www.grapevine.is

MORE! MORE! MOOOAAAR! Hey! Be sure to check out www.grapevine.is/airwaves for HEAPS of stuff we just couldn’t fit into this darn thing. We’ve got an excellent rundown of the current Icelandic metal scene, super intense interviews with visiting artists (like Vuk, Reptile & Retard, Autodrone, Polipe, The Antlers, Yuni In Taxco, Neon Indian - AND MORE), plus some really nice talks with local bands like the mighty KLINK, Gone Postal AND MORE! PLUS TIPS, TRIX, NEWS, REVIEWS, PHOTOS AND LOVE 02 Grapevine Airwaves Mini 2010 Go to www.grapevine.is/airwaves for extensive + up to date festival coverage

For all you new-to-town-ers, here a fifteen minutes). there (except for that cute dude you met little something we put together to last night. You’ll never find him again). hopefully make your stay, ehrm… Stuff You Might l. It’s what you call ale (or beer) in It also has a very informative section on make a little more sense. Check ÖIceland. Impress your friends with what to do in case of a natural disaster. out our special Airwaves site, www. your vast linguistic skills by sliding in grapevine.is/icelandairwaves, for up Want To Know that scorcher. BTW ‘Ö’ is pronounced: nderwear. As in: your under- to date news, info, line-up changes, ‘uhhhhh’. Uwear. Strip down to it, and then reviews of EVERY SINGLE BAND Some shit the guidebooks mightn’t tell you… run down the streets. All the kids are PLAYING, freebies, goodies and arty friends. Icelander’s make doing it, we hear. more during the festival. lots of party friends on a night out. By Grapevine Staff P They might have been promising that ínbúðin. Don’t get caught out irwaves. Five days of music, you’d be pen pals for life, but please Vhaving to cadge booze from fellow Amagic and utter madness at don’t be offended if they don’t return friends at house parties (which you (almost) the top of the world. If this is ful, and random, we imagine. ón Gnarr. Reykjavík’s mayor - a your eager “Hi!” when you pass them on will get invited to, unless you’re a total your first time, prepare to be amazed, Jformer anarchist, actor and stand-up Laugavegur the next day. They’re all shy douche): they won’t be impressed. The bemused, euphoric, exhausted, patient ree films. With shorts comedian - who admits that he knows alcoholics. 101 Reykjavík branch of Vínbúðin, the (those pesky queues), hung-over, and Fand documentaries ongoing at the little about politics and turned up to this state liquor store, closes at 6 pm Mon- all round flabbergasted at the musical Culture House, hangover movie nights year’s Gay Pride parade in full drag. uirky fashion. These Iceland- Sat and 7 pm on Fridays (if you miss the explosion that’s about to come your way. at Prikið on Sundays, and cult classics Qer’s often seem miles ahead when downtown branch, there’s one in Skei- at Bakkus most Mondays, there’s no affi and coffee house it comes to far out fashion, so if you fan that’s open ‘til 8 pm on weekdays). akkus barge. You’ll need shortage. Kculture in Reykjavík. There want to get in with the in crowd, start Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Bto channel your inner Viking to are tons to choose from, but try Babalú, getting creative. Maybe you can recycle make it through a night unscathed in roundhog day? When you Kaffismiðjan, Tíu Dropar and Café that hiking jacket into a Mundi-esque eather. Never judge what to the shoulder-to-shoulder, grinding, Gstart to see the same car driving Haiti for a chilled afternoon break. Oh, jumpsuit? The sky’s the limit. Wwear by looking out the window; mishmash that is Bakkus on weekends. down Laugavegur over and over, or the and C is for Cookie who have amazing the weather will have changed dramati- No room for mild manners here, just same person standing in their doorway homemade cakes. andom sex. Lots of that. It’s an cally in about fifteen minutes. Be smart, get in there, howl at the moon and shake at the same time everyday, don’t freak Risland. There’s no IMAX theatre wear layers. yr. thang! out! You’re not in a Bill Murray remake; opapeysa. The proper name for or anything. Go figure. But don’t be an you’re just in a small town. Lthose fuzzy, woolly Icelandic sweat- asshole about it. It’s not like you deserve ylophones. Every band in town lass. Kiss it goodbye. You’re in ers us foreigners have wanted for years. random sex or anything. Xseems to require an expert xylo- CIceland. Nobody cares. angover cure. Open the Best bet is to check out the Kolaportið phone player at some stage, so if you’re Hwindows wide and take a hot (flea market) at weekends and haggle undlaugar. Swimming pools. looking for a golden pass to rock and roll emonstrations. Should you sulphur-y shower. Next get yourself to your way to a bargain. SYup, soaking in a hot pot is the glory (ehrm, ‘twee glory’), get practicing! Dwish to partake in this increasingly Prikið for their rockin’ mornings, where most authentic way to de-stress Icelandic popular Icelandic activity (it’s actually a full breakfast comes with a side of cDonalds. As in, there isn’t style. It’s where people go to catch up oghurt. The country is mad for kind of retro now), it’s worth noting that aspirin and a shot of Jack Daniel’s. Then Mone. The fast food giant left on the gossip and generally have a muse Yit. The most distinctive is Skyr – a the items of choice for hurling at sub- it’s Kókómjólk and espresso at regular Iceland late 2009 when the devaluation about their own existence. It’s cheap too! thick, creamy blend that comes in a standard politicians (or the house they intervals, until it’s beer o’ clock again. of the króna made the cost of importing Go to Sundhöll Reykjavíkur (Baróns- range of exciting fruit flavours (it’s actu- work at) are eggs and skyr (see: Yoghurt) Repeat as necessary. Sorted. a kilo of onions equivalent to a bottle of stígur 45a – smack dab in the middle ally more related to cheese, but it’s still good whiskey. Who cares? Go to Vitabar. of 101 Reykjavík) – we also hear there’s more reminiscent of yoghurt). It’s super ldur & Ís. Located on llegal substances. Well, going to be some off venue action at healthy and yummy, so stock up while ESkólavörðustígur, this is an ice I they’re illegal. You can probably find ature. You’re in it. Right now. If Vesturbæjarlaug! you’re here. cream shop, travel and booking service some if you really want them – they will Nyou feel all these small houses and all in one. So you can lick on your ice be expensive. But don’t be an asshole buildings surrounding you are oppres- elephone directory. Rather zzzz – sleep. Get some in before cream while you choose what part of this about it. sive, just walk any direction for an hour Tuniquely, listings go by first name in Zthe fun starts all over again. magical land you’d like to visit next. Use- or two (or hitchhike any direction for the telephone book, and everyone is in

Iceland AIrwaves 2010 Venues Risið Sódóma Venue Amsterdam Reykjavík Art Museum Tryggvagata 20 Tryggvagata 22 Tryggvagata 20 Hafnarstræti 5 Tryggvagata 17

