Located in the Nordic island country’s capital of Reykjavík, Iceland Airwaves is a hot bed for local and international talent who gather once a year for the ultimate music festival experience. While they import a lot of international buzz bands for their annual celebration, there are more than 100 Icelandic acts who are also part of the diverse musical programming.

Here are some stand-out Icelandic acts who are currently on our radar for 2019.

Matthildur

Matthildur is a stand out singer-songwriter and producer based in Reykjavík. Her music is inspired by late 90s R&B with elements of modern day soul. Emotive and bold as hell, she is known for wearing her heart on her sleeve and has been on an upward trajectory since her breakout performance at Iceland Airwaves in 2018.

Una Schram

An indie r&b star on the rise, Una Schram’s latest single, “Home,” plays out like a wholesome diary entry full of young love, lust and all kinds of feels. Influenced by the country’s dark winters and majestic and mysterious landscape, Una vibes in the same sonic circles as Jorja Smith and Charlotte Day Wilson — expect big things because she is just getting started. 

Blóðmör 

Blóðmör are reinterpreting the punk and metal genres through a new lens and the sounds these growling teens are making will have you headbanging along and howling at the moon — assuming the sun ever sets and the moon comes out.  

Ásta 

Soft and delicate harmonies paired with her soaring voice, this classically trained Viola player has transitioned her orchestral skills to the guitar for more of a neo-folk singer-songwriter vibe. Iceland has a rich history of folklore and you can hear the elvish influences that Ásta is channeling through her hauntingly beautiful songs. 

Iceland Airwaves runs Wednesday Nov. 6 to Saturday Nov. 9 in Reykjavík. For more info check out our travel feature here.