Day three is gonna be hard, because some of the popular acts are all crammed into a very tight timeframe. However, since they are so diverse, you can manage to choose whatever suits your taste and get away with lotsa fun. As for the previous days, we are offering some suggestions.
The Dandelion Seeds
Psychedelia is back. Well, yes, it is… at least in Reykjavik. The Dandelion Seeds merge in their songs heterogeneous influences, emphasizing a special taste for the golden era of psychedelic folk. The result is quite enthralling.
Prins Póló
Prins Póló are the champs of Icelandic musical surrealism, but you have to have the guts to admit you like pizza more than your ego to enjoy their wacky humor. Prins Póló’s members are currently involved in other music projects, as Skakkamanage, FM Belfast, Reykjavik! and Sudden Weather Change. If you want a taste of something truly different and genuinely Iceland-made, then search no further.
Vigri
Vigri was originally a project by brothers Hans and Bjarki. More musicians joined Hans and Bjarki in their journey since the very beginning and Vigri is currently a five-piece band. Vigri paint visions with sounds and create strong moods that totally capture the listener. Supporters like to compare them to Pink Floyd for the power of impressions they are able to achieve. Their first album, Pink Boats, was released earlier this year.
Kippi Kaninus
OK folks, this is not a simple recommendation: this is a must-attend. And I am serious here. Kippi Kaninus will turn your average concert experience into something unforgettable. Kippi crafts sounds that will take you to places you don’t really expect. Before you know it, you will truly get lost into the music. If you cannot make it on Friday night (for instance, if you don’t have a wristband), be sure to stop by for one of the scheduled off-venue gigs.
Ólöf Arnalds
Ólöf is one of Iceland’s most celebrated songstresses. Her songs are as pure as music can get: Ólöf only needs her guitar and her voice to captivate her audience. If this were not enough, her bright personality is also delightfully charming. For a glimpse of what makes female artists of Iceland so unique, you need to listen to her in a live performance.
Lay Low
Speaking of Icelandic songstresses that are capable of hypnotizing the listener just with their voice and guitar, Lay Low cannot be forgotten. Lay Low (real name Lovísa Elísabet Sigrúnardóttir) is a young and extremely talented musician. The songs she composes may feel transparent and straightforward, but the way she reinvents the folk genre is totally personal.
Owen Pallett
From his one-man act days, when he filled the air with his violin and looping pedal alone, to his current setup, with former Les Mouches bandmates and orchestra: Owen Pallett is an artist that never takes anything for granted and is always ready to step outside his comfort zone. Owen is currently staying in Iceland to work on his next album: who knows, he might be performing some new songs from his upcoming work at this year’s Airwaves.
tUnE-yArds
New England-based Merrill Garbus started her tUnE-yArds project in 2006 and has so far released two full-length albums under this name. In tUnE-yArds, the distinctive qualities of spontaneous folk meet vivid pop sounds. tUnE-yArds is one of the big names at Iceland Airwaves 2011 and huge crowds are expected to attend Garbus’ show. Be sure to get to Nasa early enough!
I want this to be clear: if you are looking forward to one of these shows — or shows that are not in this list — be sure to go early enough to be let in. One of the greatest issues of the Airwaves festival is that venues are small and not always people can get in. You have paid for your wristband, right? Then make sure your money is well-spent on music you like.