Arny Margret, gugusar, Vévaki and Lón represent Iceland at Eurosonic 2024
Iceland Music proudly presents a stellar lineup at ESNS 2024 featuring the brilliant artists Arny Margret, gugusar, Vévaki, and LÓN. Each artist brings forth a distinctive style, contributing to the cultural diversity and artistic expression that define Iceland’s music scene. Additionally, Arny Margret is nominated for the MME (Music Moves Europe) music award.
Witness the magic unfold as these exceptional talents take the stage, providing a captivating glimpse into the diverse musical landscape of Iceland.
HAPPY HOUR at Eurosonic
6pm – 8pm | Wednesday, 17th January
Cilinder Bar, Oosterstraat 13a, 9711 NN Groningen
As a special highlight, delegates are cordially invited to the official cocktail hour reception hosted by FMX, Iceland Music, and Record in Iceland.
This special event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Icelandic artists and industry professionals. Delegates can also explore the unique opportunities provided through the Record in Iceland initiative, fostering creative collaborations and forging lasting connections.
About the artists:
gugusar
Friday to Saturday night 20 JAN - Mutua Fides - 00:50 - 01:30
The 20 year old singer, producer and songwriter gugusar, released her debut album at age 15 showcasing her experimental and genre-defying music that effortlessly transitions from soft melodies to resonant drum & bass beats. With two LPs under her belt, she’s already earned nominations for Singer of the Year and Album of the Year (twice!) from the Icelandic Music Awards.
Gugusar’s journey into performance started early as a figure skater,This passion seamlessly evolved into a love for live music, infusing her performances with captivating on-stage choreography. Her shows, enriched by dance routines, reveal a multifaceted artist who continually surprises and captivates audiences.
Having graced stages in the UK, Switzerland, and the Faroe Islands, gugusar is currently working her debut LP, with the first single set for release in January 2024. And as if that weren’t impressive enough, she recently contributed to the musical production of a play at the National Theatre of Iceland.
vévaki
Thu 18 JAN - Der AA-Theater - 19:30 - 20:10
Emerging as a solo venture by vocalist Will Hunter, VÉVAKI has evolved into a Nordic heathen-inspired folk band. The debut album, ‘Edda’, intricately breathes new life into Old Norse poetry, marking a hypnotically heady musical journey. Expanding into a full ensemble with Sigurboði Grétarsson, Florian Baudrain, Gísli Gunnarsson, and Hrafnhildur Inga Guðjónsdóttir, their second release, ‘Fórnspeki,’ maintains folk roots while exploring broader and more mature sounds. Grounded in modern heathen tradition, VÉVAKI’s music doubles as a spiritual practice, utilizing varied instruments and vocal styles. ‘Fórnspeki’ extends beyond a traditional album, embracing structured rituals and spiritual practices.
With an animistic approach, the band forges a profound connection with listeners, delivering contemporary sounds interwoven with ancient themes. VÉVAKI’s flexible instrumentation and commitment to modern beliefs set them apart, offering songs that resonate deeply with contemporary spirituality.
Lón
Thu 18 JAN - Lutherse Kerk - 21:30 - 22:10
In the heart of Iceland’s lockdown, three long-time friends – Valdimar Guðmundsson (frontman of Valdimar), Ásgeir Aðalsteinsson, and Ómar Guðjónsson — came together to create music. Their unplanned collaboration, fuelled by the desire for a creative sanctuary, flourished in a cabin by Iceland’s largest lake and new Americana project LÓN was born.
Their first single, “My Father,” delved into middle-aged introspection, a theme further explored in the heartfelt debut album, ‘Thankfully Distracted’. Within LÓN, seasoned musicians blend jazz riffs, folky charm, and Valdimar’s unmistakable vocals, forming an effortlessly cohesive sound. The all-star trio, each with extensive musical pedigrees, genuinely bonded in this creative endeavour, crafting narratives that resonate with parenthood and life’s inevitable distractions.
Arny Margret
Thu 18 JAN - Stadsschouwburg - 21:00 - 21:40
Hailing from the picturesque town of Ísafjörður, Icelandic indie folk sensation Arny Margret embarked on her musical odyssey at the tender age of 6, mastering the piano and later teaching herself the guitar. Her enchanting debut album, ‘They Only Talk About The Weather,’ released in October 2022, swiftly propelled her into the global music spotlight. Drawing inspiration from Andy Shauf, Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, and Gregory Alan Isakov, Arny crafts music that resonates with emotional depth and sonic richness.
In September 2022, Arny unveiled her luscious EP, ‘dinner alone,’ via One Little Independent Records, showcasing her versatile style that seamlessly blends folk, indie, and introspection. Rich, intimate instrumentation delves into themes of self-reflection and existentialism.
The young musician has already built up an impressive touring history, sharing stages with artists, such as Leif Vollebekk, Passenger, Blake Mills, and Ásgeir, and performing at major events, including SXSW, The Great Escape, Newport Folk Festival, Reykjavik Calling, and Iceland Airwaves. Her recent European tour, spanning Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and France, solidifies her position as a recognized international musical presence.
MUSIC MOVES EUROPE AWARD.
Arny Margret is additionally nominated for the prestigious Music Moves Europe Award, European Union Prize celebrating the emerging artists who represent the European sound of today and tomorrow.
The MME Awards are designed to accelerate the international careers of upcoming European artists. Former winners include; Stromae, Alyona Alyona, Rosalia, The Haunted Youth, Dua Lipa, Sans Soucis, Hozier, Meskerem Mees and Christine and the Queens.
Music fans across Europe will vote to select the winner of the MME Public Choice Award 2024 via the Music Moves Europe Awards website: www.mmeawards.eu so we highly encourage you to vote for Arny Margret – our Icelandic nominee.