It’s that time of year in Iceland again: the weather is getting colder, the unforgiving wind is picking up, and the nights are slowly getting longer at the daylight’s expense. This brings up a true highlight of the cultural calendar: Iceland Airwaves!
Since its first edition in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has served as a joyful celebration of the local music scene, a place for international fans to discover their favourite new Icelandic bands, and just a fun and raucous party that takes over downtown Reykjavík.
Iceland’s Main Music Festival
Iceland Airwaves has been around for 25 years, longer than any other music festival in the country. It started as a one-off event in an airplane hangar, initiated by Icelandair in an attempt to vitalize a low season for travel in Iceland, the festival quickly too off in the years to follow to become a phenomenon in its own right. The festival had early appearances from James Blake, Sufjan Stevens, Florence and the Machine and Hot Chip. Local big hitters have included GusGus, múm, Of Monsters and Men, Ásgeir, Kaleo, Mugison and Vök. Established acts have also appeared at the festival, such as Björk, The Flaming Lips, The Knife, Kraftwerk, Sigur Rós, John Grant, Mumford & Sons, and Fleet Foxes.
Iceland Airwaves provides an opportunity to connect with musicians, agents, journalists, promoters and managers from around the world, building relationships while celebrating some of the world’s up and coming music talents and game-changers. The event is now produced by the concert company Sena, with support from founding sponsor, Icelandair, and in cooperation with the City of Reykjavík.
Since 2020, the team behind Iceland Airwaves has expanded its scope by organizing standalone concerts, including Björk Orkestral, in Harpa and online, and a livestream festival called Live from Reykjavík. These new projects further support the Icelandic music industry and provide audiences with the change to enjoy and discover Icelandic music. This year, Emilíana Torrini is playing two concerts in Harpa on Nov 9 and 10, as a partner event for IA24.
Other music festivals in Iceland through the years have been short-lived for the most part, including Sónar, Secret Solstice and Aldrei fór ég suður. The last one started in 2004 and is still running annually around Easter, and has to count as the second most famous music festival in Iceland, focusing on local artists and taking place in Ísafjörður in the Westfjords.
When: November 7-9, 2024
Where: The heart of downtown Reykjavík, a.k.a. postcode 101.
Who: A wide range of musical acts from Iceland and abroad, in addition to the music lovers and industry people flocking to see them.
What: A multi-genre music festival (including conference events).
Why: A great way to find your new favourite Icelandic act, make the most of the autumn in Iceland, and experience the best downtown Reykjavík has to offer in a whirlwind three days.
Dress accordingly
The festival is held in Iceland in early November, so no doubt it can be cold. Seeing as the concerts are inside and the venues are usually packed, no doubt you’ll also be hot and sweaty. The key is to wear layers.
Don’t plan too much
The great thing about a festival like Iceland Airwaves is discovering something new and unexpected. That band you’ve never heard of that is playing next could be the next big thing. Let yourself drift from concert to concert and stay open-minded for new acts! Of Monsters and Men were discovered at Airwaves.
Do something during the day
Nobody’s saying you must wake up early and go worm hunting with the early birds, but when you do manage to roll out of bed, check out a museum, the Sky Lagoon, Hvammsvík Hot Springs or the Golden Circle.
Look at the schedule
Most of the bands performing at the festival are up-and-coming artists as opposed to established acts. We recommend familiarising yourself with the music beforehand to know which artists you want to see.
Don’t miss the off-venues
Don’t have a ticket? Off-venue concerts are open to everyone. Are two of your favourite acts playing at the same time? Check out if either one of them is playing an off-venue gig as well and go see them both.
Our Picks for Airwaves 2024
Picking a few highlights from the local artists was an easier task than picking a few among the international ones, the festival is covering quite a broad range of music, so most music fans should find something to their taste. Below are our picks for this year, but you can find the full lineup here.
Icelandic Artists:
- Elín Hall – Her bright and elvish voice will start making you dream about long-forgotten memories. Her latest release “Föst milli glerja” was a cooperation with troubadour Bubbi Morthens, fitting perfectly to the coming gloomy and mystic November days. Elín Hall will carry you right into the melancholic feeling of being transported in the midst of nowhere, just surrounded by nature, eerieness and calm.
- FLOTT – The groovy quintet emerged in late 2020 and have since garnered notable recognition, such as “Pop Song of the Year”, “Newcomer of the Year” and “Lyrics of the Year” at the Icelandic Music Awards. Their catalogue comprises dance-friendly songs with witty lyrics that often tell a story.
- Hildur – Known for her catchy melodies, honest lyrics and clever production, Hildur has been going back to her indie roots with her latest album this year, mixing up with electronic influences and her signature pop melodies. She strikes a note reminiscent of Kate Bush and Christine and the Queens.
- GDRN – Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð has been working publicly in music since 2017, performing under the artist name GDRN. She has won numerous awards in Iceland and been nominated every year since the beginning of her career. Educated in classical violin, she moved on to jazz singing and graduated in 2021. She also plays the piano, guitar and the bass.
- Inspector Spacetime – A constant presence on the Icelandic music scene since 2020 by blending dance music, pop and electronica, they have a recipe sure to get you moving. One of their main attractions is their live performances, turning up people’s mood with a vibrant on-stage energy.
