Music With Father Christmas

• 4th Jul 2004

The most northerly Music Festival there is takes place in Reykjavik, Iceland 20-24 October 2004. The Festival has established itself over the last six years with performances from some of Iceland’s greatest, including the unforgetable candle lit church performance by Sigur Ros and the original appearance by Gus Gus in an old aerodrome. Others who have made an impact outside Iceland include The Leaves, Minus, Apparat Organ Quartet, Eberg, Singapoore Sling, Funerals, SKE, Jaguar, and Mugison along with big names on the international scene like The Hives, Fat Boy Slim and Suede to name but a few. The festivals growing reputation has earned fans around the globe with Leigh Lust Head of A&R at Electra (US) claiming it as the one unmissable annual music event to go to. John Kennedy at XFM UK had a live broadcast from the festival last year and claimed it was easily the “coolest one” he had been to. Four days of pure candy for music lovers with a Blue Lagoon hangover party thrown in on the Saturday entertained by DJs making the soothing experience a top event on its own.

Mr Destiny in collaboration with Icelandair have developed Iceland Airwaves and now established their identity with happening international acts as well as established and up and coming Icelandic acts. Confirmed so far are Keane from UK, predicted as the next big stars 2004. Radio 4 from USA which is impossible to categorize but offers daring fusion of electronica and rock. The Stills from Canada who have created waves with their curious mixture of New Order, Coldplay and The Cure. The hip-hop musician Kid Koala from Canada who has worked with the likes of Gorillaz and toured with Radiohead. Magnet from Norway whose songwriting skills have been compared to Simon Garfunkel and Damien Rice. And the US rock band, The Shins who are performing at almost every festival there is in Europe this summer.

The Icelandic bands confirmed include: Brain Police, Ghostigital, Eivör Pálsdóttir, Jagúar, Maus, Dikta, Skytturnar, Botnleðja, Singapore Sling, Trabant, Tenderfoot, Vinyl, Manhattan, O.N.E, Nilfisk, Lára, Mugison, Hudson Wayne, Úlpa, Kimono, Mínus, Leaves, Jan Mayen, Solid I.V., Ensími, Ske og 200.000 Naglbítar.

More acts are to be confirmed within the next few weeks.

Icelandair Holidays offer special packages including flights, accommodation and Airwaves Festival Pass. Please see www.icelandair.co.uk for further details and to book on-line.

Icelandairwaves is run by Mr Destiny in collaboration with Icelandair and Reykjavik City Council.

See www.icelandairwaves.com for more info