Missus
Exactly one year ago I featured quartet The Kites and their very infectious pop-rock in the Music Alliance Pact. A month later they released the great four-track EP, The Kites Are On, and recently they followed up with this bittersweet gem, co-produced by neo-disco prodigy Vinnie Who aka Niels Bagge. Both the EP and Summer Missus are available for free at their website - so go download it.


ENGLAND: The Guardian Music Blog
Trophy Wife - Microlite (acoustic)
Exclusive acoustic version of the Oxford indie-dance trio's debut single, out on Moshi Moshi Records now. "Four minutes of limpid loveliness that suggests ñ with its gently insistent electronic pulse, swathes of shimmering synths and aching perkiness ñ Vampire Weekend playing New Order", says the Guardian's new band of the day writer Paul Lester. "It's our old friend, sad disco, something to dance to even as you ponder the vapidity and meaninglessness of frivolous self-expression."


FINLAND: Glue
70vierailijaa - T‰rkeint‰ On (Puutarhanhoito)
With a gentle touch of female voices blending together and an elegant progressive instrumentation, 70vierailijaa create charming dreamy pop to melt the cold winter nights. Their recently released self-titled debut album is full of traditional Finnish themes and melodies, but with the refreshing twist of soft indie music, in an addictive mix of old and new and of local and global sounds.


GERMANY: Blogpartei
A Forest - A Stereotype
A Forest definitely run the unfair risk of being overlooked. Their musical mixture of souly electronica does not want to paint the town red. Instead, they create cautious, almost fragile songs on their debut album, Leaves Leaves Fall Fall Rain Fall, that get under your skin. The featured single, A Stereotype, is a perfect example for this sound which is founded on jazzy rhythms and soulful voices, especially from Fabian Schuetze. A Forest will release a new, as-yet untitled EP in March.


GREECE: Mouxlaloulouda
Film (featuring Hildur KristÌn) - Harmur Fuglsins
Harmur Fuglsins, an atmospheric song with cinematic aesthetics that effortlessly creates images of tender, hearth-side warmth, is the bewitching outcome of a collaboration infused by the strikingly contrasting geographical and artistic backgrounds of Film and RˆkkurrÛ's Hildur KristÌn Stef·nsdÛttir. Curling around an eloquently subtle arrangement armed with guitars, delicate noises, pounding drums, sombre sonic textures, melodic synth lines and electronic facets and combined with the marvelous, ethereal vocal touches of Hildur brings out its tremendous beauty with every listen.


ICELAND: Icelandic Music Maffia
Sykur - Rocketship
First we had Sykurmolarnir, known worldwide as The Sugarcubes. Now an Icelandic electronic trio of youngsters from Reykjavik goes under the alias Sykur ("Sugar"). Their shows are fun-filled, sexy and energetic and they collaborate with local rappers and pop and rock singers. Rocketship, which has guest vocals from ⁄tid˙r singer Rakel Mjˆll, is taken from Sykur's debut album Fr·bÊrt Ea Fr·bÊrt, which was released a year ago on the Icelandic Record Records label.


INDIA: Indiecision
Sulk Station - Contentment
Bangalore downtempo act Sulk Station define themselves as "mellowdramatic pop", a term that captures the essence of their ambient soundscapes particularly well. The young duo's minimal yet stark productions are powered by vocalist Tanvi Rao's lazy delivery. Contentment grows from a Zero 7-esque drone to a swirling dance track which wouldn't be out of place at an EDM club downtown.


INDONESIA: Deathrockstar
Bangkutaman - Ode Buat Kota
Ode Buat Kota, which means "an ode to the city", is taken from Bangkutaman's latest concept album about hard life in Jakarta - the pollution, traffic, crime, house loans, etc. Their music is influenced by The Stone Roses, The Byrds and The Mamas & The Papas. They are one of the most well-respected bands in Indonesia.


IRELAND: Nialler9
Kasette - You Were More
Kasette consist of a trio of school friends who formed a music partnership while on a J-1 visa in Vancouver. They have just released their debut EP entitled A Mixed Tape which showcases the girls' brand of chamber folk-pop. Simple and soft, Kasette's music is in its infancy but it's already lilting and lovely.


