As Iceland Airwaves approaches, get to know one of the best-kept secrets in the country: Sunna Margrét, an Icelandic musician and visual artist known for her unique blend of electronic, indie, and pop music. She started her musical journey at a young age and was particularly influenced by jazz before expanding into other genres. Her music often explores complex themes and she seamlessly blends the realms of music and visual art, captivating audiences with her unique fusion of electronic, indie, and avant-garde pop.
Beyond her musical endeavours, Sunna Margrét is an accomplished visual artist and co-founder of the DIY label No Salad Records, which champions avant-garde and electronic artists from around the world. Her holistic approach to art and music positions her not just as a performer but as a curator of creative experiences
Ahead of her performance at Iceland Airwaves next week, Sunna Margrét curates a bespoke playlist of her favourite songs.
Hey Sunna Margrét! what are you up to right now?
Hi! Right now I’m trying to rearrange my new single ‘Fern’ for a stripped-down live performance.
If someone asked you what your origin story was, how would you describe it?
Raised in the suburbs of Reykjavík in a musical home. We lived close to nature and I loved visiting the horse stables close to our home. I’d constantly sing outside when I thought nobody could hear me. My father always worked in his home studio with a Hammond organ in the garage, and regularly we’d go and see him perform live with various other musicians. My mother came from classical ballet and later became a teacher. I grew up with one older sister but our family is big. I learned to play the piano at a young age, but I also joined choirs and played the flute and joined a marching band. Ended up studying jazz singing in my early teens and singing in school plays and providing vocals for the school band before eventually joining an electro pop band as lead vocalist and playing synths. Later I moved to Switzerland and started my solo project.
Describe your style in 3 words.
Same but different.
What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?
Miu Miu shoes and skirt – because I wore it when I fell in love – also because it’s fire.
Which living person do you most admire?
Brigitte Fontaine.
What was the last book you read?
“Tulip Hotel” by Kim Ji an.
What is your favourite thing to do in Iceland?
Searching for the Hrossagaukur (Common snipe) and listen to him sing. And going to live concerts.
If you could play at any venue, which one would it be?
The Kitchen in New York.
Where are you happiest?
Having tea with my family and performing/making/listening to music, talking about art, observing my husband while he paints, playing air guitar with my son… enjoying life!
If you had an hour to spend with anyone from history, who would it be and why?
Hallgerður langbrók or Hallgerður Höskuldsdóttir but called “langbrók” probably because she had long legs. They say she was very feisty, out of control and the most beautiful. She lived in Iceland in the 10th century according to Njála. But it’s a saga, although some of the events in the book are probably historically correct.
If someone had a free day in Iceland, what places do you recommend they visit?
Kaffivagninn in Grandi. It’s a wonderful restaurant/café on the harbour, I always go there. Mokka Kaffi is also a favourite place to go for breakfast in the heart of Reykjavík. Then I’d go to Grótta to listen to the ocean and the birds and be attacked by the wind. Then I’d go to the art museum or find a good exhibition. Then, visit all the record shops and speak to the people about music. Find live music in the evening, Iceland Airwaves is obviously great for this. But if you want to go outside of Reykjavík and you only have one day, I would drive to Snæfellsnes.
Who would play you in the story of your life?
Tyler, The Creator.
What’s one song that you’d like to listen to the first time again?
That’s What You Always Say – The Dream Syndicate.
An underrated song/artist you love?
The Garbage & the Flowers maybe. I love their album The Deep Niche, the song “Blue For You” is very beautiful. But they have quite an underground acclaim.
The track that describes your coming-of-age story?
“This Must Be the Place” – Talking Heads
An album that you’d put in a time capsule?
If you think about it, I feel like that’s one of the qualities of albums – the time capsule. But maybe: Music From The Penguin Cafe – Penguin Cafe Orchestra.
A lyric that you love and the song it’s from?
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return” – “Nature Boy” by Eden Ahbez.
A track that reminds you of a happy moment?
“Cousin Mosquito #1” – Congress-Woman Malinda Jackson Parker
An Icelandic artist or song you’re obsessed with?
“BSÍ” – TAL 11
A song that you discovered recently that you love?
“You Only Live Twice (cover)” – Alvarius B. Thanks to Benedikt ReyNisson just last week. Also, “That’s My life, with Tara Lily (demo)” – King Krule
Best record to get you out of a funk?
Rid of Me – PJ Harvey
What’s the last song you searched for on Spotify?
“Leo” – Molto Morbidi
A song you wish you wrote?
“Carousel” – Ana Bălan
Iceland Airwaves takes place from the 7th – 9th November 2024, tickets and travel packages are available now in partnership with Icelandair.
