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Árni Grétar is Futuregrapher, an electronic musician who emerged from the Weirdcore Collective to co-found the Möller label in 2011. We’ll be previewing their Airwaves night in detail soon, but in the meantime we asked Árni for a guide to some of his favourite bands from Reykjavík’s electronic underground.

“Ah, the good old picking some bands from the forest kinda thingy. Yes Yes. And since you asked me to pick Icelandic electronica / dance acts, it’s kinda quite hard not just tell everybody to come to Harlem on the Thursday of Airwaves and experience Babel – my label Möller Records’ night & the Weirdcore collective. So yeah, just be there. I’m excited for that. But then again, I’m going to recommend other artists, that are not on that night. Papa needs juice, you know.

And this list is in no particular order. I’m not picking anyone as like, the greatest, or something. They are all equally exciting. Dear mama…”

AMFJ
Why? Because it’s fucking mental. It’s like riding with the Crusaders in the high middle ages, but AMFJ is riding for freedom. Not some religion. And the blood he spills, is only his own. The power – the energy – he gives to his sets are amazing. And for that matter, everything on Yatra Arts night (where he is playing) is good. Be there with me.

Captain Fufanu
I fell in love with these bwoiiis some years ago and today they are good friends. I love their buzz on stage – the overall four-to-the-floor madness they bring. I love watching young people bringing everything they have to the table and fkn throw it away to the audience. They do that with style. It’s something like being on a punk concert, but there is no one sniffing glue. It’s all just in the vibe, man. Music. On that note; release that album, Mr. Fufanu. And on a second note;  Keli and Gulli both are playing (at least Gulli) with Ghostigital – and I will see them as well.

Good Moon Deer
I just played with these guys at the Festisvall, some weeks ago, and I really enjoyed it. It was like this acid jazz thing, with a feeling. And bwoi, they were into it. I could feel it. It was beautiful. Their music is like something from “Uncle Geir”, aka Biosphere, from his album Dropsonde. I’m excited to experience them again.

Housekell
I just heard all the teenagers loved deep house. Maybe they do, maybe they don’t. I don’t know. But when I was a teenager – I used to love trance. Man, did I listen to it all. Later on – I both overdosed on trance and then ecstasy. Good times though. But I do love good deep house – and Housekell is one of the most talented Icelandic deep house producers. I sure do hope that he will play some of his originals, because they sure are sweet. Calling Dr. Deephouse, “now play that deep music, you bearded man!”

Lord Pusswhip
I don’t know if one can call him electronica or dance. But I don’t care. He’s got beats and he’s got soul. That’s all I need. This young electronic punk is mixing good old hip hop like it was invented yesterday – and he means it. I love everything about it and I will be there. Front row. Feeling horny – point to the sky – spiritual thing. God bless.

“Oh, and one thing – before I leave. Also go see ÁRNI². My new duo with Árni Vector.

Love you all / peace.”

Futuregrapher

Futuregrapher Portrait: Ómar Sverrisson