If you see this man, buy him a beer —>

Bob Cluness, or @icelandbob as he's known to his twitter family, is one of those lucky Brits to end up living (mainly) happily in Reykjavik. Not only that, he seems to have found a place working for an excellent newspaper covering the excellent Icelandic music scene. You'd want to hate him, but he's just too lovable. When he's not up against the deadlines forced upon him, he entertains himself by writing the excellent (in content, if not name) blog – Reykjavik Sex Farm. Don't worry it's all about the music, as is the man himself – read on…

Explain yourself – how did you end up living in Reykjavik?

Well, I was living in London where I met the woman who became my wife, Sigga. After a few years together she brought up the idea of moving to Iceland. I moved here in May 2007 and, against my better judgement, have stayed here ever since

Living in Reykjavik sounds like perfection to me – am I right or wrong?

Well it has its plus points. Unfortunately until this summer, we lived in the outskirts in a suburb called Breiðholt which meant that I was often missing out on all those plus points, such as the downtown nightlife. The pools and local library kick ass though, while it’s a lot more sedate and genteel than most other capital cities. Alas they do not understand the concept of the sausage or the meat pie, which I think was instrumental in the collapse of their society in 2008.

What made you start your blog? And what made you call it Reykjavik Sex Farm?

Well I have an extensive music collection that I managed to digitise. Then during the Kreppa I decided to start a little project. In 2009, I uploaded one of my albums onto the internet and gave it to my friends as a free copy each week, so they wouldn’t have to fork out cash they didn’t have for decent music. I did this every week or so during 2009. Then a friend suggested taking this on into a music blog about Icelandic Music and other music in general. Reykjavik Sex farm was born.
As for the name? Well that was the result of a long night and a bottle of vodka. I ran through several different names (Selfoss Pussy Wagon, Tone Deaf Hipster Hater, Death to Jónsi (and other irrational musings) were front runners). But then this name came out and it seemed to fit the scene perfectly. Have you ever been downtown on a weekend?

A Fair point, yes. Your reviews in grapevine are often wonderfully cruel, but we don't do that here! So what's your favourite album of 2010 that makes you smile and dance uncontrollably?

Cruel?? My good sir I take offence to such an accusation! Ha ha ha!
But as for an album of 2010? Oooh….err… actually the thing is I don’t think it’s been a stellar year for Icelandic releases. Most of the big names have been quiet and what has been released has been frankly piss poor.
But there have been a few bright spots. Nóra made a very good pop album “Er Einhver að hlusta?”, (read Bob's review here) while there is also some crunching beats from the Likes of Qualdruplus which made my head spin.  Oh and the hljóðaklettar compilation "Dress up” I’m still listening too many times over. But if you want metal, I recommend Momentum’s (pictured) “Fixation at rest”.

OK, not cruel. Robust? Honest? Are you working for grapevine this year, reviewing for the website?

I certainly hope so after all the stuff I’ve been writing about it for them! And yes, everything written will be on the website. Also there is an airwaves mini issue that has just been posted so people should go and have a look at it.

What does that mean – that you are allocated one venue each night and you have to stay awake (even, sober?) until the piece is written?

That is EXACTLY what it is! And alas is the only drawback of covering the festival. Being assigned only one place means that you often miss out on several excellent bands and moments that everyone else seems to be having. Like last year on Saturday, everyone was having a great time at NASA and Batteríið, while I was stuck at a half empty Jacobsen nightclub till 5.30 having bargain basement techno foisted on me. But I am stoic if not professional…

Given free will, what local and international bands would you most want to see?

Oooh interesting question. I actually tend to view it in as to who is playing at what venue at a given night as I am a lazy man and rail against having to trudge everywhere. But Given free will I would go to Faktorý on Wednesday (for the hljóðaklettar night), NASA on Thursday (to see Kimono, Reykjavik! and HAM), the art Museum then Sódoma on Friday (to see Chateau Marmont, Momentum, and Sólstafir) and Apotekið on Saturday (to see Mount Kimbie and Retro Stefson.)

And how about some tips for foreigners in Reykjavik, and how to get the best out of Iceland Airwaves week?

Well everyone will have droned about the Hot Dogs and the burgers and stuff. But I recommend going to Noodle station at Skolavordustigur (near the Cathedral). It only costs 850 ISK for a good bowl of supreme noodle broth that is the alpha and omega of food.
As for airwaves, I say be prepared for disappointment as you will never get to see everything that you want. But also take a chance to go and see a few bands that would not normally listen to, whether it’s avant garde electronics, metal, or acoustic folk. It may surprise you. Also go to Bakkus for the party mood, then go to Sundhöll the following morning to chill out.
Oh, and if you are a total moon-faced caner of a party-goer, then forget getting drugs in Reykjavik. They are way too expensive and are of extremely poor quality. Stick to booze or if you must snort something up your nose, buy some Candarel from the Bónus supermarket…