In its 24-year historical past, Iceland Airwaves has grown to be recognised as a reliably good competition: one which continues to supply a wide-ranging line up, whereas serving its nation’s small however mighty group of creatives and new music followers. In opposition to a backdrop of the spectacular Mount Esja, the three-day occasion (November 2-4) will see artists of all ranges from throughout the globe descend on Reykjavík’s metropolis centre, the place venues embody museums and eye-wateringly lovely church buildings. The competition’s idyllic setting signifies that wandering round dozens of quaint but energetic bars and music halls within the night can really feel magical.

The 2023 version could embody huge names comparable to Bombay Bicycle Membership and Yard Act, by to breakthrough expertise like Blondshell, however on the coronary heart of Iceland Airwaves is a need to platform native musicians. A rustic with solely 300,000 inhabitants – roughly the identical inhabitants as Leicester – its modern music scene is well-connected and thriving, with many acts having been given the chance to carry out on the competition within the early levels of their profession. Iceland Airwaves has beforehand performed host to current NME Cowl star Laufey and Daði Freyr of Eurovision fame – each of whom had been born in Reykjavík, and have gone on to earn recognition throughout the globe lately.

As we look ahead to one of many final festivals of the 12 months, right here’s who NME will likely be speeding to catch throughout the numerous strange venues of Iceland Airwaves 2023…

Árný Margrét 

Who: Westfjörds-born songwriter with a transparent, diamond-bright vocal
When: November 4, 20:00, Artwork Museum
Look out for: Returning to Iceland Airwaves for a second 12 months, the 21-year-old will air tracks from her 2022 debut ‘They Solely Discuss About The Climate’, a set of flippantly psychedelic people songs good for followers of Holly Humberstone or Searows. The album was nominated for an Iceland Music Award earlier this 12 months, the place judges praised Margrét for her sincere and richly detailed tales of rising up within the remoted city of Westfjörds.

Balming Tiger

Who: Multi-faceted alt-pop collective from South Korea
When: November 4, 00:20, Gamla Bl​​íó
Look out for: Within the case of Balming Tiger, there’s actually energy in numbers: since they shaped in 2018, the musical collective has expanded to comprise practically a dozen songwriters, rappers and producers. Current debut album ‘January By no means Dies’ – which NME described as “eclectic and creative” – displays the power of the group’s reside reveals: vibrant, upbeat and completely unpredictable. Add this lot to the highest of your ‘must-see’ record.

Gaidaa

Who: A testomony to the ambition and perseverance of unbiased artists
When: November 5, 00:00, Iðnó
Look out for: “I realised I’ve to belief my very own factor and my very own voice now,” Dutch-Sudanese singer Gaidaa informed Crack in Could 2022. She was describing the journey to her attractive debut EP ‘Overture’, which addressed the hope and challenges she has confronted as an unbiased artist with out an enormous workforce or monetary help backing her. Her Iceland Airwaves slot will cap off six months of transformative reside reveals for Gaidaa, which have seen an artist actually – and eventually – come into their very own.

Kneecap

Who: Provocative trio revitalising Irish insurgent music
When: November 4, 00:40, Gaukurinn
Look out for: It’s been one thing of a banner 12 months for Belfast’s Kneecap. Having kicked issues off with a spot within the NME 100, the trio have gone on to promote out reveals throughout the US, announce a biopic and signal a cope with Heavenly Recordings [Lynks, Fran Lobo] forward of their forthcoming debut album. They rap about each hedonism and the fact of rising up in post-Troubles Northern Eire – the music is each compelling and wickedly humorous directly.

Lime Backyard

Who: Brighton indie gang with a cracking debut album to their title
When: November 4, 23:40, Gaukurinn
Look out for: Some unbelievable, memorable choruses from a band making noise at every competition they play. Having conquered the likes of Glastonbury, SXSW and Latitude up to now few months alone, Lime Backyard are gearing up for a run of reveals – together with a UK headline tour in early 2024 – to kick off their debut ‘One Extra Factor’, due subsequent February. Belief us, you’ll need to hear a few of these ace album tracks good and early.

Matilda Lyn

Who: Considered one of Sweden’s most promising new pop prospects
When: November 3, 21:20, KEX 1st flooring NÝLÓ
Look out for: In June, the Gothenburg-raised Lyn emerged with ‘A Bowl Of Unripe Fruit’, a breezy and energised ditty that launched an intriguing new voice. After ending her research on the Musik Makarna songwriting academy as a young person, Lyn solid her manner into the business by sending chilly emails along with her demos to managers and journalists. Her subsequent problem? To hone her reside efficiency, beginning with an look at Iceland Airwaves.

Sprints

Who: Dublin rockers who thrive in darkish, chaotic basement venues
When: November 5, 01:10, Gaukurinn
Look out for: Vocalist and guitarist Karla Chubb shaped Sprints to insurgent towards the restricted expectations of ladies she used to see in her native scene. The music she and her band now make torches all the frustrations of her previous; the grungy, Porridge Radio-like single ‘The Cheek’ was written concerning the prejudices she has confronted as a bisexual lady. “It is vital for me to flag these items as a result of it’s not proper,” she informed NME in 2020. Proper on.