Símon FKNHNDSM’s Guide To Sónar Reykjavík

Símon FKNHNDSM is the co-host to the Funkþátturinn radio show on X-ið FM 97.7 (not to be confused with electronic station FM X-tra). He’s been a resident at Kaffibarinn for a decade, and is slowly making a name for himself accross scandinavia.

Floating Points

I’m really excited to see Sam and his band play. I’ve been following his music since 2009—he’s such a great great artist and DJ. He translates his signature sound across genres, from house to ambient to trap, and into places where these labels hardly fit. Seeing this on stage with a live band is incredibly exciting. ‘Elaenia’ was, in my opinion, the best album of 2015.

The Black Madonna

Probably the most interesting female DJ in the world right now, her releases have always impressed me. She’s from the cradle of House music, Chicago, and while she represents the Chicago roots of the style, she’s bringing it into new spaces. Her music is so tight. Not simple, not complicated, just tight. You just enjoy the whole thing. Playing her music is a joy.

Dorian Concept

This guy is taking music into new places. I could stick some labels on him, but really it’s music for people that want to be pleasantly surprised. His track “Trilingual Dance Sexperience” was a staple in Funkþátturinn in 2009, and we’ve been covering him since. He’s one of the many reasons why it’s been worthwhile to follow the Ninja Tune label for the last 25 years.

Rodhad

Rodhad is taking techno into new areas with his fresh approach to rhythm. He’s backed by many of the older, legendary figures of the genre like Dave Clarke, Exos, Jeff Mills and Laurent Garnier. Also, he’s the style twin of Icelandic DJ Omar E. I’m really hoping I’ll meet the both of them at the same time at the festival, and that they’ll do that trick where they pretend to be a guy looking into a mirror. His track “Newspeak” got my attention two years ago and after that, I have been a fan. Be sure to check out his DJ sets on Soundcloud!

Kiasmos

One of the best electronic music duos in the world. I don’t think I need to say anything else. If you’re in Iceland and at an electronic music festival, you know this. But you’re probably also in Iceland to bring home stories of new discoveries, so you should also check out Bjarki, Árni Skeng, President Bongo, Intro Beats and Brilliantinus—and the all-female lineup at Sonar Lab on Thursday is not to be missed.