Icelandic Music Roundup: Jóhann Jóhannsson, Björk, Terrordisco, Reykjavíkurdætur, More

Oscar-nominated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson has been drafted in to provide the soundtrack for the sequel to Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’, directed by his long-time collaborator Denis Villeneuve. Jóhann has a well-known love of synths and organs, as heard in his work with Apparat Organ Quartet—here’s hoping his score builds on the original movie’s cult-classic Vangelis soundtrack.

Folk music influenced singer-songwriter Þórir Georg released a new track via SoundCloud last week. Entitled “Meet Me,” it’s a taster of what’s to come on his album, due to drop in the winter.

Feminist rap collective Reykjavíkurdætur postponed the release party for their debut album until September 3. Their biggest concert to date will take place at the newly re-re-re-opened music venue NASA. Entry is 2,900 ISK and it’s an 18+ event. Sorry kids.

Björk has announced a second London date after a reported 50,000 fans tried to buy tickets for her ‘Vulnicura’ for strings show at the Royal Albert Hall on September 21. The Eventim Apollo performance will take place on September 24. Björk Digital, showcasing a virtual reality version of ‘Vulnicura’, opens at Somerset House the same month.

A young Icelander reportedly connected to the Glacier Mafia sadly passed away last week after smoking the painkiller fentanyl. This prescription drug is a well-known hazard on other shores—at 50-100 times the power of morphine, it’s highly addictive and can cause respiratory failure and death when misused recreationally. Grapevine sends condolences to the friends and family of the young man.

Icelandic electronica label Ráftónar have announced the release of the first EP by former FM Belfast member, DJ—and (full disclosure) Reykjavík Grapevine art director—Terrordisco. Released on September 8th, “Fyrst” runs the gamut of Terrordisco’s eclectic taste, from techno to ambient to afro-house.