Skip to main content

Distributed for Reaktion Books

Icelandic Pop

Then, Today, Tomorrow, Next Week

A celebration and guide to the land of fire and ice’s music history.
 
Iceland punches well above its weight in the world of music, producing global icons like Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, and Laufey, while at the same time nurturing a vibrant local scene. This book explores how Iceland’s unique social habits, institutions, and everyday practices contribute to its thriving music culture.
 
Tracing the development of Icelandic popular music since the rock and roll era, Thoroddsen examines key influences shaping the scene, from the personalities of Reykjavík’s musicians to national institutions like radio and concert venues. With engaging explanations of sociological factors, the book sheds light on why Iceland has become a powerhouse in music. An illuminating journey through Iceland’s music history, this book is a celebration of the artistry and cultural forces behind that history’s global impact.
 

208 pages | 35 halftones | 5.83 x 8.27 | © 2025

Reverb


Reaktion Books image

View all books from Reaktion Books

Reviews

"This is a wonderfully affectionate history of music-making in Iceland. Nothing here on hot springs or glaciers, but a rich and thoughtful account of what it means to be a popular musician in a very small, intense and playful country."

Simon Frith, University of Edinburgh

Table of Contents

Introduction Preface: Music in Iceland, from the Beginning to the Popular Music Age 1 The 1950s: Rock from the Base 2 The 1960s: We Got the Beat (As Well) 3 The 1970s: Folkloric Prog and Sociorealistic Pop 4 The 1980s: Punk Emerges and the Sugarcubes Break the Chain 5 The 1990s: World Domination or Bjork 6 The 2000s: Sigur Ros and the Icelandic Popular Music Phenomenon 7 The 2010s: An Ever-Growing Interest 8 The 2020s: Where to Next? Conclusion: Why Iceland? References Selected Discography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press