Risið is a sports bar and jazz club at Sódóma translates to Sodom, but don’t Venue an Airwaves newcomer (al- Kaffi Amsterdam looks set to be the Once a year the Reykjavík Art Museum the same time, so the regular crowd be misled; there is no more – nor less though it was once part of the legend- dark horse of Airwaves 2010. With is transformed into Airwaves’ largest tends to vary. Generally speaking – sodomy here than in any other bar in ary ‘Gaukurinn’). Love it or hate it, this a regular crowd of rough and ready, venue. The Museum has seen some of though, you’ll find finger clicking jazz town. Climb the dark stairwell and enter place has got energy (AKA drunken hard drinking tough guys (and gals), the wildest dancing in town over the cats sitting around the huge centre bar a fairly large dance-floor where you can debauchery), seeping out of every crev- Amsterdam isn’t your typical Airwaves years, and its cavernous size and great come evening time. Risið will be home rock, groove, twist and mosh your way ice. It might take a while to get a drink venue, and probably all the more fun atmosphere offers you audience-types a to a mix of lo-fi, pop and acoustic through the eclectic range of acts that Airwaves sets this year, so if you’re grace its stage. Beers are moderately at the bar, and expect to have to jostle for it. Cheap beer and plenty of space real big slice of the Airwaves pie, with a looking for a venue where you can chill priced and there’s a covered smoking your way through the dance floor in will make many a mosher happy. Expect side of posh of course. Drinks are fairly out for a bit and appreciate things at a balcony for those that are brave enough order to get downstairs to the toilet (this gritty, sweaty old school rock outs and, expensive, but after all this is no dingy slightly gentler pace, this could be your to try shoving their way in there. A trip can be an experience in itself). Things if you’re lucky, the odd brawl or three. club and you’re are partying to some of surprise WIN. EF to the men’s room provides a unique get hectic pretty quick once the place EF the biggest bands around, so what the opportunity to piss on the portraits of fills up and everything goes pop, but heck. EF some banksters, too. EF then that’s why you came here, eh? EF

Quality coffee roasted on the premises; “We tried this place • espresso, macciato, latte, capuccino, turkish- and arabic coffee. purely on the back of its kr. 350 - 450 • Buns, croissants, pies excellent review and empanadas kr. 400 – 600 on Tripadvisor and • Soup of the day kr. 800 • Soup & salad kr. 1.250 • Quiece & salad kr. 950 weren’t disappointed. “ • A large one on tap kr. 650

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WWW.ICELANDAIR.IS 04 Grapevine Airwaves Mini 2010 Go to www.grapevine.is/airwaves for extensive + up to date festival coverage

Opinion | By John Rogers of Brainlove Records Interview | by Haukur S. Magnússon Endless Yeah, but where’s The Importance Of Being Indie Bedroom Community? If you run an independent music enter- eyes, the potential to fulfil these com- centrate harder on directing projects, prise, it’s probable that at some point mercial goals. While many people at managing press efforts, making sure The good people explain you’ll realise you’ve become something independent labels would no doubt the records get into as many shops in their absence of a geek. The music industry is vast be happy for such glittering prosperity as many countries as possible, and all and complicated, with so much to learn in their projects, this will rarely be the that unglamorous but important stuff. that a nights-and-weekends project raison d’être. Equally, this isn’t to say that everything We keep getting e-mails from folks that Will there be any other chances to fill are upset about Bedroom Community not up on the BC experience this year? can quickly become an all consuming That might sound obvious, but if pouring from the majors is bad. Good staging an event at this year’s Airwaves VS: We will be hosting the traditional interest and profession. I myself run these broad differences are accepted, music does emerge from those labyrin- bash. We e-mailed Valgeir Sigurðsson, Bedroom Community off-venue events an independent called they illustrate a profound difference in thine structures sometimes. Ben Frost and Nico Muhly to ask them at Kaffibarinn. A gathering of friends Brainlove Records that occupies much attitude to the matter of what music is, Which might suggest that the differ- what’s up with that. and family, and music. I’m going to play of my waking (and sometimes sleeping) and what it is for. From one of these ence in perception between the majors with Una Sveinbjarnardóttir, some of her thought—from a quite natural enthu- perspectives, music is a commodity, a and the indies is philosophical. But this So, why no BC concert at IA 2010? own music as well as my own, mostly siasm for supporting and presenting resource to be tapped and exploited, doesn’t make it academic. We can see Ben Frost: We have been a part of new stuff. Then we will invite some select exciting, creative music came this delivered en masse to a hungry mar- what starts to happen when the music- Airwaves in growing incarnations for five guests to perform. I’m the only BC artist enterprise that has, over the years, ketplace through a highly developed as-popular-product mentality runs to its years now... I think for practical reasons, around this year, so I guess I will have to become an activity bordering on an infrastructure. From the other, music is extremes in the “talent” shows on Brit- as well as creative ones, we all just felt it answer to all the angry and disappointed was a good year to take a breather. There fans. obsession. an art form that needs support struc- ish TV; and even the people at the heart is no sense in doing anything for the sake NM: We all have tons of coming Something that nags at me a lot tures—musicians to be given time and of those shows can’t think Gareth Gates of it.... We will invade again next year, out. I just released one a week ago! is what it means to be a completely freedom to develop, with an audience or Susan Boyle will be valued for their when we have reason to. No doubt. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM independent one-person label in a field that also develops in a more organic output in the same way as independent Valgeir Sigurðsson: Yeah, exactly. We ME!!! populated by monstrous international fashion. And most importantly of all, artists like Tom Waits or Björk. did of course want to participate this year, companies with office blocks full of music is seen as something with an And if, because of this kind of media but everyone has gotten increasingly busy What’s going on with you guys these people working to make the wheels intrinsic cultural and artistic value first domination and retail muscle, the major over the years and our plans get more days? I understand you’ve had a very of the industry turn. It can feel like the and foremost. labels are the gatekeepers that decide and more ambitious. It was impossible to busy year! What did you get up to? larger organisations are running the This isn’t to say that independent what music a large proportion of the pull together what we wanted to present. VS: So much! Where to begin... We’ve table, and not producing an awful lot of record labels have no business sense public discover at all, then their philoso- But we promise fireworks in a year’s time. recorded on and released some new I’m really happy that we were able to albums, taken the Whale Watching Tour worth in doing so. or desire to sell well—at the very least phy of what qualities define worthwhile bring the Whale Watching Tour to Iceland all over Europe and have a really exciting But there’s value in what us small labels need to have money flowing music becomes very important, and the in May, because we have not been able year coming up – the preparation work is independent labels do. Major labels are through them from somewhere in order need for independents to participate in to play here much this year. all in full swing. There are records, tours, large business concerns for whom suc- to operate. The people making this the process paramount. Nico Muhly: It’s complicated! Our bed- scores, operas, ballets..... It’s incred- cess can be measured in sales good stuff happen have to eat, after rooms are all over the world, and October ible how busy things have gotten for and the resultant gold and platinum all, and the more time they are able to Brainlove Records will host an evening at is a crazy time. We tried wicked hard everybody since we started the label. We discs that line the boardroom walls: dedicate to their endeavours, the better. Iceland Airwaves ‘10 at Faktorý on Friday to make it make sense, but sometimes will introduce a new Bedroom Com- awards, chart positions, sold out arena If the bands can quit their day jobs, 15th October, as well as several off-venues. things happen. Plus, we’ve been doing a munity artist in the early part of 2011, tours. This generally means that the they can concentrate harder on writing, There’s more information at http://www. showcase for the last five years and this Puzzle Muteson. I’m so excited about that year is the first where we don’t all have artists they select must have a populist recording, touring, and generally being brainloverecords.com record, it’s mind blowing. piles of new material. We’ve had a col- element, and must have, in someone’s musicians, and the label guys can con- laborative year. Iceland AIrwaves 2010 Venues NASA Apótekið Iðnó Faktorý Tjarnarbíó Austurvöllur Austurstræti 9 Vonarstræti 3 Smiðjustígur 6 Tjarnargötu 12

