An impressive line-up of Icelandic and international artists will play at the 2007 Iceland Airwaves music festival in Reykjavik between October 17th and 21st.? Close to 170 artists, bands and DJs will be descending on Reykjavik to perform at one of Iceland’s fastest growing music festivals.
The announcement comes as Icelandic Music Export (IMX), a government-backed initiative to promote Icelandic music abroad, launched its eagerly-awaited music website last week at www.icelandicmusic.is. The new site is designed to help satisfy the increasing global appetite of people interested in Icelandic music by providing them with a one-stop online resource. Icelandmusic.is features everything from current news and artist information, to global events and gigs which feature Icelandic artists.
Iceland Airwaves has grown quickly since its inception in 1999 to become an integral part of the music scene in Iceland and abroad. The festival makes a point of showcasing a mix of local and international talent, often featuring bands on the edge of international fame – artists such as Quarashi, Minus, Sigur Ros, The Rapture, TV on the Radio and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.
International headline acts for 2007 so far include; Annuals (US), Best Fwends (US), Bloc Party (UK), Bonde do Role (BR), Boys In A Band (FO), Chromeo (CA) and of Montreal (US), Buck 65 (CA) and Jenny Wilson (SE).?
Icelandic artists playing at the festival include; AMPOP, Benni Hemm Hemm, Benny Crespo’s Gang, Dikta, Esja, FM Belfast, GusGus, Mammu, mum, Reykjavik!, Seabear, Motion Boys, Hjaltalin, Gavin Portland, Sign, Sprengjuhollin, Steed Lord, Ultra Mega Technoband Stefan, Eberg, Kira Kira, Lay Low, Mugison, Olof Arnalds, Petur Ben and My Summer as a Salvation Soldier.
Iceland Airwaves will host parties, instore shows and a huge number of gigs which will take place in selected record shops, bars and galleries all over central Reykjavik. The festival has become an essential part of the fall schedule for media and A&R agents worldwide and attracts around 2,000 people from abroad (over half from the music industry) to sample the freshest sounds – both Icelandic and international.
For further details on Icelandic music see: www.icelandicmusic.is