I have such great memories of Eliza Newman from the wonderful days of Kolrassa Krókríðandi (Bellatrix), and she’s now a wonderful solo artist. Eliza is a regular on the London scene these days, but it’s still always wonderful to catch her on her home ground. Fans of cool song-writing should not miss out!

Catch Eliza Newman at Iceland Airwaves 2010 on Friday 15th at 1am in Risið, or at an in-store event in Hemmi Og Valdi on the 16th at 3pm.

Hi Eliza, where are you right now and what are you doing?

Hello there!  I´m in London, right at this moment I´m just chilling out with Mishi the cat watching bad tv and eating popcorn! In the big picture I´ve just finished my Masters dissertation in music psychology and education and I´m preparing for my album Pie in the Sky to be released in the UK in February 2011.

Will you be playing solo or with a band at Airwaves?

I shall be playing solo with half a band! kind of an acoustic set where I play ukulele, violin, and various small and cute instruments as well as having a keyboard and Guitar player with me too. It’s gonna be ACE!

Is there any chance of any more shows with the Bellatrix / Kolrassa Krókrídandi gang?

Well never say never! Our one off show this summer at Eistnaflug was such insane fun that maybe we might do it again in the future if the right opportunity presents itself but we are not plotting a big comeback. The show this summer was just a great excuse for us all to get together and go camping together in the east fjords!

There will be 5 or more other bands playing at the same time as you at Airwaves – so why should people choose your show?

There are other bands playing at the same time ? What an outrage! Well I think people should come and see me because I´ll deliver a good show for all, multi-tasking by singing and playing instruments at the same time oh yeah and I like whiskey which is always good.

I have to ask, might you be singing a song about everyone’s favourite volcano (below)? Please?

Yes of course, Eyjafjallajökull will be performed with bells on !

Have you seen the festival line-up? What other bands are you excited to see?

I love Le Corps Mince De Francoise, I saw them earlier this year in London and really loved their energy and live show. I would like to see Robin as well and HAM !!! and of course the best thing is always to discover something new so I´m looking forward to having my mind blown by some brilliant young band.

And finally, how about a few local tips for the festival first-timers?

Go with the flow and follow your nose, there are often so many interesting things happening  in the off venue schedule and also in the daytime so check that out as well as the main schedule. Other then that have a hot dog at Bæjarins Bestu and go to the swimming pools and you’re good!