This music venue/nightclub is steady Another Airwaves newcomer, Apótekið This historical theatre by the city pond Formerly known as GRAND ROKK, Tjarnarbíó is yet another new house Airwaves favourite. It gets pretty packed used to be a posh restaurant, then a is a small and charming venue with Faktorý is a colourful venue on two of Airwaves, although the venue but manages to stay on the sane side of posh club, then a not-so posh club. a nice capacity. Its 19th century chic floors, well three if you count the itself has been used for various artful madness. On the downside, drinks are Then it was closed, then it got re- décor is well reflected in the price of courtyard, where there’s almost as endeavours for several decades by pretty expensive, so unless you want opened, then it probably closed again drinks, which are towards the high end much drinking and drama going outside now. This small and cosy theatre to pay a month’s rent in fine wines, at some point – with varying degrees of of high priced, and when its busy, it as inside. Faktorý plays its music loud (excellent for chilling out during a best to come prepared (i.e. DRUNK) to poshness involved. This is pretty much can take a little bit of patience to get and proud, and gives reasonable value hectic programme) was built in 1913, this front. The ladies room offers a fair the story of every Reykjavík club. The one from the teeny bar. Iðnó can be for money on the all-important ISK to and used for fishing-industry related amount of elbow shoving and catfights, decorations are really nice, and the line- wonderful to experience live music in, beer ratio. Upstairs doesn’t have a huge purposes until 1942. Since then it’s which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if up this year’s sounds great for anyone provided the place isn’t too crowded, capacity though, so get there early if acted as a cinema, a theatre and you’re up for some drama. EF who wants to shake a leg. So see y’all and makes for a very refined Airwaves you want to get up close and personal a concert venue. Go there for an there! HSM venue, if refinement if your kind of with your musical heroes. It gets pretty intimate environment and a taste of thing. EF wild so hang on your hats. EF classic Reykjavík. HSM one

Liquid Sa re 56

Hjá okkur færðu faglega þjónustu, byggða á þekkingu og áratuga reynslu.

Tónastöðin • Skipholti 50d • Reykjavík • sími 552 1185 • www.tonastodin.is Tónastöðin Akureyri • Strandgötu 25 • Akureyri • sími: 456 1185 06 Grapevine Airwaves Mini 2010 Go to www.grapevine.is/airwaves

Interview | by Anna Margrét Björnsson Photo by Jen McManus Survival | Sickness and health by Eimear Fitzgerald

Like Drinking A The Good Doctor’s Guide to Bottle Of Cough Surviving Airwaves Syrup On The Beach The All you need to know to get you through those minor, or major, medical emergencies Vandelles are here... While Airwaves is a rather fun and fabu- 4. For bumps and general knocks, if you lous time for most, it’s possible that at want to see a doctor then your best call one stage or another you, or one of your is to take a taxi, or get a friend to give friends, might find yourselves at the you a lift. Otherwise, see how you are Friday 20:00 wrong end of a flying elbow or taking a in the morning—if you’re still worried, Iðnó dive after one too many cold ones. check into a clinic. We asked the good doctor Haukur Heiðar Hauksson, of Dikta superfame, 5. There is an ER/ambulance fee for some top tips on how to get through charged to foreigners, but you can New York rockers The Vandelles are The terms dark wave or noir rock Have any of you been to Iceland be- Airwaves safely or what to do should claim this back on your personal medi- very likely the coolest band to hit have been used for your genre of fore and what are you expecting? you find yourself in need of some seri- cal insurance. Airwaves this year. With their mix of music. How dark and dirty are you Lisha: This will actually be my fourth trip ous TLC. sixties surf, psychedelia and a noise really? to Iceland. I’ve been there once in the So aside from doing a great job laden wall of sound they’ve hypno- Lisha: Someone once described listen- summer and two times for New Year’s. What are the general injuries the ER looking after the health of your tized crowds with something that ing to us as like drinking a bottle of New Year’s was really great with lots of receives from festivalgoers? brethren, you are also member of has been described as an audio and cough syrup and taking a walk down people celebrating in the streets and Mostly knocks to the head and inju- one of Iceland’s most popular and visual assault. the beach on a stormy summer’s night. setting off fireworks. I expect it to be ries from falling over outside of ven- hardworking bands, Dikta. How That’s probably pretty accurate. even more exciting and crazy now that ues. Some years we have snow and does that feel? Your sound has a lot of influences we’ll be there for Airwaves. slippery ice, so that leads to sprained That feels pretty good. We’ve been do- from the past such as Link Wray and What are the themes in your music, Jasno: A year or two ago I saw this ankles, and we’ve had some broken ing quite nice the last year, I mean we’ve . Where do your last album? Did you have a kind show called Drain the Oceans about legs. Sometimes with the amount of al- been at this for eleven years now and you draw your aesthetics from? of story in mind when you put the the Mid Atlantic Ridge—it’s amazing cohol people drink they can fall and get we’ve put a lot of work into, it so it feels Honey: Nancy Sinatra almost exclu- songs together? that Iceland is the tip of that underwater wounds that require stitching. We usu- nice to finally be reaping the rewards sively. Christo: The two themes from the last mountain system, the bottom of which ally let people sleep the alcohol off in for our hard work. Christo: We draw from a myriad of album are definitely opposite of each is thought to be the deepest point on the hospital and send them home in a aesthetics for sure: film noir, surf, noise, other. One is clearly a surf theme in the Earth, that’s fascinating to me. Some- taxi the next morning. So what can fans expect from Dikta and art, , girl sense that there are lyrics about surf- times while I’m sitting out on my board at this year’s Airwaves? group, and Spinal Tap. ing and the music draws from a lot of off the break near my place in Jersey I What are the main ways to avoid in- Well we’re playing twice this year and conventional surf-rock tricks. The other think about how deep the water I’m in jury? they’re pretty different shows. The first Do you know some of the other six- theme is a kind of film noir theme, which really gets or that someone in Iceland 1. Have fun, but do try be sensible and one is in Sódóma, which will be really ties / surf / psychedelic bands? Do is also reflected in mysterious lyrics and could be in the same body of water that I not get completely drunk. small and intimate, and then a big show you hang out with people like the songs like ‘Lovely Weather’ and ‘Going am at that very moment. at Listasafn, the Art Museum. Warlocks, the Black Angels or the Downtown’. 2. If there’s ice or snow about, like there Raveonettes? Are there any Icelandic bands that has been previous years, watch your Are you gonna give us something Jasno: We’ve been lucky to have played Which label are you on and how has you like or listen to? step and try not to slip. extra-special? with some of our biggest influences, the label thing worked for you? Or Lisha: I’ve loved Björk since I was 12 Yeah, we’re gonna play a brand new like Dick Dale for one. We played The should bands just go with iTunes and and had actually made a plan to move 3. If you’re at a packed out gig and it all song. We’re practicing it at the moment, Black Angel’s Psych Fest in ’09 with Sky self released albums? to Iceland when I was a young lass gets a bit crazy, just be aware of your- but our bass player is in China with his Saxon and in ’10 headlined the indoor Lisha: We mostly do the DIY approach based on that love. I’m really into múm, self and others. Try to avoid getting re- other band, , and he gets show. We toured with The Warlocks in when it comes to recording, producing, Reykjavík!, Sin Fang, Singapore Sling, ally squashed, it can get pretty crowded. back the day of the gig so there’s gonna the summers of ’08 and ’09. One thing I and getting the music out there. We do and Þeyr. The last time I was in Iceland, be a last-minute crazy practice session didn’t realise when I first got into playing our own artwork and have pretty much I went to 12 Tónar and picked up Go-Go 4. If it’s very cold, don’t stand in lines for when he returns, to finalise the song! music was that I’d end up becoming entire creative control. Our EP was put Darkness’s record and was completely too long, go see something else, there’s Please note while the good doc- good friends with some of the bands I’d out by an indie label, but our full-length possessed by it. always something happening. tor will be happy to help out should he been listening to since I was a teenager. album is actually self-released, and so Jasno: Of course I love Singapore Sling, come across any festival patrons with Like in Toronto, we played Spacemen far the response we’ve received and and the ever-amazing Björk. I’ve got my 5. Don’t engage in fights with other arms or legs hanging off, he will not be 3s ‘Losing Touch With My Mind’ WITH the feedback has been great. The only fingers crossed we’ll run into her at the people; show love and happiness and available for on-street consultation re- Will Carruthers ON BASS while Lisha problem is the amount of trips I have to pools or Blue Lagoon on Saturday. hug people if you have any problems. garding what one should do about their also played bass at the same time. That make to the post office to mail them out! acne or any other general medical mus- was an amazing moment and he was so I’m now on a first-name basis with all What should Airwaves goers expect What you can do if you get injured: ings. much fun to hang out with. I also lent the mail carriers in New York. from a Vandelles concert? Stay safe kids! my ’59 Jazzmaster to Sune from The Jasno: We’re playing a great venue and 1. There’s no clinic open at night-time, Raveonettes for several months after all What’s up next for you guys? A new we’ll be rolling out most of Del Black so for major injuries you’ll have to go to Emergency No/Ambulance. call 112 his stuff was stolen. I ended up selling album? A tour? Aloha for the Icelandic crowd. If we’re the ER at the main hospital, Landsspíta- Health Centre Vesturgata 7. A doctor’s ap- that guitar later that year but it definitely Lisha: We are currently recording our feeling saucy we may even pull out li, just outside of 101 Reykjavík. pointment costs Ikr700 (under 16s pay 25%). sounded better after I got it back from new album, as Jasno said. We are defi- some new songs as well! Call 585 2600. him. Most of the bands in our com- nitely taking the music in a new direction Lisha: Word of advice: Bring earplugs. 2. If you’re bleeding profusely, call an Læknavaktin. Non-emergency telephone munity are connected with stories like and it’s exciting to be in the midst of that We’re noisy, but the good kind of noise. ambulance and go to the emergency medical advice between 17:00 and 23.30. that—it’s pretty cool to know we’re a part process. After our two shows in Iceland, We’re also excited to be playing an off- room. Call 1770 of a healthy scene that cares about good we will be playing four dates in London, venue show as well through gogoyoko at Lyfja Pharmacy. Laugavegur 16. Opens music. Oct 20–23. This is our first trip as a band Bar 11 on the 16th. 3. If you suspect a broken limb, again, 10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm Sat. Call to Europe, and I think we all can’t wait to call an ambulance and go to the emer- 552 4045 run wild over there. gency room. Lyfja Apótek. Late Night Pharmacy. Lágmúli 5. Opens 8am-midnight. Call 533 2300 Laugavegur

