Icelandic Pop: Then, Today, Tomorrow, Next Week

A celebration and guide to the land of fire and ice’s music history.

Iceland punches well above its weight in the world of music, producing global icons like Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, and Laufey, while at the same time nurturing a vibrant local scene. This book explores how Iceland’s unique social habits, institutions, and everyday practices contribute to its thriving music culture.

Tracing the development of Icelandic popular music since the rock and roll era, Thoroddsen examines key influences shaping the scene, from the personalities of Reykjavík’s musicians to national institutions like radio and concert venues. With engaging explanations of sociological factors, the book sheds light on why Iceland has become a powerhouse in music. An illuminating journey through Iceland’s music history, this book is a celebration of the artistry and cultural forces behind that history’s global impact.

Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen is director of the undergraduate media and communication studies program at the University of Iceland. He is the author of three books on Icelandic music.