The third (but probably not final) instalment in the
Airwaves in London story: The event is now confirmed here
and looks much as expected. It is only one day (September 19th) and
features old Airwaves favourites such as wristbands, multiple venues and a few
late surprises. The bands playing are much as previously reported and are
listed in fill on the link above, I’m looking forward to The Teenagers again if
possible. Steed Lord are the only Icelanders remaining – FM Belfast and the
mighty Gus Gus are not there, but we are promised special guests to be
announced on the day. We live in hope!
Whoever actually plays on the day, this is exciting news for London based Iceland fans (there must be loads!) – by the way, what has happened to the Reykjavik nights that were so brilliant every few months until recently? Bring them back! I thought I’d use the Airwaves in London news as a prompt to do a long overdue round up of goings on in the Icelandic music scene, particularly where relevant to London (selfish eh?).
Sign are touring the UK again, arriving at the Purple Turtle (it says here) in London on August 19th. Singapore Sling are out and about in Europe at the moment, but not coming to the UK at all – why not? Seabear play at the lovely lovely Luminaire in Kilburn, North London on September 12th – good band, good venue – can’t go wrong. Olafur Arnalds will be back in London on October 25th, this time at the Union Chapel, which should be a great night. Some band called Sigur Ros will play at the mainly inaccesible and acoustically questionable Alexandra Palace – hopefully they’re good enough to pull it off, I’ve never known them to be any less than incredible live. There are two nights, 20th and 21st November. The ever so Icelandic sounding Emiliana Torrini is back (at last) with a third album called "Me & Armini" on September 8th. Cynic Guru (influences include Duran Duran & Tears For Fears…) have a new album and are promising 
Hafdis Huld (pictured, of course) isn’t touring and hasn’t got a new album, but you can find her vocal talents on a track called "Cross To Bear" on Tricky’s new album – so I suggest you do. Finally 2 more Icelandic bands have updates saying "new album soon". Firstly Icelandic reggae band with a hint of Gomez (or is that just me?) Hjalmar and then the (at least) as mad as they sound Ultra Mega Technobandid Stefan have a debut album on the way which is sure to delight everybody.
Finally a couple of UK things that deserve a plug. The wonderful Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer has plenty going on in and around London in the near future and they are all listed on the myspace link, 4th September at Madame Jo-Jo’s sounds to me like the right location for his upper class goings-on. And the brilliant White Collar Weapons play at The Clapham Grand on August 28th, you wont find many better unsigned acts anywhere, and you will find some splendid songs (for free at the moment!) on the myspace link – I really think you should be there.