OFF-VENUE EVENTS SEE THE PROGRAM Skólavörðustígur IN THIS ISSUE OF We GRAPEVINE FOR are MORE DETAILS here Bankastræti

October 13 -17

Bankastræti 14, 2nd floor - tel. 511 1221 Iceland aIRwaves

CHILL OUTBLUE LAGOON satuRday 16 octobeR

BL20 - 12:30 this tour is specially designed for Iceland airwaves guests and those who want to relax in the blue lagoon while listening to Iceland airwaves music. departure from bsÍ bus terminal at 12:30. Return buses depart from the blue lagoon at 15:30. PrIce 6300 ISK Included: RetuRn bus faRe & admIssIon to the blue lagoon. BooK now on BooK now By PIck uP at hotels and guest- houses 30 mInutes befoRe www.re.IS caLLIng 580 5450 dePaRtuRe.

OR

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík • 580 5400 • [email protected] • www.re.is Seabear & Sin Fang Retro Stefson Iðnó – Thu – 00:10 NASA – Sat – 01:00 Art Museum – Thu – 20:30 Venue – Wed – 00:30 Seabear and Sin Fang are the fabled As our cover indicates, we count A quick googling for information about TEENAGE musical projects of vocalist/multi Retro Stefson as one of the bands Icelandic music will reveal the fact that instrumentalist Sindri Már Sigfússon currently dominating the Icelandic Amiina are one of its current flagbear- (pictured on our cover with spouse/ pop-o-sphere. They are truly at ers, and a lot of people’s favourite Seabear member Ingibjörg, and the top of their game, and this is Icelandic band. There is something RIOT, STAR Seabear guitarist Örn Ingi), who has definitely quite an achievement about their music that easily translates in the past few years captivated au- for a band of friends in their early to an international audience – in fact, diences on both sides of the Atlantic twenties. 2010 marks Retro Stefson’s many of the people that correspond with both bands. Considering that fourth time performing at Iceland with Grapevine post-their trip to Ice- AIRWAVES Vík Prjónsdóttir most folks have enough problems Airwaves (they started playing in land feel inclined to add that the sound getting their one band heard, oper- 2005, while most of them were in the of their tunes can instantly evokes their ating two successful ones should be Icelandic equivalent of junior high), favourite memories of travelling the considered no mean feat. and it will also see them release Icelandic countryside. But it’s no wonder. Both bands their second album – the eagerly Aside from all that, Amiina make offer adventurous soundscapes, awaited ‘Kimbabwe’. some very engaging and accomplished ambitious yet laid-back perfor- Singer/guitarist Unnsteinn music. It’s no wonder they’re as mances and some really captivating Manúel (represented on our cover renowned as they are, and there is no songwriting. The audience connects – other members are Gylfi, Haraldur doubt that they will continue to add to with Seabear (comprised of the Ari, Þorbjörg, Ingi, Logi Pedro and their following for the foreseeable fu- aforementioned Sindri, Ingibjörg, Þórður) tells us the new album ture. This is confirmed in no small part and Örn Ingi along with Guðbjörg doesn’t have any sort of theme, but by their excellent new album, ‘puzzle’. Hlín, drummer Kjartan Bragi, bass- its name derives from the artwork. That album sees the former Sigur Rós ist Halldór Ragnarsson and Sóley And how does it sound? “Some string quartet (Hildur, Sólrún, María Stefánsdótir) and Sin Fang (Sindri’s of the tracks are ones that didn’t Huld, and Edda Rún) expand their solo project, although it features a make it on our last one, so they line-up by two members (the new steady cast of instrumentalists) in keep that disco beat sound. But in ones: drummer Magnús Tryggvason equal measures, for similar reasons. general, it’s a more powerful record. and electro genius Kippi Kanínus) and “I don’t know why people connect to We aimed at recreating our live explore previously uncharted terrain. my music. I make it for very selfish sound in the recording session. You Hildur (FUN FACT: she is joined on reasons,” says Sindri over the phone. could say that if we were university our cover by her spouse Örn Ingi of “I have personal things in mind that scholars, then this album would be the band Seabear) tells us that they I write about – maybe people relate our dissertation of the kick drum.” started working with Magnús as a to that. I’m not sure – that’s a tough Retro Stefson have a great touring drummer in 2007, while Kippi question.” kinship with another local band, Kanínus was added as a result of the He is more outspoken when FM Belfast, which often results in 2008 Reykjavík Art Festival. “We really it comes to his favourite subject the two bands’ live shows meld- wanted to do a collaboration with him, – pizza. “The best one is at Deli ing seamlessly into one big orgy of and our performance at festival proved Laugavegur. I get a margarita there dancing fun. Last year’s Airwaves the perfect occasion. We found we re- once a week. I like to keep it simple. session was legendary. “We won’t ally liked working together, so we kind Devito’s is also good. But Deli is the be doing it this year,” Unnsteinn tells of kept doing that since. It wasn’t a best.” us. The show will still probably be decision so much as an organic thing. At the moment, Sindri is mixing great. It’s been really fun, having those guys Sin Fang’s second album. “I’m play- aboard.” ing Airwaves on the Wednesday with Any special plans for Airwaves? A both bands. It’s a shame, because collaboration with Efterklang, perhaps? I’m off to America the next day and “This is like, our third time playing will thus miss a lot of the stuff I Airwaves, so we’re really looking for- would have liked to see. But I hope ward to it. Indeed we are playing just you all enjoy it.” before Efterklang. They’re old friends, who are kind of responsible for the start of Amiina, actually. They played at this small festival in the countryside a few years ago and it was up to each band playing to invite another band. So they invited us and, that was one of our first gigs. Collaborations? Hmmm... we haven’t talked about that, but you never know…”

