Here’s a list of the acts that I’m looking forward to seeing (or trying to see!) for the first time. They are not necessarily brand new artists, although many are, but just ones I have never got to before and that are high on the (long) list this time around.

Ragga Holm has been part of the wonderful Reykjavíkurdætur for the last couple of years and recently released a superb solo album “Bipolar”. I’m really looking forward to seeing her show.

Sura is also a part of Reykjavíkurdætur, and also the absolutely brilliant Cyber. With those credentials I’m definitely going to see her solo show.

Madonna + Child were already high on my list to see this year, and then I saw a video from their Grapewaves show last week and the deal was sealed. They seem weird and wonderful and they’re going to be the ideal way to kick off my ‘on-venue’ Airwaves 2018 next Wednesday.

I know very little about Shakes. I don’t know where they’ve appeared from, but I know that they plan to revive rock’n’roll and I like what I hear so far.

Rock Paper Sisters. Well, they are called Rock Paper Sisters and I’ve always found success going to see bands at Airwaves with great names. Also, they do rock.

Maybe Arni Vil and Arnar Ulfur don’t want to be grouped together but what they have in common is that they’re both part of excellent bands, both are excellent frontmen and both are playing solo Airwaves shows for the first time this year. Arni is a part of the wonderful FM Belfast, and Arnar is half of Ulfur Ulfur and has released a brilliant solo record this year.

There’s a lot of hype and praise going for BRÍET ahead of this year’s festival. Recent single ‘Carousel’ backs that up.

The Voidz. Wait a minute Mark, is this a non-Icelandic band? The Voidz are the other band fronted by some guy called Julian Casablancas. I’ve never seen The Strokes, so this definitely counts. I also loved their song ‘Where No Eagles Fly’ a few years ago. Finally, they form part of the insanely brilliant Friday line-up at Gamla Bio, so I’m settling in.

Haiku Hands are also (deep breath) not Icelandic. But if you’re going to write lyrics like “You look like a tortoise, your issues are enormous” or “I’m going to tear up the lexicon with a hexagon and my sexy thong on”, then I am going to come to your show.