Who are you? What can we expect from your Airwaves appearance, and what can we expect of you in general?
My name is Arnór Dan Arnarson and I am the singer of the band Agent Fresco. With me I have three very handsome boys, Hrafnkell (DRUMS), Þórarinn (guitar, piano) and Borgþór (upright bass that looks like an oversized cocktail stirrer). As a band, we promise you the most energetic and musically tight concert at this Airwaves.
What are some of the acts you’ll want to see at this festival, and why?
As a frequent concert goer here in Iceland, I’ll try and experience as many foreign acts as possible, bands I’ve never had the pleasure of witnessing. Being raised in Denmark, I’ve noticed that I’ve turned my ears and eyes their way this year, and I am particularly excited about a few acts from there: Vinnie Who, When Saints Go Machine and Oh Land, to name a few. I’ll probably go mental at the Vinnie Who performance, because the bassist, Martin, is my best friend. Join me.
Are there any acts missing from the bill that you’d like to see on there?
I of course try not to think that way, focusing on what’s missing that is. We could go on and on about artists we all wanted to see, but that’s just being silly and won’t get you anywhere. I’m first and foremost grateful for being a part of this festival. I think we’re playing about five times during the festivities, so I know that it’s going to be an impulsive, hectic dance, trying to get to listen to as many acts as possible.
This year sees fewer ‘large’ international acts on the schedule. Do you believe this changes anything for the festival in general, and its spirit?
Definitely. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see some ‘larger’ acts here in Iceland and more often than…three times a year? But I’ve always thought of Airwaves as one big showcase party, both foreign and local, and in some way, the minimized budget kind of did have a one step back on the scale of ‘large’ bands effect. More upcoming, more fresh music. I like it.
Looking back, do you have a favourite edition of Iceland Airwaves? And if so, why?
Iceland Airwaves 2008, without a fucking doubt. Mainly because of our ‘breakthrough’ performance at the Kerrang stage at NASA. In one of our songs, we threw in another chorus an a cappella and as I stood there screaming my lungs off, I realised that the entire venue was singing along. Talk about goosebumps and a truly heartfelt moment.
A lot of our readers are first time Airwaves-visitors. Do you have any tips for them? What to see, what to do, what to avoid, etc? Where to buy records? Or a good place to grab a bite or get away from it all for a while?
Just walk down Laugavegur and scout continuously down to where the venues are. It’s Reykjavík, it’s not that big, and it’s intensified with good unique stuff and decent record stores.
Given that most Airwaves-visitors won’t have a lot of time in their schedule to see the Icelandic countryside, are there any nature-havens close by that you’d recommend?
You should do the classic, I know it’s touristy, but there’s a reason for that. The Golden Circle tour. There, you’ll get to see some geysers, a beautiful and powerful waterfall and the national park, Þingvellir.
If you’re only here for the Airwaves days, I would just enjoy all the off venue activities that are going on downtown. Plenty of music to experience; go be adventurous within the city limits.
- When: Saturday 23:20
- Where: Sódóma
- When: Thursday 23:20
- Where: Grand Rokk
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