Apparat Organ Endless Dark HAM Hjaltalín Pascal Pinon Quartet Sódóma – Friday – 22:30 NASA – Thu – 00:00 NASA – Fri – 22:30 Risið – Thu – 20:20 NASA – Sat – 23:00

Endless Dark are one of the many If there ever was a legendary Icelandic Hjaltalín are without doubt one of the Pascal Pinon are truly something. Organ Quartet (here young Icelandic bands performing band, then that band is HAM. In fact, most popular bands currently operat- Comprised of twin sisters Jófríður represented in the form of organist at Iceland Airwaves for the first time HAM (comprised of Sigurjón ing in Iceland today. Their two records, Ákadóttir and Ásthildur Ákadóttir, Hörður Bragason – other members this year. Lots of things set them Kjartansson on vocals/guitar, Óttarr ‘Sleepdrunk Seasons’ and ‘Terminal’ these girls have been writing and per- are organists Úlfur Eldjárn, (the) apart from your ‘typical’ Icelandic Proppé on vocals, drummer Arnar Geir have sold in vast numbers, their live forming sweet, soothing, melodic and Jóhann Jóhannsson, Sighvatur Ómar Airwaves act: they hail from tiny Ómarsson and guitarist Flosi Þorgeirs- shows pretty much always sell out and incredibly ambitious music since they Kristinsson and drummer Arnar Geir Snæfellsbær in the Icelandic coun- son) are one of Iceland’s greatest rock the critics can’t get enough. They also were at the tender age of fifteen. Ómarsson) are arguably one of the tryside instead of 101 Reykjavík, they bands ever, period. Ask anyone. We tour the world a lot, and are one of That was last year, by the way. greatest Icelandic bands to have take inspiration from MySpace emo dare you. the few Icelandic bands that manage And in that short space of time, operated in the last two decades such as Attack Attack! (!) rather HAM started playing in 1988 and to make somewhat of a living off their they’ve managed to record and self- or so. This may be confirmed by than glacial landscapes or elves, kept playing for six years before burn- music. release an entire album, play count- listening to their excellent and and while this is their first time at ing up in a blaze of glory. After their And they don’t exactly play the less shows and... sign with the very only record, the self-titled Apparat the festival, they’ve already scored 1994 farewell concert in Reykjavík, easiest, poppiest music, either. The excellent label. The girls Organ Quartet (12 Tónar, 2002) or by a manager and begun embarking Icelanders collectively scratched their band contains several classically are modest and straightforward, as asking anyone who’s ever attended upon international tours. heads, asking: “What do we do now”? trained musicians and a renowned teenagers are wont. “We saw on their a show by these monsters of organ- And, as guitarist Gummi tells Fortunately for all of us, they oc- composer (singer/guitarist Högni. website that you could send them a based rock. us, Endless Dark’s members prefer casionally rear their evil heads every Other members are bassist Guðmun- CD and they would listen to it, so we After a long bout of inactivity, to play in only ONE band. “A lot of now and again, play a scorching show dur Óskar (representing them on our did,” Jófríður tells us when asked about the Quartet are finally releasing a Reykjavík musicians play in three and remind us all why we’re so into this cover), drummer Axel, keyboardist their new deal. “Then Thomas Morr second album and playing Iceland or four bands. We are always been ‘music’ thing. And now they’re playing Hjörtur Ingvi, bassoonist Rebekka contacted us and said he and Morr Airwaves again! As any Airwaves in the same band, which makes Airwaves. This is very exciting, but Bryndís, singer Sigga and violinist Vik- Music wanted to be involved, so that buff will tell you, their festival ap- it unique, I guess,” he says when what does it mean for the other bands? tor) and they play an ambitious sort of was great news! And yes, we are really pearances have all become instant asked if forming a band is different Says bassist (and Best Party chair- chamber-pop that is as hard to classify excited, this is a great opportunity and classics; they are considered a when you live outside of Reykjavík. man) S. Björn Blöndal (who represents as it is to resist. we are very thankful for getting this must-see, and rightfully so. Gummi and his fellow band mem- the band on our cover): “I wouldn’t We asked Guðmundur Óskar (pic- experience so young.” “I hope so,” organist Úlfur bers (Egill on keyboard, Keli on want to be them, that’s for sure. But tured) whether the band felt pressure It’s damn near impossible to men- Eldjárn said when asked if Apparat’s bass, Atli on guitar, Daníel on drums everyone will try their best, I’m sure.” from all their success. He says they’re tion their young age when talking forthcoming LP will kick as much and singer/screamer Viktor) play When asked if he has an opinion not: “No, I mean, we’re not the kind of about Pascal Pinon, but they’d rather ass as their last one. “Of course, it’s modest when asked about the tours. on the current state of Icelandic metal, band that gets nervous about making you not. “We’re just being sincere by a totally different album, and a lot of “Oh, we did some shows abroad, for Björn says he hasn’t really heard any of hits, we don’t really make our music playing music we like, and I think it has time has passed. I think it’s maybe example in the UK. That was really it. “I’ve only seen photos of these cur- with the idea of making hits. Some nothing to do with our age whatso- a bit like mouldy cheese: it gets amazing; we felt proud to be invited rent metal bands. They are very pretty. songs have become hits, and it’s good ever.” better and better with every year there. And we are definitely planning Especially Endless Dark. And Sólstafir. to get radio play, of course. But we’re Don’t ask them about the economic that passes, but at the same time it on expanding our success – we’re Those two in particular. But I don’t not losing any sleep.” collapse either. As they say elsewhere gets more and more mouldy. Some mixing a new record and we plan on think I’ve ever heard them.” Guðmundur Óskar attributes in this pullout: “We are so young, we people just can’t stand the smell of playing lots of shows.” -Will there be more HAM albums? Hjaltalín’s success mainly to their can’t answer [such] questions and be that.” They might not be your typical “Yes.” sound. “The collaborations we make taken seriously.” Úlfur says their biggest inspira- Icelandic band (then again, what is), -When? with acoustic instruments and other So don’t ask, just listen. tion is their common passion for they might not even be to your lik- When the immortal masterpiece arrangements. We have a fairly unique old electronic organs and analogue ing, but these hard working young- ‘Svik, harmur og dauði’ (“Betrayal, sor- sound for an Icelandic band. Another synthesizers. “The instruments sters betray bucketloads of honesty, row and death”) will be released. factor is that we don’t tend to release themselves create a lot of the music determination, ambition and vision. When will it be released? music unless it is very well thought by themselves. We are also inspired Kudos to them! “I cannot answer that.” over, so we put a lot of work and effort by airports and hanging out in Any advise for young Icelandic into everything we do.” airport cafeterias. We especially like musicians? And they are looking forward to to write lyrics in airports – we have “No. Stay out of politics.” Airwaves. “Of course! We’re not gonna notebooks full of airport poetry. As do the same show as last year, maybe a band, we’ve also been very influ- rock something out with Apparat and enced by Alfred Lothar Wegener's see how it goes.” theory of Pangaea and continental drift. We think it's fascinating that the all the continents were once the same country: Pangaea. And we think it's sad that they drifted apart.” “We dream of reuniting the conti- nents in a single continent where all the different nations of the world can live together in peace.” 10 Grapevine Airwaves Mini 2010 Go to www.grapevine.is/airwaves. NOW!