ISRAEL: Metal Israel
Desert (featuring Joakim Broden) - Lament For Soldier's Glory: Order 227
Israel is comprised of many Russian-born people, some Jewish, some not. Lament For Soldier's Glory: Order 227 by Desert taps into Russian history, describing Stalin's cruel command that any soldier captured by the enemy was considered a traitor. Its haunting melodies and driving rhythms sonically depict pain and determination. And as all of Desert served (or are still serving) in the Israeli army, they know what it means to fight for survival. Vocalist Joakim Broden of Sweden's Sabaton (Nuclear Blast Records) lends his talents to the tale of war and blood.


ITALY: Polaroid
Sybiann - Monsoon Breath
You don't really want to know where this is going to end up. Kraut, post-rock, noise, Liars, Deerhunter... it's a scary, puzzling orgy of sounds. The amazing debut album of this young band from the town of Ravenna will fire up the imagination of anyone who has the guts to listen to it.


MEXICO: Red Bull PanameriKa
Movus - Al Filo Del Origen
Movus is a five-piece band from Guadalajara. Theirs is a very cinematic post-rock sound, filled with peaks and valleys of instrumental narratives. For their second album Maxa FireKeeper (produced by Jimmy LaValle from San Diego's The Album Leaf), they were inspired by the Huichol Indians' myths: Maxa is a deer that guards the mystical fire of the universe. Al Filo Del Origen (translated as "at the rim of the origin") is as epic as Explosions In The Sky and as evocative as a new soundtrack to the Dr Who sci-fi series.


NETHERLANDS: Unfold Amsterdam
Daily Bread - About Birds And Bees
This raw trio from the north of the Netherlands label themselves as "sexy garage dance". They're certainly sexy, glamming it up at times, banging out taut, fast, noisy grooves reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand or !!! - albeit with a female vocal on top. Particularly live, they're all about big beats, sweat and dancing. However, About Birds And Bees tunes into a summery Sixties garage-pop vibe instead. And they've delightfully avoided any tweeness precedent by writing a deliciously poppy, organ-driven ode to the one-night stand.


NEW ZEALAND: Counting The Beat
Disasteradio - No Pulse
Disasteradio is Luke Rowell's one-man synthpop outfit. No Pulse comes from his second album Charisma. With this album, Disasteradio has shifted the balance a little more on to songs rather than sounds compared to past releases. The end result is an album with vocodered vocals and a crunchy new wave feel - part Devo, part Gary Numan and part computer game. Charisma is available on Bandcamp and you can watch the video for No Pulse on YouTube.


NORWAY: Eardrums
Young Dreams - Young Dreams
Young Dreams is a Bergen-based collective who make beautiful pop with equal doses of tropical flavours and Phil Spector/Brian Wilson influences. The project started in 2009 and now has as many as 10 members, including profiled musicians such as Matias Tellez and Chris Holm. Young Dreams will release two 7" singles in early 2011 and their debut album is in the making. They will also perform at the upcoming by:Larm festival.


PERU: SoTB
The Satellite - El Sol
The Satellite began their activities as a band in 2006 with a slight tendency towards post-rock, fusion and experimentation, using any sound that was available. In 2008, with a consolidated style, they released their second EP, 124, which contains El Sol. The band is currently composing more musical pieces and looking forward to making a debut album which they hope will come out very soon.


PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?
Emmy Curl - Seafire And Its Waltz
Emmy Curl lives in a northeast Portuguese town and has studied classic guitar in a music conservatory. However, her songwriting and singing is closer to a mix of ethereal and alternative folk than to anything classical. Imagine a blend of Lisa Germano and Suzanne Vega. She is one of a number of promising unsigned Portuguese artists and is due to have her first European tour.


ROMANIA: Babylon Noise
Thy Veils - The KnifeChild
Daniel Dorobantu comes from Timisoara and is the mastermind behind this beautiful experimental/ambient project. A bit dark and somehow persistent, Thy Veils' music is that soundtrack you always wanted for your weird dreams. And if you have trouble dreaming, visit the official site, where a slideshow of the band's videos (The KnifeChild included) will help with the visuals.


SCOTLAND: The Pop Cop
Bwani Junction - Two Bridges
You should know fairly instantly whether Edinburgh's Bwani Junction are the band you've been waiting for when I tell you that they sound like a cross between The Libertines and Vampire Weekend. They are unsigned but, given the buzz that surrounds them, probably won't be for much longer. Two Bridges is already a singalong anthem among their rapidly increasing fanbase.


SINGAPORE: I'm Waking Up To...
Nicholas Chim - Midnight
Nicholas Chim is a singer-songwriter who walks the thin line between being absolutely self-indulgent and giving every iota of emotion that he conveys through his music. What results is some of the most earnest songs that shine in their simplicity; yet, the complexity of his arrangements and lyrics come forth distilled and pure. Nicholas is in the middle of recording his second album, Forgiefan, but has kindly shared a contemplative, folksy offering from it entitled Midnight. He hopes you enjoy the music as much as he did writing it.


SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!
Merseystate - Jersey Girl
With a rock sound that has been compared to other stellar acts but is still uniquely their own comes Merseystate. They are the culmination of alternative rock at its best. Jersey Girl officially launched them on to the music scene last year. It's a deftly-crafted song that tugs at you then whirls into melodic pop euphoria.


SOUTH KOREA: Indieful ROK
Autumn Vacation - Dreamy Even In Deception (Fooled but dreamy)
Autumn Vacation showcases the songwriting skills of Bobby Chung - the mastermind behind former MAP artist Julia Hart - and the warm, addictive voice of Gyepy, who could previously be heard as the female vocalist of Broccoli, You Too? The duo recently put out a self-titled album full of what they hope to be perceived as thought-provoking easy listening, providing the same sense of peacefulness as strolling in a park. As lovely as anything else from the band, Dreamy Even In Deception is a light and sweet pop tune that is bound to make you crave more.


SPAIN: Musikorner
6pm - Letters Play
Formed in mystical Santiago de Compostela in 2003, 6pm are an electronic/indie duo that has found inspiration in ambient/shoegaze bands such as Sigur RÛs, M˙m, Styrofoam or even The Postal Service. Letters Play, taken from their rather uknown last EP called Tape Worms, is certainly a breath of air in the Spanish ocean of indie music, where we rarely find inspiring ambient electronic tracks. 6pm are working on their sophomore album, set to be released sometime next year.


SWEDEN: Swedesplease
Johan Hillblom - Sneak Preview
Sneak Preview by Johan Hillblom may be underproduced but that doesn't mean it's amateurish. The trumpet solos are great, the odd beats cool, and Johan's crooning vocals clear and crisp. The lyrics are personal and clever without being pretentious. Examples include "you should see the gallery in my cellphone, you look like an angel from every angle" and "once when I was drunk I accidentally poked you on Facebook, and what's worse you didn't poke back". If you are looking for the next Jens Lekman or Montt MardiÈ (or the next cast member of Glee for that matter), look no further.


SWITZERLAND: 78s
The Circle Brothers - Hands At The Steel
You say Nick Cave, I say Alban Ringli. Never heard of him? Alban Ringli is the singer of Swiss indie-folk outfit The Circle Brothers and he gives his two bandmates (who also happen to be his brothers) a special touch in a Nick Cave manner. They have just released their new record Love & Disorder. It sounds gloomy and anxious but still has a gleam of hope.


UNITED STATES: I Guess I'm Floating
TV Girl - On Land
San Diegan dudes TV Girl know how to make one hell of a pop song. On Land is quickly becoming one of our favorites of the year, matching the earnestness of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's debut with the hooks of MGMT's most memorable songs. Their debut EP is a free download on Bandcamp. Keep your eyes peeled for TV Girl in 2011, they're gonna dominate it.


VENEZUELA: Barquisimento
Mochuelo - La Reina Del Lugar
Venezuelan rock band Mochuelo are known for their electronic sounds and all of the members pour their influences into one unique concept. Their guitar distorsions, contagious rhythms and sweet female vocals saw this band walk away with first prize in the 2005 New Bands Festival. La Reina Del Lugar is from their second album, Un Tanto Mas.