In November every year, Reykjavik comes alive with the rhythm of the Iceland Airwaves music festival. Set against the backdrop of Iceland’s capital, from November 2-4, the city will resonate with melodies that transcend genres. From the sweet sounds of hidden gems waiting to be discovered to the compelling performances of headline acts, Iceland Airwaves is an experience like no other. Last year, outlets like NME and The Independent lauded the festival with a perfect score, while Rolling Stone deemed it “an essential trip for music lovers.” And, when set against Reykjavík’s magical vistas? Well, in their words, it’s “near unmissable.” I would agree. I attended Iceland Airwaves last year and really enjoyed myself.
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Meet Music Manager Kim Wagenaar
But before you pack your warmest coats and dancing shoes, read my interview with the Netherlands-born Kim Wagenaar, a Music Manager at Iceland Airwaves and co-founder of MMF Iceland and Shesaid. I wanted to get her perspective on the festival and tease out some advice for my readers who will be attending this year.
Hey Kim, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview. Please give my readers a little background on you, and tell me what it means to be a Music Manager for Iceland Airwaves music festival
Thank you for having me!
As I grew up in a household of music lovers, it was a natural decision for me to work in the industry. I studied Arts & Economics Music Management in Utrecht and have seen and worked in most corners of the industry since. In 2013 I came to Iceland for the first time to experience Iceland Airwaves. Three editions later I relocated to Reykjavík, and now actually work for the festival. A dream come true!
Being part of the team has been a heartwarming experience. Everyone is so passionate, hardworking, and aims to make each edition better than the last. I find it amazing how our small team can create something that is so big, and means so many things to people from all over the world. It’s so much more than a ‘regular’ festival!
What acts are you most excited to experience this year?
Now this is a hard question for a music lover to answer because I’m truly excited about our line-up. I guess every act I can experience is one I’m excited about as that means I’ll have time to leave my computer for a bit! On Friday I’d aim for Cyber, Monikaze, Lón, and Yard Act. Saturday Balming Tiger, Bombay Bicycle Club, Fran Vasilic, neonme and Lime Garden. On Sunday I’d love to check out Gaidaa, Mugison, Sprints, Tilbury and Nanna. I actually have gotten a few messages about JJ Paulo being a must-see, so I’m excited to check him out as well!
What Icelandic musicians or bands can you recommend to my readers?
The grassroots scene here in Iceland is so rich and one of a kind so I’m sure there’s something for everyone. Sticking to our line-up, I’d recommend checking out Gugusar, Tilbury, Eydís Evensen, Tilbury, Kári, Nanna, GRÓA, neonme, superserious… and basically anyone and everyone whose name looks Icelandic, haha.
Photo: Julie Van Den Bergh
What can those who visit Reykjavik to attend Iceland Airwaves expect?
Anything and everything! As someone who’s been going since 2013, I’ve had different experiences myself. I guess it depends on your intentions as you can completely tailor your experience to your liking!
I find the combination between being in Iceland while at a music festival special on its own. You can take road trips during the day, and party at night. If you want to sleep well and wake up fresh for the next day, you can go home after the last official concert. Want to party? Well, you can end up at a club or at an afterparty at a local’s house. If you don’t want to explore the country at all, you can spend the day hopping between off venue shows downtown, checking out shops, visiting museums etc, before the evening concerts start.
In general, it feels like the city becomes one giant family of like-minded people who are here to have fun, connect, and experience.
What hints and tips do you have for those attending Iceland Airwaves for the first time?
My main tip would be to be open to where Airwaves takes you. Aside from marking the acts you do not want to miss, it’s beautiful to connect with the people around you and let the flow take you where it will. You may end up at the pool with an artist you love, at an afterparty at a secret location, in a hot tub on a boat in the harbour at 2 AM You never know!
Oh and always look up when leaving a venue, the northern lights may just be putting on a show you wouldn’t want to miss!
What are your favorite places and activities here in Iceland?
Number one would be the pools. As a Dutchie I never understood it as we only go to the pool for kids parties and complain about the chlorine hurting our eyes, but trust me. It’s like a spa.
Other than that I love grabbing a good coffee at places like Hygge and Kaffi Ó-le (you should go for take-away and explore the city), lunch at Deig (go for the Poor Man’s Offer), wine and dinner at Tíu Sopar, beer at Skúli, and if you fancy an afterparty, check out Kaffibarinn.
Anything you want to add?
I never really know how to perfectly capture Iceland Airwaves into words, so I’d recommend you just come over and check it out for yourself! It’s truly one of a kind and I’d love for you to experience it. Tickets at www.icelandairwaves.com/tickets!