Interview | by Bob Cluness Photo by Tyrone LeBon Interview | by Rebecca Louder Photo by Devon Deimler

The Lovely Having A Jaw Crooked World Session With Of Experimental Fun- Mount master Kimbie Dan Deacon

Saturday 22:00 Sunday 22:00 NASA NASA

In the big bad world of dubstep, in a certain place and certain time on a Dan Deacon is best known for two piano, music completely unplayable for Would you like to meet and work on there are followers and there are certain label and it got tagged that way. things: a profanity laden viral video humans. He got me interested in them something else with him? leaders. Mount Kimbie belong to But it was a good thing, as it got us and bleep-bloopy dance music that and I’ve always wanted to work with Yeah, I would love to. I’ve been a fan of the latter camp, for sure. noticed very quickly by the music press hipsters really, really love. one, but they’re really expensive and his for a long time. I’ve been working on Comprised of two guys, Dom Maker who were getting more interested in The Baltimore resident is actually a con- hard to come by. I was in the studio another ranting monologue that maybe and Kai Campos, their debut album dubstep in general. I think we’d be lying servatory trained musician with a de- in Whitefish, Montana and they had he could do something for. ‘Crooks and Lovers’ has been heralded if we said that we were from some con- gree in electro-acoustic and computer a reproducing piano. It’s actually a as the best post-dubstep around this crete jungle in Croydon or something. music composition who can bust out all computer program than hooks up to the Why do you perform on the floor year. We managed to catch up with Kai We’re both from the countryside and kinds of fancy terms typically reserved studio piano and controls the hammers. with the audience in your solo for a few words about what was hap- all we ever aimed to do was to make for musicology dissertations. After two I hooked up my laptop to it and with it shows? Do you have stage-hate? pening in Mount Kimbie’s world... something that reflected ourselves. highly successful indie charted albums I wrote the piano parts for three songs [Laughs] I’ve never heard of ‘stage- Your debut album contains a lot of dif- that were declared ‘Best New Music’ on the album. hate’ before! I don’t think I have it. The Can you tell us how Mount Kimbie ferent styles such as ambient, R&B and by Pitchfork (‘Spiderman Of The Rings’ show isn’t really about watching me. started? even post-rock guitars. Was it difficult and ‘Bromst’), and a minor setback Any other obscure or antiquated It’s more about a feedback loop of the We both met at University in London in taking so many genres and trying to from a back injury late last year, Dan is instruments you plan or hope to use audience watching the audience. The 2006. I’d been making blend them into a coherent sound? back on the road and ready to fly into someday? first places I played didn’t have stages. for a while and Dom was interested in It was a worry. With the two of us, it’s Airwaves. We called him up at home to Yeah, all of them! I’m talking to this I was always on the ground and they the hardware side of it. I was helping always been more instinctive about talk soundscapes and rumours. band called LEMUR. They are wizards were just dance parties. They just would Dom build a little home studio and working out what sounds work. We of mechanical instruments so I’m going have been watching me turn knobs and showing him what I knew, we just were just trying lots of different things You’re really prolific in producing to get together with them and try out sing. started writing tunes from there. to see what would work. We went material and each of your albums some stuff. The stage does make sense when through a lot of track listings before we stands out as a distinct piece of you play in front of five thousand From there you gravitated towards were happy with the result. work from the others. Are they I have to ask about the ‘Drinking people at a festival. It changes a lot if the dubstep scene that was emerg- deliberate concepts or is it pure Out Of Cups’ viral video. How did you’re seventy-five or a hundred yards ing at the time. What was it about And how has the reception been experimentation? it happen? What’s with the acid away from someone who’s playing on the scene that interested you? since it was released? I think each album represents my musi- rumour? the ground, and you’re in the thick of it. It just seemed like everything we came It’s been unbelievable! It’s our first cal focus at the time or a reflection of I figured that was going to come up I’d rather play on a stage at a festival. I to London for. Dubstep is quite a physi- proper record and we’ve pushed hard where I’m at at the time. I tend to delve eventually. I honestly don’t know where wish there were more bands that would cal form of music and can be quite a to promote it, but the response from into these areas and explore something that rumour got started. I never even experiment with the way they perform. shock when you first hear it live. It was people has been excellent. When we else once I feel I’m done exploring heard it until someone asked me in an There’s no reason why the only option a very exciting scene and there were first finished the album, I wasn’t 100% that. My next album, whenever that will interview and I was like “What!” It was is the stage or the floor. DJs like Skream and Kode 9 who were sold on it, but I’ve gradually listened to eventually be released, will be a depar- written under the video on YouTube. establishing themselves and doing very the record more and more and now I’m ture from the last one but it probably I had to email the guy and ask him to So have you been to Iceland before? different things. really comfortable with what we made. won’t be completely unrecognisable. remove that. I guess it takes some of What have you heard and what are I started off writing a lot of electron- the fun out of it, but really I was just you expecting? You then got signed to the dubstep Another Airwaves artist is James ic music, focusing on using the different watching TV on mute and speaking in a No, I’ve never been, but it’s somewhere label Hotflush. How did that hap- Blake, who you’ve collaborated with textures and timbres of sound, which is Long Island accent. That’s pretty much I’ve wanted to for a long time! I’m pen? many times before. How did you two different from a rock band which has a all it was. coming with my dad and we’re going It all happened really quickly. After we get together? sound but can change instrumentation to travel around for a few days after my finished our first tunes, we posted them James was running a club night at the and all that. The basis of what I do is How did Liam get involved? show. I’d like to do some touristy stuff. online and put a link on the dubstep University of Goldsmiths at the time. He trying to make new timbres and work He just found it and made the video. I Maybe go whale watching, see some forum. We then got a call from Paul came round to our place and played a within that realm. I do try to explore a mean, this was back in the Kazaa and waterfalls and volcanoes. Rose, Hotflush’s owner, asking if we record of him singing that we thought lot, but I guess my compositional style Limewire days. Music blogs didn’t really wanted to put our tunes out on release. was amazingly good. So when we does stay the same in some ways. I am exist so much then. I think it was posted You know that volcano is a has- And those tunes became our first ever started doing our live set, we thought really interested in scalar motion and on comedy message board. Liam made been by now... release. it would be beneficial to have some- density, for example. the video first and then contacted me, Oh really? Maybe that’s for the best one else on board with us, and James being like “Hey man, can I make a video then. Now, while dubstep can be thought seemed a natural fit. You had some pretty interesting for this?” He sent it to me and I was like of as urban, claustrophobic and instrumentation on your last album, “Ah ha!” Like, now I’ve hit the big time! harsh, your music is pretty much the Do you think we’ll see you two play- like the player piano. How did you It blows my mind how many people find opposite. In fact you could call what ing together live during Airwaves? get your hands on one? it appealing. It’s this weird other dimen- you do ‘anti-dubstep’ couldn’t you? Maybe, we were going to do it last I’ve been a big fan for a while. A sion of my existence. Liam and I have I think so. People have even said that night but alas it didn’t quite work out. few years ago I got really into this actually never met, only emailed. our music has no real relevance to the You never know. composer, Conlon Nancarrow, who genre. I think we’re just making music composed a lot of pieces for the player FINNISH SOUNDS AT

LE CORPS MINCE DE FRANCOISE JAAKKO & JAY VUK (Pop / Electronic) (Folk / Punk) (Folk / Indie)

Thursday, Oct 14th Thursday, Oct 14th Thursday, Oct 14th 22.00 at Sódóma 23.40 at Amsterdam 22.00 at Hemmi & Valdi Friday, Oct 15th “It may be way too early to declare this, “Probably the best thing I saw 22.30 at Risið but Le Corps Mince de Françoise is my at Eurosonic this year.” Saturday, Oct 16th new favorite band.” - Huw Stephens, BBC1 - Big Stereo 19.00 at Reykjavík Downtown Hostel

“[Her vocals are] beautifully fragile and beautifully taunting and, in general, always www.musex.fi straight-up powerful.” www.icelandairwaves.is - Brandon Stosuy, Stereogum 12 Grapevine Airwaves Mini 2010 Go to www.grapevine.is/airwaves for extensive + up to date festival coverage

Interviews | by Haukur S Magnússon QUESTIONS? ANSWERS? WE’VE GOT IT ALL! A bunch of Airwaves bands answer a bunch of our questions – 2010 EDITION!

