Music of Iceland - Popular Music

Popular Music

Icelandic popular music today includes many bands and artists, ranging from pop-rock groups such as Á Móti Sól (Rockstar: Supernova Magni's band), Quarashi, Bang Gang, Amiina, to solo ballad singers like Bubbi Morthens, Megas, Björgvin Halldórsson and Páll Rósinkranz, all the way to reggae band Hjálmar and Bulgarian indie-folk band Stórsveit Nix Noltes. There is also a metal and hardcore scene, including notable bands Sólstafir and Changer, and a casio-punk-pop scene spearheaded by Pool Party.

The indie scene is also very strong in Iceland, and bands such as múm, Sigur Rós, the quirky folk/pop singer Hafdís Huld and the solo artist Mugison are fairly well known outside Iceland. Easily the most famous Icelandic artist is eclectic singer and composer Björk, who has received 13 Grammy nominations and sold over 15 million albums worldwide, including two platinum albums and one gold album in the United States.

In recent years, Iceland has seen development and change in both the commercial and underground music scenes. Prominent experimental indie bands, such as the high school originated Hjaltalín and Benny Crespo's Gang are enjoying a wider audience. Notable music veterans are expanding into sub genres; for example, GusGus frontman Daníel Ágúst is currently collaborating with punk rock star Krummi from Mínus, forming the raw duo Esja. The electronic scene in Icelandic music has also widened its audience. Grittier electronic bands are redefining old styles with dynamic music such as the widely acclaimed band Steed Lord, who proclaim themselves as producers of "Gangsta electronic music".

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