The Sound Vault Music Discovery Digest #2 | Iceland Edition
Iceland Edition: Complete musical history from 1980s punk to Oscar-winning composers. Björk, Sigur Rós, múm, plus discoveries. Beyond algorithms.
🎼 Music Discovery Digest #2: Iceland Edition Playlist
Welcome to the second Music Discovery Digest! After receiving positive feedback from the first newsletter, I decided to create something more specific and concept-based—and I had a lot of fun researching it. I need to remind you: I created this blog to learn more about the music I’ve been listening to for years and to discover new things. I’m learning alongside you, but this time I got really excited diving deep into Iceland’s music scene.
I first discovered Icelandic music through Sigur Rós after I started listening to post-rock giants like God Is an Astronaut and Mogwai. But my main curiosity came from the living nature of this island itself. How does such a small island have this massive effect on world music, creating so many amazing artists like Björk, Sigur Rós, múm, GusGus, Of Monsters and Men, and Hildur Guðnadóttir? What’s the reason behind it? They’re all futuristic and unique artists trying something completely different, not following mainstream habits. Sigur Rós, for example, produces music so unique that I can’t call it standard post-rock—they use creative elements and genuine ideas that set them apart. This week, I focused entirely on researching Iceland’s music history and discovered amazing things to share. It was genuinely fun reading and learning about their musical journey. They’re a small but brave island.
Let’s start by exploring these amazing artists who don’t just create music—they build entire scenes for everyone.
Icelandic Songs on The Sound Vault
Let’s start by diving deep into the Icelandic artists featured on The Sound Vault. Most of them have unique and interesting stories, so I suggest reading the full articles to learn more about these invaluable artists. I should mention that most of the artists who shaped Iceland’s musical history are covered in this week’s comprehensive article “Iceland’s Musical Revolution“.
🎼 → Björk | Jóga
Björk’s “Jóga” is the lead single from Homogenic (1997), dedicated to her best friend. The music video captures Iceland’s living landscape, while the song’s rhythm patterns echo the natural world itself.
One of my long-time favorites that I never knew the full story behind—researching how this Icelandic indie-folk collective came together and created such tender bedroom pop was genuinely rewarding.
I’ve followed Ólafur for years—a young, successful composer with a heavy metal background who creates minimal, contemplative piano melodies. His music has accompanied countless hours of thinking and working, always present but never intrusive.
New Discoveries from Icelandic Music
Creating a concept-focused newsletter like this Iceland Edition is the perfect way to discover new music and artists I knew nothing about. I’m featuring three artists here, but I’m certain there are dozens more creating incredible music on this small island.
🎼 → Árstíðir | Ró
I discovered Árstíðir while researching for this newsletter, and I’ve been playing “Ró” on repeat ever since. Though they’re known for vocal harmonies, this instrumental piece tells more than words ever could—just pure melody and atmosphere.
A trio blending electronics, clarinet, and 19th-century poetry into something that captures Iceland’s cold, ethereal beauty. The combination sounds impossible on paper but works perfectly in practice.
🎼 → Amiina | Rugla
Four women creating magic with musical saws, kalimbas, music boxes, wine glasses, and glockenspiels. One of this week’s most delightful discoveries—unconventional instruments creating something surprisingly accessible and gentle.
Essential Albums
Ágætis byrjun redefined post-rock and atmospheric music in my musical listening history. Invented language, lots of unique elements inserted into the music, minimal but decisive drums and guitars—all of this shaped this invaluable album that makes it essential to understand and feel Iceland’s musical culture.
🎼 → Essential Album: Sigur Rós - Ágætis byrjun
Artist Spotlight
Want to know more about Björk, who shakes governments and screams “Declare Independence,” telling people to climb mountains with flags and trumpets? This spotlight covers 10 essential tracks to help you understand this fearless artist and the stories behind her music.
🎼 → Artist Spotlight: Björk’s Top 10 Essential Tracks 🌋
Articles
While working on this article, I discovered fascinating details like Ólafur’s heavy metal background and Björk’s punk history. If you want to understand why this 370,000-population island created such an amazing musical culture, read this article to learn how these artists supported each other and took creative risks that shaped modern alternative music. I’ve also included many well-known artists I only just discovered myself. Don’t miss this journey through Iceland’s musical revolution from the ‘80s to today.
🎼 → Iceland’s Musical Revolution: From Isolation to Global Influence
Old but Gold
Before we close, let’s revisit an old gold: “Hoppípolla” by Sigur Rós. I published this track on The Sound Vault a year ago (October 29th, 2024), and it remains one of their most emotionally powerful songs.
The End. I’ll be so glad if you learned something new and discovered one of these amazing artists before you leave. I’ve learned lots of things, I must admit—I’m sure you did too. If you want to contribute or mention anything I missed, please comment. And if you enjoyed reading this digest, please share and subscribe if you haven’t already.