There are many, many local bands cal side of it. Not so much the creative new material from Mínus. We have just playing Iceland Airwaves this year. part of it. The scene here has always finished our fifth studio album with our We love ‘em all, and we’re pretty sure been very active and creative and that new and improved line up so this will you might love them too, if given the certainly hasn’t changed at all. be very exciting for us and hopefully for chance. So go see their shows, visit others as well. The LEGEND show at their MySpaces (you could ‘post’ on Airwaves will be something different, so their ‘walls’ for fun), buy their albums come and see. and show them some love. 7) I recommend renting a bicycle and to help y’all prepare for all those The Go-Go Darkness cycling around Seltjarnanes stopping Retro Stefson bands, we thought we’d help you Thursday 22:00 Amsterdam at the lighthouse at Grótta to bask in Saturday 01:00 NASA get to know some of them. So we e- “This is our premier show at the Air- the ambiance. And it’s nice riding close “Our main goal is to enjoy what we do mailed a bunch of them the follow- waves. We’ll be playing songs from our to the Icelandic shore. I also strongly and make people dance.” ing questions. Ten of them replied record. It’s been floating in the air for a For a Minor Reflection recommend hiking up the mountain 2) Looking forward to seeing Hercules with answers, and you can read ex- while so it will be good to throw it out Friday 22:30 Iðnó Keilir if you have time and stamina. It’s & Love Affair, Moderat, Moses Hight- cerpts from some of those answers there, live. You can expect more music, “You can expect a very energetic per- real good if you’re hung over. ower and of course a lot more. It is also below. Log on to www.grapevine.is/ as we don’t really have time to waste.” formance and lots of fun!” interesting to bump into some event airwaves to read the full interviews 5) Dried fish and Brennivín. Go to Einar 6) Just don’t sleep your day away, get you know nothing about. (and much, much more!), and stay Jónsson’s Museum. There are also up even though you’re hungover as 9) There is a lot to choose from so I’ll warm. some nice art shows at Gallery Crymo fuck. Enjoy the day and see all the just mention my favourite new Icelandic and Kling & Bang. Swimming pools all million bands that are playing both on- band, Moses Hightower. around town. 12 Tónar, Smekkleysa and off-venue. 10) I think the music scene in Iceland 1) Who are you? What can we expect from and Havarí are all good independent has benefited a bit from the Kreppa. your Airwaves appearance, and what can record shops. Icelandic Fish & Chips You concentrate on working with what we expect of you in general? is a good place to eat, the Guinness is you have and people help each other a 2) What are some of the acts you want to good at Celtic Cross and Danski Barinn lot, of course it is harder to play in other see at this festival, and why? are good for drinks. We are anti-social, Ghostigital countries because we live on an island. so we don’t get too caught up in the Saturday 00:00 Tjarnarbíó 3) Are there any acts missing from the bill fashionised Icelandic happenings. If “Just stick around for joy, and joy will that you’d like to see on there? everyone says something is good, it find you.” 4) Wow. There are, like, one million ‘in- isn’t, so avoid it. 2) The acts we are going to see defi- ternational’ acts on this year’s schedule. 10) We live on Mars so we wouldn’t Bang Gang nitely are the acts we have curated to Have you heard of any of them? Are you know. Justice for all. Saturday 20:20 Listasafn appear on our bill, Í Tómu Tjóni. excited to see any of them? Do you be- “I look at many of the Icelandic bands 7) Bah! Reykjavík rocks. That is enough. lieve having all these visiting acts chang- as international acts, and many of the Have a look at Esja. es anything for the festival in general, and its spirit? international acts as local acts. I want to 10) Bah, we need more bass to rock see Robyn & Autodrone.” the city. 5) Looking back, do you have a favourite 6) Go and see all the good bands and Sudden Weather Change edition of Iceland Airwaves? And if so, skip the bad concerts. Remember to eat Friday 00:10 Faktorý why? and drink. Buy all the records you can “ We are Sudden Weather Change, 6) A lot of our readers are first time Air- and stay away from your bed. wardens of the temple of Positik, Gods waves-visitors. Do you have any tips for 7) Just buy a postcard of a glacier and of feedback and keepers of the shitty them? What to see, what to do, what to My Summer as a Salvation Soldier use Photoshop to put yourself in the effect pedals that still make that awe- avoid, etc? Where to buy records? Or a Saturday 01:00 Risið landscape. Iceland in general is “the some unexpected noise that makes you good place to grab a bite or get away from “You can expect me to be knowl- countryside” even Reykjavík. wanna ram an eighteen-wheeler into a it all for a while? edgeable about punk rock, eating freight-train full of missiles.” 7) Given that most Airwaves-visitors pizza, reading books and talking about 4) A lot of the acts sound familiar, heard won’t have a lot of time in their schedule cinema.” Pascal Pinon of a handful of them and the ones to see the Icelandic countryside, are there 4) Well yes, I try to keep up with what’s Thursday 20:20 Risið we’ve checked out sound really awe- any nature-havens close by that you’d going on in the music world so I have “Our Iceland Airwaves appearance some. I think the festival runs to a cer- recommend? heard quite a lot of them and look will be a little bit special because we tain degree on the notion that you don’t 8) Has a lot changed in the Icelandic forward to seeing some of them. I think have a guest visiting us on stage for a necessarily know even half the bands music scene since Airwaves 2009? How Airwaves would be a very different few songs, which we are really looking that are playing but you can always be about Airwaves 2002? festival (for good or worse) if they’d forward to! So be there or be a chair.” pretty sure that most of the acts at the stop booking international bands all 4) Yes, yes, we’ve heard of them and festival are really interesting. 9) Who are your favourite Icelandic acts these days? together. It would be less diverse from Krummi of Mínus/LEGEND are really excited. It’s probably a differ- year to year obviously and make it a Mínus: Saturday 01:50 Sódóma ent spirit especially for the Icelanders REMEMBER – READ THE ENTIRE 10) A lot of international journalists like to lot less interesting for the Icelandic LEGEND: Friday 21:00 Apótekið who rarely get so many foreign bands EXCHANGE – AND MORE! – AT WWW. ask: “How has kreppa affected the Icelan- concertgoers I think. “I always do my art with my heart in my to their country. That’s one of the things GRAPEVINE.IS/AIRWAVES dic music scene.” Do you think the ques- 10) Well I suppose it’s as valid as hands.” we most appreciate about this festival. tion is valid? Do you have a preferred way of answering that? any other questions that require you 1) I’m an Icelandic musician/artist who 10) We are so young we can’t answer to make generalisations about the plays in different bands, like Mínus, this question and be taken seriously. Icelandic music scene. It has definitely Esja and my new pet project LEGEND, affected it. But I think it has mostly who are playing at Airwaves for the affected the boring business/economi- first time this year. You can expect only

