Árstíðir is an Icelandic trio from Reykjavik, celebrated for luminous vocal harmonies and a modern folk sound that stands apart in the Icelandic music scene. Catch them live in Reykjavik or abroad on their frequent international tours.
As a classically influenced indie band, Árstíðir channel the heart of Iceland into layered vocals and strings. Amid a landscape of synths and auto-tune, their warm, acoustic textures feel like fresh mountain air.
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Árstíðir’s Music
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Schorle. No edits made.
Today the core line-up is Daníel Auðunsson, Gunnar Már Jakobsson, and Ragnar Ólafsson. On stage and in the studio, they often team up with the French string duo Jean-Samuel Bez (violin) and Guillaume Lagravière (cello), adding cinematic depth to their trademark harmonies.
Árstíðir began as a trio in 2008. The band soon expanded to a sextet with violin, cello and piano (former members include Karl James Pestka, Hallgrímur Jónas Jensson and Jón Elísson).
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Schorle. No edits made.
Every member is an accomplished singer and instrumentalist. Their concerts weave rock, indie, chamber textures and Icelandic folk into hypnotic, harmony-rich performances.
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Within months of forming, Árstíðir had multiple number-one singles on Icelandic radio. Their self-titled debut arrived in 2009, followed by Svefns og vöku skil in 2011. The latter was produced by Ólafur Arnalds and recorded at the legendary Hljóðriti studio in Hafnarfjordur.
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Subsequent releases chart the band’s evolution: Hvel (2015) and the collaborative album Verloren Verleden (2016) with Anneke van Giersbergen; the acclaimed Nivalis (2018) alongside the collaboration Garðurinn minn (2018) with Magnús Þór Sigmundsson; the Icelandic-language Pendúll (2021); and Blik (2023).
Their music videos often showcase Iceland’s stark beauty. If black-sand beaches and moody volcanic vistas are your thing, don’t miss the video for Á meðan jörðin sefur from their remix EP Tvíeind.
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Árstíðir tour widely, with sold-out shows across Europe and beyond, now in over 30 countries. In 2012 they spent five months on the road through Central Europe and the Baltics and earned the Eiserner Eversteiner European Folk Music Award in Germany. Along the way they’ve also contributed vocals to the video game The Banner Saga 2 and written additional music for film and TV projects.
- See also: Music of Iceland
Where to Hear Árstíðir’s Music
For current tour dates, check their webpage. In Reykjavik, you’ll often find them in intimate settings such as Kex Hostel or church and concert-hall stages around the city. (Note: Café Rosenberg is now closed.) If you’re traveling in late November and December, watch for their annual Vetrarsól winter concerts in Europe.
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If you like what you hear, you can purchase their albums here on their Bandcamp page. You can also follow them on their Facebook page for regular updates, tour dates, live shows and general appearances.
In 2013, Árstíðir went viral with an impromptu a cappella performance of the Icelandic hymn Heyr himnasmiður at the Bürger Bahnhof train station in Germany, delighting commuters and millions of online viewers.
Who is your favourite Icelandic musician? Leave your comments below and tell us what you like or don’t like about Icelandic music!
Hello World! My name is Katrín and I am half Icelandic, half Guyanese, Canadian raised, with a masters degree in Ecotourism and Icelandic history. I'm a professional world traveler and writer in my free time, but when I'm in Iceland working I guide hiking trips, teach yoga and organize mindfulness retreats from October to March called Me Time Iceland @metimeiceland. I can be your personalized guide for a range of hiking trails in and around Reykjavik, and teach yoga in my home studio or in the comforts of your own hotel/guest house. I'm super networked in the restaurant industry if you want wining and dining tips, and have led a few ridiculously fun bachelor(ette) parties in Reykjavik! Holla if I can help you with any of the above :)
