Icelandic acts Samaris, Kiasmos, Rökkurró and Kaelo have become the first names confirmed to appear at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2015.
Iceland is the focus nation this year at the Dutch festival, which is taking place for the 29th time and will be held from 14-17 January.
Iceland Music Export managing director Sigtryggur Baldursson said his country’s music community is currently experiencing some “massively exciting developments”, so being the focus country at Eurosonic Noorderslag next year is “perfect timing” and a “great honour”.
Baldursson went on to say that a new generation of musicians have emerged in Iceland thanks to a combination of a targeted export programme, homegrown festivals, the continued success of the country’s music overseas and Reykjavik developing into an international touring destination.
He explained that acts such as Samaris, Kaleo, Rökkurró and Kiasmos are “individual and unique talents”, adding that he hoped the announcement they will star at Eurosonic Noorderslag is just the start of what will happen in January.
Meanwhile, Eurosonic Noorderslag’s creative director Peter Smidt noted that they have been able to enjoy the “incredible” number of unique acts to come out of Iceland for many years, and have been amazed by the standard of Icelandic acts at previous Eurosonic Noorderslag festivals. He added that they are looking forward to putting the spotlight on Iceland in 2015.