Hymnalaya have only been around a short time, yet their debut record is already available from excellent local label recordrecords. They are yet another Icelandic band who are not easy (at least for me) to categorise or easily describe (so I asked them to do it for me below), I also like a comment on their youtube page that the music, "goes nicely with my tea". Sometimes that is just what you need. I do know that I love the track, In My Early Years.

I had a chat with guitarist Gísli…

Hello Hymnalaya, where are you right now and what are you doing?

Hello Mark, I am in my school called Listaháskóli Íslands translates Art Academy of Iceland I am suppose to be doing something super-creative but instead I'm answering your questions.

You have only been together a short time. Who is in the band and what do you all do?

I am in the band and I play guitar, and then it's Einar on lead vocals and guitar and his girlfriend Þórdís on violin and our amazing drummer Kristofer.  We started Hymnalaya but we've been trying to form a band for last couple of weeks with some amazing people such as Gylfi (stand up bass), Alfreð (guitar), Óli (piano), Egill (tuba), Kristín (clarinet), Eiríkur (trumpet), Einar (Bassoon).

Sounds like a party! How would you describe your music?

I would say Hymnalaya's sound is rooted in old hymns that we've combined with indie, ethnic and ambient textures.

There will probably be 5 or 6 other bands playing around town at the same time as you – sell us your show, why should people choose to see your show?

Because we live on a small island and it would amazing to see some new faces so please come to our show and let’s be friends!

Are you happy to be playing at Iðnó? It seems like a nice place for your sound.

Super happy about playing Iðnó is one of the most magical houses in Reykjavík which used be a theatre but is now a cultural house and I always like concert in this house it's old and got some soul.

[The show has since been moved to Gamla Bíó. I hope they are as happy about that. It's also a beautiful setting]

What else are you keen to see at Airwaves this year?

I wanna see Anna von Hausswolff, Yo La Tengo, Hjaltalín, Emilíana Torrini, Múm, Bob Justman, Sin Fang and Moses Hightower.

Can you pass on some tips for first timers at Airwaves and in Iceland?

Don't make to many plans just enjoy!

Yes. Did you hear that? Just enjoy yourself! One good way of doing that might be to go and see Hymnalaya and say hi to them, they're very friendly. You can do exactly that at the show at Gamla Bíó on Friday night, November 1st, at 20:50. They are also planning to play 4 off venue shows during the day. Go find them!