OK, it's not exactly "Hello Wembley!", but I'm chuffed to bits that iceblah has attracted the attention of the good people of IMX. IMX is Iceland Music Export and their wonderful, one stop shop for all Icelandic music is here. I've long been a fan of the site and (very obviously) a supporter of what they do. In fact, I've often thought they have the best jobs in the world – bringing these great bands to global attention. I'm certain it isn't as easy as we all know it should be, and I'm very very glad if I can help in any way at all. So, if you look at the left hand side of the icelandmusic.is page, you will now see iceblah! And if you are quick you will find an article about me (!) and an interview (!!) and a photo (!!!) in the main body of the page. These people are great! I have never ever been called venerable or erudite before, and I may never be again, I'm blushing…

But, I have a job to do. And this is such a fun time of year as acts are getting to the Airwaves bill all the time – 10 more since we last spoke. And the magic that is Iceland Airwaves is summed up by just two of their names. Where else can you find Fuck Buttons and Cocktail Vomit sharing a bill? That's what we love!

Starting with the Icelanders, as I hinted (hinted? or told?) above, Cocktail Vomit are back again this year. You may know them as Dr Discoshrimp, or indeed you may not know them at all, but their addition is very welcome. A good time electronic dance band responsible for the utter classic, "Everybody" – hunt it down, and love it. It should be the Icelandic national anthem. Multi-membered Benni Hemm Hemm (picture) will again try to fit far too many people carrying brass onto far too small a stage. Fun to watch, and fun to hear. Their third album "Murta St Calunga" is just out in Iceland, I'm still loving the song "I Can Love You In A Wheelchair Baby" from the first album. They were Drowned In Sound's favourite act last year, well worth checking out if you like things like, I don't know, music or fun. Another band back again this year are Ske. I remember seeing them at my first Airwaves in 2004, they played before Mugison who I was really waiting for, and they were a lovely surprise. And since I seem to be picking out one song by everyone today, I'd point you towards "Cyborg" from the Feelings Are Great album. They appear to have added to their line-up recently, one former member of Quarashi and a drummer who has played with The La's and Echo & The Bunnymen can't be bad. The other 3 Icelandic bands added are ones I know less about. Dance act Sykur – I only know a song called "Swedish Snowboard Girl", great title!. the jazzy Audio Improvement are confirmed as appearing and finally a band called <3 Svanhvit. Again, they have a great titled song "Stakehouseparty" but I know little about them (including how on earth to say their name) but their profile sounds fabulous, so I'm lifting it word for word from the Airwaves site, "It consists of eleven individuals, playing instruments as different as
saxophone, violin, keyboards and bass. Three guitarists (including one
on a “magical guitar”) lead the pack, followed by three percussionists
and a vacuum cleaner" You want to see that don't you?

As the the 4 new international acts, as I said above Fuck Buttons from Bristol are added. This duo have been highly tipped for a while in the UK, I liked their single "Bright Tomorrow" late last year. They're a good, trendy booking for the festival. They've been touring with Mogwai and been remixed by Andrew Weatherall – you get the picture. Little Boots (picture to the right) is an exciting solo act who has just released her first single proper, "Meddle", in the U.K. and it is getting loads of attention. The song is really really good, it has about a million remixes, check it out. Finally 2 more American bands – Cruel Black Dove, an indie band from Brooklyn and interestingly The Mae Shi, experimental punks from California. The Mae Shi's debut album got a very impressive 9/10 from the NME, who then described their 2 minute single "Party Politics" as "at least 13 songs in one". Among their stated influences are Jay-Z, Iron Maiden and Squeeze. Tempting ain't it!

It's gonna be a lot of fun x