…I think a least half of the people who arrive at my little blog from google have typed in "Iceland Airwaves 2009", (although maybe that could change if I type Britney Spears Naked a bit more often).  Most of you keen googlers probably already know that, after some doubt, Iceland Airwaves 2009 in Reykjavik has been confirmed for the 14th to the 18th October 🙂

So now the fun starts, the fun of the slow and steady release of the names of the bands getting booked for the festival, the fun ofthe schedule being released and trying to plot a course to see all the best stuff, and the fun of iceblah trying to interview about 20 of the acts in a week beforehand!

If I'm honest, when the bands are announced what I'm really hoping for are some international bands who are trendy, popular, cool but that I don't like. I'm an Icelandic music fan, a "loveable Icelandic music nerd" according to Iceland Express. I go to Airwaves to see Icelandic bands, so the more people who are lured to see cool things from elsewhere the better, I don't want to miss my favourite Icelanders. That's not to say I will shun all overseas bands, I've seen some great stuff over the years from bands like Bloc Party, The Perceptionists and plenty plenty more, but I will pick and choose, and keep everything crossed for an iceblah-friendly schedule.

The first slice of artists for Iceland Airwaves 2009 was announced late last week, the international list is the not for the romantically tender (!) including Metronomy (best track – Heatbreaker) and Nina Kinert (pictured to the right, best track – Heartbreak Town). James Yuill is an interesting one, I've been a fan of his brand of folktronica for a couple of years. The other overseas acts signed up are Micachu And The Shapes, Thecocknbullkid, Casio Kids, Golden Filter & The Golden Silvers. So if I was in a band called The Golden Kids, I'd fancy my chances of getting an Airwaves 09 booking!

But of course the main point is the Icelanders, and a lovely long list is announced…

Reykjavik!, Mammut, FM Belfast, Jeff Who?, Retro Stefson, Hjaltalin, Sudden Weather Change, GusGus, Dikta, Eberg, Olafur Arnalds, Esja, Benny Crespo's Gang, Agent Fresco, Vicky, Eberg, Leaves, Aela, Oculus, Me The Slumbering Napoleon, Swords Of Chaos, Dynamo Fog, Langiseli, Barujarn, Sykur, Skuggarnir and Miri.

Heaven. See you there, and keep coming back here for more Iceland Airwaves 2009 stuff soon.