14 Grapevine Airwaves Mini 2010 Go to www.grapevine.is/airwaves for your daily Airwaves tips

Interview | By Bob Cluness I was listening to your early stuff TOP 5 AFTER-HOURS and it’s interesting to hear how the HANGOUTS The Band That band’s sound has changed so much from those early days. How do you by Sigurður Kjartan Kristinsson look back upon that time? Came In From It’s an acknowledged and loathed snag, G: I like the early stuff and I still listen the confusion that takes over during to it occasionally. Obviously there is The Köld... Iceland Airwaves when the concert nothing we’ve released that we’re schedule has been concluded and you’re Sólstafir ashamed of. But we were sixteen when all too sweaty, horny and psyched up we started the band. Now we’re in to call it a night. It’s even so common keep coming on our thirties and obviously our musical that the carnival frenzy on the streets of tastes have changed. I wouldn’t want downtown Reykjavík post-3AM stems to be playing the same music now as chiefly from baffled festivalgoers that strong when I was sixteen. I mean we were just simply don’t know where to go. Or what screaming like crazy fucks back then. do to. And that’s what this list is aimed to clear up, don’t matter if you wanna Friday 23:20 You’re playing at Iceland Airwaves bone someone, hunt down a doobie or again. How do you think the festival just observe the madness—you should Sódóma find something to your tastes along the has changed over time? way. And mind that the recitation is put A: Well in the past, Airwaves have given forth in a timely sense. So number five the metal community shit. It really has. Ever since their debut EP ‘Til Vahal- tour, knowing where you go next, when are the guys who will be our idols. But is not the least-best, but rather the one lar’ was released in 1996, Sólstafir to wake up, when to perform. we’ve never felt any such burden. We’ve They’d get some token metal bands you should check out first, taking closing have been mainstays of the Icelan- Any particular highlights? never been the flavour of the week, the from Iceland and the odd flavour of the time and other as relevant things into dic metal community. But the re- A: There wasn’t anything that you’d call month or really much of the decade. week band from abroad, and put them consideration. lease of their 2009 Album ‘Köld’ and a massive highlight. We played the likes Some bands have had that burden of here in this little corner so they could heavy touring in Europe have seen of Roskilde and Wacken in , being the main attraction but we’ve continue with the festival and the bands 5. LIVE PUB them achieve significant success big exciting festivals, but we were only never had that to be honest. they really wanted to deal with. After hours and hours of gazing at among the European metal scene. there for twelve hours and we didn’t see G: I mean look at us. We’re too old to G: Now they’re under new manage- talented performers we suggest that the More and more folks are getting to anything! We did the Summerbreeze be the new hope! ment, however, and we’re quite excited first pit-stop should be this magnificent know about them. We sat down for a festival in Germany, which was a small A: Yeah we’re more like the new old about the Metal Hammer night they’re karaoke bar. If you’d convinced yourself you could just as much be on the stage pint with singer Aðalbjörn and drummer festival, only 50.000 people. We spent fucks of Iceland metal! And the only having, so perhaps this will change. I as every other Icelandic hipster you’ve Gummi to ask them about their steadily two and a half days there. The weather change has been that we’ve started do hope that we are seeing a new and witnessed earlier that night– you can see growing notoriety. was great, we made lots of new friends, getting some girls to like us now. better festival now. if the crowd agrees with you. signed autographs and the just had a After all this time how does the group You guys have been pretty busy great time in general. dynamic work? Are you close friends What’s happening after Airwaves? 4. BOSTON since Köld was released? outside the band? Is there any new material in the This is the hipster den. If things worked Aðalbjörn: Yeah, it’s been practically a Sólstafir have been around for G: It’s kind of like having a girlfriend pipeline? out according to plan at the Thai run ka- full time job since April. A lot of travel, nearly fifteen years. How does it feel you know. It’s nice to spend a lot of We actually have about half the new raoke bar you can go there and mingle a lot of touring and driving around being considered now as the “elder quality time with her, but you definitely album done. We haven’t discussed yet with the coolcats. Maybe tell them about Europe. And of course there have been statesmen” of the Icelandic metal need your own personal pace. I mean, how we’re going to release it though. your musical triumph or scrutinise to- a lot of beers that needed drinking. We scene? after we recorded ‘Köld’ we really didn’t night’s gigs. But keep in mind that most always say: never a beer left behind. G: It feels kinda strange. Bands that we speak much to each other for about How do you go about writing the people in Iceland are extremely musically used to look up to way back then now three months. music? talented (ehrm) so you might not score a record deal. Maybe a drink though, if That sounds pretty tiring... look up to us in a way. It’s good but I But it’s so important that we’re friends. A: Well one rule is that we never drink you’re lucky. Uhumm. Gummi: The touring itself isn’t really don’t know... I was talking to the friend in another during rehearsal. We drink water, tiring. Last fall we did a thirty-date tour A: I don’t really think in those terms. band that had broken up. He said that smoke lots of cigarettes and when 3. BAKKUS we’ve played the same riff for about and we were a little tired at the end, but We’re still the same band after all this he looked at all his bandmates and he This is the hot-spot in Reykjavík today. I could have gone on for another month time and there are people in the scene felt that they had all forgotten how to three hours and everybody has forgot- Don’t matter if you’re an up’n’comin or two easy. The really tiring bit is get- that you could say are our peers, but be friends with each other. They were ten themselves, and we’re not sick of it, artist or Jim Jarmusch—this is where you ting home and realising that you don’t we still look up to them. Bands like just colleagues. I wouldn’t want to be then it’s a good riff and we’ll use it. party. And most of the time, this watering have anything to do. It’s a self-discipline HAM for example. No matter how big in a band where that would happen. I hole lives up to its standards. Whatever thing. You‘ve got a sense of purpose on we could ever get, I always think those couldn’t handle it. your aim is—hunting for illegal sub- stances, conquering a beauty or getting completely sloshed—you can fulfil it here.

Eating | By Ólafur Arnalds 2. STRAWBERRIES I’m guessing that the bulk of you all have dropped out of the circuit by now—so mighty is Bakkus’ allure—but for the The Young Composer’s Guide To Reykjavík Dining ones remaining, Strawberries is a must. The party never stops there. Really, Why the respectable Reykjavík Grape- of ‘dining out’ after all. This is not the you feel very sick. on all the 10 kinds of spices they have. never. So buckle your seatbelt, ‘cause vine magazine would ask a non-eating, case though. The best pizza place in Reykjavík This, in fact, makes them quite deli- this is gonna be a ride. Don’t mind the 58kg workaholic who would go for the I usually try to get by on my break- is obviously Pizza King. This is a well- cious. tough looking East-European bouncers, pill—if there was one to replace all food fast until 7 pm or so by drinking a lot known fact. Their pizza has too much Quite a good newcomer is Gamla they’re real sweethearts. Once you’ve consumption—to write a guide on Reyk- of water, but at some point the coffee cheese and is frequently over-cooked Smiðjan. They are a bit overpriced reached for your wallet. javík dining baffles me. This request shakes will take over and I have to find (these are compliments). Pizza Pronto is though, and I find that it doesn’t matter came, however, at 4am at Kaffibarinn, some food before I pass out. When you much closer to my studio though, and whether I order a 9” or a 12” pizza, I’ll 1. N1 so I went for the “hell yes!” (this fact haven’t eaten all day and have had too they have the option of margarita slices always get exactly the same size. Some people go here for a bite after would also explain why the request much coffee, you usually don’t want to (good option for vegetarians such as partying their wits away, given its 24/7 came in the first place). Having not sit down and have a ‘light meal’. All you myself), so I go there more frequently. opening hours, but most people are unaware of that this is actually a party cooked at home since February, I really want at this point is something fat to However, their pizzas are absolutely place. The demography consists mostly should know something on the subject stuff in your face, which later will make horrible and can only be eaten by piling of teenagers under 18, but everybody knows those guys can party. So to end a night of mayhem, this is the place.

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