Iceland Erupts at Airwaves – full list of focus country’s artists for Eurosonic Noorderslag unveiled

A new wave of 18 Icelandic artists ranging from electronica to pop to Viking metal will be at the heart of the Iceland Erupts campaign for Eurosonic Noorderslag.

Iceland will be focus country at the 29th edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag – the European music platform which takes place in Groningen between January 14th-17th 2015 and is Europe’s most important live music showcase and conference – attracting more than 3,200 delegates and industry experts who gather to discover and book new artists for future festivals and tours.

The latest details of Iceland Erupts were unveiled this morning during a press conference at Iceland Airwaves – the country’s internationally renowned festival which now attracts upwards of 5,000 overseas fans to downtown Reykjavik, being described by Rolling Stone as “the hippest long weekend on the annual music-festival calendar”.

Listen to the new wave of Icelandic music.

Joining previously announced acts Low Roar, Kaleo, Kiasmos, Júníus Meyvant, Rökkurró, Samaris, Sóley and Vök. Sigtryggur Baldursson, MD of Iceland Music Export, confirmed that Árstíðir, dj. flugvél og geimskip, Fufanu, M-Band, Óbó, Skálmöld, Sólstafir, Tonik Ensemble, Ylja and Young Karin will also be showcasing at Eurosonic Noorderslag.

Details and bios of all 18 acts can be found below. The artists are also featured on an official Iceland Erupts mixtape available to stream now on SoundCloud.

Baldursson said at the announcement:

“Eurosonic Noorderslag provides a unique opportunity for Iceland to tell the remarkable story of our recent musical past and, in the shape of these 18 artists, to present an idea of where we’re heading in the future. These are exciting times and the diversity of this new wave of Icelandic acts will, I hope, resonate with those travelling to Groningen. We feel confident that our music community is ready to open a new chapter and reach new international audiences.”  

Overseas performances by Icelandic artists more than doubled between 2012 and 2013, and Iceland’s status as Eurosonic Noorderslag’s focus country will reflect its international ambitions with a programme of activities including:

• a pop-up market and store, presenting Icelandic innovation, and showcasing the country’s best music, food and technology alongside screenings of films and documentaries
• broadcasts from national radio station RUV/RAS2
• a reception at Stadsschouwburg in Groningen
• a series of thought-provoking panels and presentations including focusses on Iceland’s recent musical history, and the economic impact of Iceland Airwaves and ‘cultural tourism’

Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir, Minister of Industry & Commerce said:

“We’re incredibly proud that we have been invited to be the focus country at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2015, and I believe this recognises how important music is to the global perception of Iceland. We look forward to showcasing these 18 hugely talented acts, and also showing how our music community is steadily expanding with managers, labels, festivals and other professionals taking the next generation forward.”

Peter Smidt, creative director Eurosonic Noorderslag added:

“For many years Eurosonic Noorderslag festival and conference presents the best and most promising new acts from all over Europe. With this strong breed of new acts from Iceland I am sure all our delegates, audience and press will be thrilled and will discover the next wave of treasures from this remarkable and richly talented island.”

Iceland Music Export’s Iceland Erupts at Eurosonic Noorderslag is supported by Icelandair, Reykjavik City, Promote Iceland, STEF and the Ministry of Education, Science & Culture, the Ministry of Industries & Innovation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.