- Pétur Ben – Award winning composer and singer-songwriter, Pétur Ben won the Icelandic Music Awards for the Best Rock album with his album, Wine for My Weakness. His music ranges from delicate minimal folk songs to black metal. Working as producer, arranger and guitar player, his list of collaborators include Shahzad Ismaily, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, Mugison, Efterklang, Oyama, Slowblow, Valdimar, Sóley, Amiina, Lay Low and Emiliana Torrini.
- Úlfur Úlfur – Among the most influential acts in Iceland for a decade already, Úlfur Úlfur (Wolf Wolf) has gone beyond the boundaries of traditional rap music and mixing different ideologies together to create something unique, distinctive and cool.
- Mínus – After signing with Victory Records, the band recorded the album Jesus Christ Bobby, which garnered rave reviews from various UK, American and European press, including Kerrang!, NME, Metal Hammer and many more.
International Artists:
- Bar Italia – British indie rock band Bar Italia (stylized bar italia) was formed in London in 2019. They became the most hyped band in the UK during the pandemic lockdown. It is difficult to pin their music to a single genre and they were not revealing much about their background before a year ago in an interview in The Guardian. Goth, shoegaze, grunge, country, punk, indie, folk-rock and even Britpop influences can be traced in their music.
- Air Jazz – A hip-hop recording artist from Alaska, both African American and Alaska Native (Tlingit). He aims to sonically manifest his heritage and put it on the map. Known for his distinctive rap style, he integrates Indigenous language and culture in his work, a fusion he labels Afro-Indigenous hip-hop.
- Charlotte Day Wilson – Toronto born and raised singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has developed a masterful ability to unpack modern lamentations with a sense of timelessness, captivating listeners across generations.
- Benefits – Now an inspiring and formidable live outfit, having toured Europe and played festivals such as Glastonbury and Roadburn, they aim to keep the momentum going as they work on the follow up to their highly acclaimed debut album “Nails” released by Invada Records in 2023.
- Casey Smith Project – Indie rock trio Casey Smith Project from Fairbanks, Alaska was formed in 2016. Their sound consists of tape delay and modulated synthesisers to inform melodic compositions that are both dreamy and danceable.
- Anish Kumar – Combining house in the vein of Daft Punk, anthemic breakbeats and moody hip-hop, Anish Kumar made a name for himself on dancefloors across the UK. His latest album from last year was described in The Guardian as “a remarkably self-assured effort for a 23-year-old, it holds the promise of genre-bending tracks that will dominate clubs for years to come.”
How to rejuvenate during the day after Airwaves
Staying up late and raving to your favourite Airwaves artists can be exhausting. Luckily, you have the whole day to relax and rejuvenate before venturing out again in the evening. We have compiled a list of some of the best and most relaxing things to do around Reykjavík to make sure you don’t need another vacation after Airwaves!
Chill out in the pool
There is nothing better than soaking in the hot tub after a long night out. If you’re on a budget, a local pool like Vesturbæjarlaug or Laugardalslaug is a good fit. If you’re brave, a plunge in the cold tub will take away any hangover and back pains within seconds! Another great and more luxurious option is the Sky Lagoon.
- See also: Swimming in Iceland
Laugardalslaug in Reykjavík
Head on a little refreshing hike
You don’t even need to head out of Reykjavík too far before immersing yourself in the most beautiful Icelandic landscapes. As winter storms are not uncommon in November, we highly recommend checking out the weather forecast before your adventure begins. A popular hike is the path in Reykjadalur, right on the mountain ridge in Hveragerði. After a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík, you hike for about two hours before you reach the hot river. Don’t forget your bathing suit and soak with the elves. As always in Iceland, good boots, a wind- and waterproof jacket, and warm layers are a must.
Hang out with cats and coffee
A late night always calls for some delicious coffee… and cats. Head to the Cat Café (Kattakaffihúsið) and indulge in some tasty pastries, while relaxing with a furball on your lap.
No matter how grumpy and tired you might be, you will walk out a changed human. The cats are all rescues looking for new homes!
Explore the streets of Reykjavík by daylight
Take a stroll downtown and wander around the old part of the city, where the typically colourful Icelandic houses can be seen. Check out the main shopping streets, Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur. Visit Hallgrímskirkja church (you can go up the tower for a great view), stroll along the pond Tjörnin, and have a chat with the ducks and swans. If you’d prefer a guided tour, there are bus tours available and a free walking tour as well.
Grab some delicious food in one of Reykjavík’s many food halls
Your food options are endless. In the last few years, a seemingly infinite number of food halls suddenly popped up out of nowhere. The food halls in Grandi, Hlemmur, Pósthús, Hafnartorg Gallery and Borg29 are the closest options within walking distance of the downtown area and they all offer a solid variety of food options. This is a perfect way to fuel up before the next gig!
- See also: Food Halls in Reykjavík
Don’t hesitate to visit our tourist info offices at Laugavegur 5 or Laugavegur 54, or email us at [email protected] for further information.
Our previous coverage of Iceland Airwaves through the years:
