Free and Vibrant Music: Recommended Icelandic Artists — Popular Singers and Bands
Iceland, an island nation of magnificent, unspoiled nature.
Here, we’ll introduce some wonderful artists that Iceland has produced!
Though the population is only around 300,000, the overall music scene has been rising year by year, led by artists like Björk and Sigur Rós.
Iceland also feels familiar to Japan in certain ways—from being an island nation, to the interesting contrasts between what’s popular domestically and internationally, and the deep connections among artists.
Above all, the free and unique styles born from generous, rich music education are a must-hear!
Enjoy discovering their distinctive charm!
[Free and Rich Music] Recommended Artists from Iceland: Popular Singers and Bands (1–10)
Little TalksOf Monsters and Men
Of Monsters and Men is a folk band that creates pleasing harmonies with male and female twin vocals.
They formed in Reykjavík, Iceland, in 2010.
Despite having just formed, they won the annual Icelandic band battle competition “Músíktilraunir” that same year.
This jump-started their career, and in 2011 they released their debut album, My Head Is an Animal.
The lead track, Little Talks, became a worldwide hit, and the album achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the top 20 on the music charts in numerous major countries.
Today, they are recognized as one of the world’s most popular indie folk bands.
King And CrossÁsgeir
For anyone who’s just getting into Icelandic music, I especially recommend the singer-songwriter Ásgeir.
He’s from Laugarbakki, and his slightly wistful yet gentle voice is captivating.
The reason Ásgeir is great for newcomers is that many of his songs retain strong elements of the pop music we usually hear, while still reflecting the character of Iceland’s music scene.
Icelandic music has a unique appeal that’s quite different from chart-topping hits, so at first you might not be used to it and even find it a bit dull.
However, Ásgeir’s music blends catchiness and accessibility with the beauty of Icelandic music and a refined, organic sound, resulting in an artful, cohesive elegance.
Why not take this opportunity to fall in love with Icelandic music?
WaitingVök
Vök is a band you should definitely check out, especially if you like dream pop.
Vök was formed in Reykjavík in 2013.
The group began with vocalist Margrét Magnúsdóttir and saxophonist Andri Enoksson at its core.
In March of the same year, they performed at the band contest Músíktilraunir and won.
Since then, they’ve welcomed new members and become more active.
If you’re into airy, floating soundscapes, they’re sure to win you over!
Green Grass of TunnelMúm
Múm is an electronica band from Iceland.
They sample everyday sounds and use mechanical tones, creating a uniquely mixed sound of the inorganic and the organic.
They’ve been active since 1997 and are said to have connections with fellow Icelanders Björk and Sigur Rós.
Highly recommended for fans of math rock and post-rock! I especially want people who like albums such as Radiohead’s Kid A to listen to their debut album, Yesterday Was Dramatic – Today Is OK.
HoppípollaSigur Rós
The Icelandic band Sigur Rós, whose first Japan tour in about five years in 2022 has become a hot topic.
Sigur Rós is a three-piece band formed in Reykjavík in 1994.
The lyrics of their songs are sung in a unique language they created called Vonlenska, or Hopelandic.
Through the sound of the words, they express the emotions of the music, conveying feelings and sentiments to listeners beyond literal meaning.
The band’s performances are also incredibly beautiful, and many of their songs are moving enough to bring you to tears just by listening.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy genres like shoegaze and dream pop!
samanOlafur Arnalds
Have you heard of the genre called post-classical? Basically, it refers to something like ambient music that adds new elements—such as electronic music—to classical music.
The artist introduced here, Ólafur Arnalds, is a pianist and composer active in the post-classical scene.
When you listen to his work, many pieces are quiet piano tracks that really sink into the heart, but in fact, Ólafur used to play drums in hardcore and metal bands.
It’s a background you wouldn’t imagine from his current music, isn’t it?
BlessKiraKira
Kira Kira is a pivotal figure in the Icelandic music scene.
She works not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a label owner, producer, and composer—so essential that one could say the current Icelandic music scene wouldn’t exist as it does without her.
Alongside her singer-songwriter activities, she founded a label called Kitchen Motors.
The label is known for discovering artists who are now globally renowned, such as Sigur Rós and múm.
Take a listen to her music, which plays such an important role in this scene.