We dive deep with Icelandic artist Lúpína live from the Iceland Airwaves festival in Reykjavik. We explore the powerful emotions behind her experimental pop and connect the feeling of her music to the unique, supportive, and emotional DIY scene of Iceland.
"We have this phrase called Þetta reddast, which we say a lot, and it's just like the things will work out somehow. And I think that describes it quite well."
We're live from Reykjavik for the Iceland Airwaves festival! Brian sits down with Icelandic experimental pop artist Lúpína to discuss the vibrant and creative local music scene. Lúpína shares why singing in her native Icelandic language feels so special and how her music, while not strictly "emo," is built entirely around emotion. She describes the unique DIY culture of Reykjavik , where gigs happen in record stores and bookshops , all driven by the national mentality of "Þetta reddast" (things will work out). We also discuss her use of vocal effects , her collaboration with Dadi Freyr , and why Icelandic music has such a unique, spacious, and electronic sound.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
[00:25] The most emo song Lúpína is listening to (Highasakite)
[01:53] The special feeling of singing in Icelandic
[02:53] The Reykjavik DIY Scene & "Þetta reddast"
[04:51] Defining the Lúpína sound (Experimental Pop)
[05:16] Why Icelandic music has so much "space"
[07:03] Collaborating with Dottie Frere
[08:15] Why is there so much talent in Iceland?
[08:53] Where to find Lúpína
Guest/Band Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2WBanXfuVc8n09WZIwhGGc?si=YiETkPVDRNagWrb1j1EFiQ&nd=1&dlsi=8d47dbe1c9ee4f7a
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lupina.is/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eg.er.lupina/
Official Website: https://lupinamusic.com/
Episode Highlights:
"I wouldn't categorize my music as emo, but it all comes from emotions and it's all built around emotions."
"I feel like there's something about singing in your native language that's just really special."
"We have this phrase called Þetta reddast... it's just like the things will work out somehow."