Iceland’s Folk Music Scene is Booming

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll be happy to hear that Iceland’s folk music scene is booming! With a rich history of traditional music, Iceland is now home to a number of up-and-coming folk musicians who are keeping the tradition alive.

So if you’re looking for some new and exciting folk music to check out, be sure to check out Iceland’s scene. You won’t be disappointed!

The History of Folk Music in Iceland

Folk music has been a strong presence in Iceland since the country was first settled by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago. Though the style of Icelandic folk music has changed significantly over the centuries, it remains an important part of the country’s cultural identity.

The first evidence of folk music in Iceland comes from the 12th century, when the Islandic sagas were written. These sagas contain many references to musical instruments and styles that were popular at the time. In particular, the sagas describe a type of singing called skaldic poetry, which was sung accompanying Icelandic dances.

By the 18th century, the influence of European classical music was beginning to be felt in Iceland. This can be seen in the works of composers such as Bjarni Thorsteinsson and Jon Sigurdsson. However, folk music remained an important part of Icelandic culture, and many traditional songs and dances were still being performed.

The 20th century saw a renewed interest in Icelandic folk music, as composers such as Jon Leifs began to explore its possibilities. Leifs was particularly interested in creating works that blended traditional Icelandic folk elements with modern classical techniques. This approach can be heard in his famous work “Islendingadagurinn”, which is based on an ancient Icelandic folk tune.

Today, there is a flourishing scene of contemporary Icelandic folk musicians who are keeping the tradition alive while also bringing their own unique perspectives to it. Some of the most popular names in this scene include Ólafur Arnalds, Mugison, and Jóhann Jóhannsson. This new wave of artists is helping to ensure that Icelandic folk music remains an important part of the country’s cultural identity into the 21st century and beyond.

The Resurgence of Folk Music in Iceland

In recent years, Iceland has been experiencing a folk music revival, with a growing number of young people taking up the traditional music of their ancestors. This resurgent interest in folk music is part of a broader trend in Iceland of rediscovering and celebrating the country’s cultural heritage.

Folk music has always been an important part of Icelandic culture, with many of the country’s most popular musicians, including Björk and Sigur Rós, drawing inspiration from traditional Icelandic folk music. However, in recent years there has been a renewed interest in folk music among younger Icelanders. This resurgence is part of a broader trend in Iceland of rediscovering and celebrating the country’s cultural heritage.

There are now numerous folk music festivals held in Iceland each year, and the genre is once again gaining popularity among young people. This renewed interest in folk music is helping to preserve Iceland’s rich musical tradition and ensure that it continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

The Popularity of Folk Music in Iceland

Folk music has been popular in Iceland for many years, but in recent years the scene has exploded. There are now dozens of Icelandic folk bands playing a wide variety of traditional and modern music.

The popularity of folk music in Iceland can be traced back to the country’s rich musical history. For centuries, Iceland was isolated from the rest of Europe, and its music developed separately from other traditions. Icelandic folk music is therefore unique, and has a special place in the hearts of many Icelanders.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Icelandic music, as well as a growing appreciation for the work of contemporary Icelandic folk musicians. This has led to a boom in the Icelandic folk music scene, with new bands forming and old bands releasing new albums.

If you’re interested in hearing some Icelandic folk music, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Here are just a few of the most popular Icelandic folk bands:

– Árstíðir
– S Vanilla
– Sólstafir
– Múm
– Of Monsters and Men

The Future of Folk Music in Iceland

Icelandic folk music is undergoing a renaissance. A new generation of folk musicians are bringing the traditional music of their country to new audiences, and FolkAid Iceland is at the forefront of this movement.

FolkAid Iceland is a non-profit organisation that works to promote and support traditional Icelandic music. Founded in 2013, the organisation has already made a significant impact on the Icelandic music scene.

One of FolkAid Iceland’s primary goals is to create opportunities for young folk musicians to perform and record their music. To this end, FolkAid Iceland has organised a number of successful concerts and recording projects.

In 2016, FolkAid Iceland released an album entitled “Nýja Ísland” (New Iceland), featuring 14 young Icelandic folk musicians. The album was warmly received by critics and fans alike, and was nominated for a prestigious Nordic Music Prize.

FolkAid Iceland has also been active in promoting traditional Icelandic instruments, such as the langspil (a type of zither) and the fiðla (a type of fiddle). In 2015, the organisation organised a langspil workshop for young people, which was attended by over 100 participants.

The future looks bright for Icelandic folk music. With organisations like FolkAid Iceland working to promote and support the traditional music of the country, it is sure to reach new heights in the years to come.