Airwaves 2006

Iceland Airwaves takes place this week in Reykjavik. It is a major event on the Icelandic music scene, where both Icelandic bands along with foreign ones ocupy every club of Reykjavík for a week. Iceland Airwaves is an annual music event that started out in 1999 as a talent show for foreign record company executives, since then Airwaves has grown and blossomed and is now an integral part of the cultural life in Reykjavík. The fruits of the festival's labour have been ripening and today many Icelandic artists such as Quarashi, Minus, Sigur Ros, Apparat Organ Quartet, Trabant, Leaves and more have made their way to the International music scene.

Music is a very important part of the Icelandic culture. There are many clubs that feature live concerts all around the clock. Famous names are:

Sigur Rós: Sigur Rós are an Icelandic post-rock band with melodic, classical and minimalist elements. The name is Icelandic for "victory rose".

Thanks to my boss and very good friend Gunni I was introduced to the Indie-music scene. Gunnar is the manager of two bands: Indigo and Shadow Parade. They both write and play great songs. I also met Lay Low, Pétur Ben and other musicians thanks to Gunni.

Indigo: Ingolfur Tor Arnason has worked under the artist name Indigo. He has recorded two cds and had a song on a colaboration CD of up-and-coming artists. His debut CD Escapism was released 2001 in a colaboration with 12 tonar. Shortly after the recording, Inglfur started working with Vala Gestsdottir (Viola, Singer) making Indigo a duet. Since than they have been busy playing around town and made some live appearances on TV and Radio. Through Icelandair and Reykjavk City, Indigo went to N.Y. 2004. They have now finished their third L.P. that will be released this year. Their music could be described as Alt. country.

Shadow Parade: Shadow Parade are a musical explosion in waiting. A blend of midnight melodies, bittersweet melancholy and sweeping romanticism. They are a reverse evolution, from the PC to a full blown six piece band. Shadow Parade moved from Akureyri to Reykjavík in pursuit of their music dream. With the relocation came a musical re-think.
The duo decided the classic material they where producing would benefit from a boarder sound palate and the warmth of traditional instruments.
As a rhythm section they have a telepathic groove that only siblings can produce. With the advent of such rhythmic dynamism the hard drive was switched off and the songs began to blossom.

The music of all these bands is available on: www.myspace.com