Author: John Rogers
Premiere: Gyða Valtýsdóttir Becomes GYDA; Releases Beautiful “Moonchild” Video
by John Rogers
The Icelandic solo musician and master collaborator Gyða Valtýsdóttir, whose album of reworked classical compositions ‘Epicycle’ met with great acclaim…
Editorial: The Power Of Outsiders
by John Rogers
Outsiderism is an interesting phenomenon. Whether it’s artists who operate outside of the mainstream, activists trying to influence political decision…
Hard Labour: 10 Years After His First Show, Þrándur Is One Of Iceland’s Best-Known Painters
by John Rogers
Þrándur Þórarinsson opens the door of his studio and quietly says hello. Dressed in a blue grandad-collar shirt and maroon…
Cloud Island: A Drive Around The South Faroese Outpost Of Suðuroy
by John Rogers
The Faroe Islands appear suddenly, a jutting interruption in an endless carpet of rolling clouds. The plane circles the islands…
Music News: Ambitious Tours, Reykjavík Jazz Festival, Bjarki Going Strong, Busy FALK & More
by John Rogers and Sveinbjörn Pálsson
Three Icelandic acts are embarking on ambitious tours this year. First, mom-folk strummer Axel Flovent is heading out on a…
Disposable Art: The “Saltjökull” Project Wraps Fish ‘n’ Chips In Art Prints
by John Rogers
You may have heard the old aphorism about the news: that one day, it’s on the front page, and the…
Town Guide: Seafood, Wildlife, Crystals & Caves in Neskaupstaður
by John Rogers
Iceland’s easternmost town of Neskaupstaður is known to many for the Eistnaflug metal festival, but it’s a charming place to…
The Smiting Never Ends: Women’s World Cup, Aron & Hannes Contracts & More
by John Rogers and Greig Robertson
After a fascinating World Cup tournament reached its finale, the Icelandic men’s team are regrouping for some coming tournaments, while…
Cartoons: Elín & Lóa Muse On The Icelandic Summer, Or Frequent Lack Of
by John Rogers
Here’s the latest relatable content from our resident comic geniuses Elín Elisabet and Lóa. See more comics here.
Grapevine Playlist: ASTVALDUR, Omotrack, Kristín Anna, Andi, Mosi & More
by John Rogers, Hannah Jane Cohen and Valur Grettisson
Like eight glorious sea eagles swooping majestically into your living room, we present to you the essential Icelandic tracks of…
G! Force: G! Festival Turns A Tiny Faroese Town Into An All-In Beach Party
by John Rogers
It’s hard to believe, on first sight, that a music festival could take place in the location of G! Festival….
Music News: Norðanpaunk Lineup, Andi Snap-Releases 2nd LP, Vikingur Marches On
by John Rogers and Hannah Jane Cohen
Norðanpaunk Festival, held annually in the roadside hamlet of Laugarbakki in Northwest Iceland, has announced the final lineup for their…
The Great Reykjavík Steak-Off: Three Reykjavík Steak Joints Battle For The Crown
by John Rogers
When the Argentína Steakhouse closed its doors earlier this year, it left a big rib-eye shaped hole in the downtown…
Fill Your Lungs: Seyðisfjörður’s LungA Festival Is A Breath Of Fresh Air
by John Rogers
A white-robed procession walks slowly along the shoreline of Seyðisfjörður’s harbour lagoon. The throng are singing softly, and have dots…
The First Ladies Of Beer: Lady Brewery’s Craft Beers Turn Heads In The Male-Dominated Scene
by John Rogers
In September of last year, Ragnheiður “Raxel” Axel and Þórey Björk Halldórsdóttir—a food industry worker and a designer, respectively—started a…
Last Farm In The Valley: Slow Time At East Iceland’s Wilderness Centre
by John Rogers
The Fljótsdalur valley is a secluded place. It begins at the foot of Lake Lagarfljót, where Route 934 winds through…
Town Guide: Hidden Places, Wildlife & Westfjordian Wonders In Patreksfjörður
by John Rogers
Tucked away in the southernmost region of the Westfjords lies Patreksfjörður, a peaceful fishing town of around 700 inhabitants. It’s…
Life In Pictures: Dragons, Deities, Morphoclogs
by John Rogers
There’s something strange going on outside Iðnó. A cluster of tall, black, bipedal reptiles stand with their backs to the…
Icelandic Craft Beer Trends: Raise a Glass
by John Rogers
1988 sucked in Iceland. Beer, believe it or not, was still puritanically illegal and there was certainly no Icelandic craft…
Town Guide: Folk Art, Fish & Chips, Sea Monsters And Wild Swimming In Bíldudalur
by John Rogers
In centuries past, Bíldudalur was a centre of trade and fishing in the Westfjords. It still has a working fishing…
New In Town: Bastard Bar, ÓX, Gott, Holt, Icelandic Craft Bar, Hannesarholt Restaurant
by John Rogers
Life moves fast: if you don’t stop to smell the roses, you could miss it. Reykjavík also moves fast. Here…
#SmiteTheWorld: A Recap Of Iceland’s World Cup Adventure
by John Rogers and Greig Robertson
And that, as they say, is that. Iceland’s World Cup run was short, but glorious. Their incident-packed week in the…
Music News: Kælan Mikla, Innipúkinn, Mighty Bear
by John Rogers
DIY goth-rock trio Kælan Mikla were recently invited to play at Robert Smith’s Meltdown festival at the Royal Festival Hall…
A Lovely Great Time: Meet The Post-Dreifing DIY Arts & Music Collective
by John Rogers
Now and then, a new music scene seems to spring up out of the ground. The last few years have…
Hairy Venice: Birta Guðjónsdóttir, Shoplifter and HAM Go To The Biennale
by John Rogers
Iceland always makes a splash at the Venice Biennale. From Ragnar Kjartansson’s portrayal of an extravagant, repetitive portraitist, to the…