Music of a wonderful world

Free and Vibrant Music: Recommended Icelandic Artists — Popular Singers and Bands

Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!

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 Abundant Music] Recommended Icelandic Artists: Popular Singers and Bands (31–40)

KonamiApparat Organ Quartet

Apparat Organ Quartet – Konami (Live on KEXP)

KonamiApparat Organ Quartet

Apparat Organ Quartet is a band formed in 1999 for a concert organized by the Kitchen Motors label, led by Jóhann Jóhannsson.

Consisting of four organists and one drummer, they play Icelandic electronica-pop-rock and operate under the concept of a mechanical organ quartet.

They released their debut album, Apparat Organ Quartet, in 2002, and their second album, Pólýfónía, in 2010.

“Konami” is a track from the second album.

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Reykjavíkurnætur promotional video (1987) featuring BjörkMegas

Megas (featuring Björk) – Reykjavíkurnætur promotional video (1987)

Reykjavíkurnætur promotional video (1987) featuring BjörkMegas

Megas (born 1945) is a rock singer and songwriter from Reykjavík, Iceland.

He is considered one of Iceland’s leading artists and is highly praised for his literary brilliance, to the point that his work is said to be difficult to fully appreciate without understanding Icelandic.

His singing style and phrasing are distinctive, earning him comparisons to the “Bob Dylan of Iceland.” Björk once performed as a backing vocalist for Megas, and there are about three albums on which she provides backing vocals.

“Reykjavíkurnætur” is included on the album Loftmynd.

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BirthdayThe Sugarcubes

The Sugarcubes – Birthday (English)

BirthdayThe Sugarcubes

The Sugarcubes are a guitar pop band formed in 1986 by members of Iceland’s indie scene, including Björk, and they debuted on the Bad Taste label.

They released Life’s Too Good in 1988, marking their debut in the UK and the US.

In 1989, they put out their second album, Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week!, on an indie label and embarked on a world tour.

In 1992, they released their third album, Stick Around for Joy, as well as the remix album It’s It, but they disbanded at the end of that year.

Birthday is a track from Life’s Too Good.

The music video features Björk’s vocals alongside glimpses of Iceland’s cityscapes, volcanoes, nature, and people, resulting in a strange and unique visual experience.

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In conclusion

We’ve been introducing artists from Iceland! Their richly expansive sounds draw you into a uniquely distinctive world.

When you want to enjoy music in a flat, natural way, the gentle music of Iceland seems to stay close by your side.

Be sure to relax and enjoy it at your leisure.