Three years ago I came to Iceland Airwaves for the first time. It was amazing. Retro Stefson at NASA, climbing on someone's back to sing along. Sweating in the basement of Bar 11. Crowd surfing to Hot Chip on the final night. Memories.
We were lucky enough to be a part of this year´s official festival programme, hosting a special Paradís Sessions showcase stage at the IA Clubhouse (at Skúli Craft Bar.) We were in good company, with Icelandic Publisher Alda Music and US radio station The Current each taking on the venue for the other 'Airwaves' days.
full house at the clubhouse
As well as playing host to some artists well-known to us, our Paradís stage brought along some new artists to the fold (watch out for some new live sessions with those soon!) The aim was simple: to unveil the next bands and artists that are gonna take someone´s breath away, perhaps this year, perhaps next year... The newest of new music here in Iceland.
The festival itself was celebrating a landmark birthday. The 20th year since it begun, in much smaller, and very different circumstances. To celebrate, this year was about bringing back some of that original Iceland Airwaves spark. Smaller venues, focus on the new music, real feeling in downtown. Exciting times.
Jelena Ciric gave a heartwarming performance to start
It's pretty fair to say we kicked off this new edition of Airwaves. Hosting the official clubhouse from 3pm on the opening day, Wednesday 7th November. The schedule saw Jelena Ćirić step up first, to a full house and a great atmosphere. A very welcoming audience to the stage transition of our live sessions. As for Jelena, what a special set indeed. Songs we´ve heard live before but something different about this occasion.
For now, the start is a taster. More words on the rest of our amazing schedule and stage in part 2. PS