Roll Out the Red Carpet, Please
The Reykjavík Grapevine Music Awards take place every February, a moment when the local music scene shines brightest. After an engaging look at the winners for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year (celebrating Alaska1867 and “eh plan” by digital ísland), we’re excited to unveil the complete list of winners for the 2026 Reykjavík Grapevine Music Awards.
Album of the Year
The Door — Bears
If you’ve kept your ear to the ground of Icelandic music lately, you’re likely familiar with Birnir. His hip-hop career took flight in 2017, and since then, he has become a fixture in the local scene, especially following the release of his 2021 album, Bushido. With his latest work, The Door, Birnir seems intent on pushing creative boundaries. “I genuinely believe this is his best album yet,” said one panelist. “It’s cool, cohesive, and truly deserving of Album of the Year.” Another added, “Ambitious, meticulously crafted, and unapologetically raw, The Door stands out as a musical highlight of 2025.” Moreover, the album art—a striking bronze bust of Birnir himself—only adds to the project’s flair, redefining what it means to flaunt one’s achievements.
Nominees:
a place to be by RAKEL
History of Silence by mum
Reykjavík Syndrome by Spacestation
Best Visual Representation
“Taking My Time” by Flesh Machine, directed by Snæfríður Sól Gunnarsdóttir
In 2025, the award for Best Music Video transformed into Best Visual Representation, a fitting evolution for an artistry driven by imagination. Few music videos manage to land with such whimsical absurdity as Flesh Machine’s “Taking My Time.” The concept is simple, yet unforgettable—the protagonist, played by local TikTok sensation Kjartan Logi Sigurjónsson, tumbles down various staircases throughout the city. The panel couldn’t help but point out, “The video has criminally low view counts,” yet that hardly detracts from the effort to whimsically showcase dedication to creativity. “The idea of someone enduring a seemingly endless staircase dive is both ingenious and perplexing at first glance,” the panel remarked.
Nominees:
The Door album artwork, creative direction by Doddi Digital
“Sage” by Ólafur Arnalds and Loreen, directed by Thora Hilmarsdóttir
“Midnight Sky” by Kári Egils, directed by Didda Flygenring
Photo by Art Bicnick
Best Live Act
Knackered
When it came time to decide on the Best Live Act, the panel’s choice was unanimous. “All I heard this year was buzz about Knackered,” one panelist noted. Having garnered attention as a nominee in the Ones to Watch category last year, Knackered has clearly risen to the occasion. This solo project of local artist Ida Juhl, born from the remains of her earlier work as IDK IDA, amplifies a techno-infused sound that’s received rave reviews. “This is a sound unlike anything else we’ve encountered locally—it’s almost as if she hails from another world,” remarked another panel member, captivated by her artistry.
Nominees:
Flesh Machine
symfaux
Unfiled
Best Kept Secret
Halidome by Emma
Emerging from the 2023 Músíktilraunir festival, the avant-folk ensemble Emma took their time crafting their debut, Halidome, which finally graced listeners in mid-2025. Yet, according to the panel, their release did not garner the recognition it richly deserves. “Emma’s debut bursts forth with vision and vigor, offering a refreshingly thoughtful take on Icelandic folk-rock,” remarked one panelist, adding, “Halidome certainly merits far more applause than it received.”
Nominees:
In Circles by Woolly Kind
Oh Mama by Agenda
Psionic Dreams by Godchilla
Photo by Sunna Ben
Ones to Watch
BKPM
Having been on the fringes of the music scene since 2023, BKPM is part of the growing wave of guitar-centric acts making waves in Reykjavík. Their debut LP, Wait Huh?, breathes a revitalizing spirit of post-punk and experimental rock into the city, all while maintaining an endearing playfulness—evident in their matching hi-vis vests during performances. “BKPM shows tremendous potential,” one panelist remarked. “I’m eager to see what they conjure up next; I have no doubt it will soar even higher.” The consensus among the panel is clear: BKPM is undoubtedly a band on the rise, packing much more punch than they reveal.
Nominees:
digital island
Frid
Julian Civilian
Shout Out
Unlawful Garden
A thriving music scene relies not just on artists but also on the supporters and hangers-on who amplify the creative energy. To celebrate its five-year anniversary, the panel chose to honor the RÚV radio show Ólátagarður, devoted to spotlighting emerging, grassroots talent. Since launching, Ólátagarður has been a platform for undiscovered Icelandic artists, “bringing something new and fresh to the airwaves,” as one panelist put it. Even under the banner of the National Broadcasting Service, the program’s existence emerged from outside submissions during the RÚV’s annual “Idea Days.” “I can’t recall a time I recognized an artist featured on their show,” one panelist noted, highlighting the program’s commitment to showcasing the obscure.
Nominees:
crushed
Oli Dori
Reykjavík Record Shop
Best Music Event
quean : kven : queen by Samantha Shay and Sóley Stefánsdóttir
The introduction of the Best Music Event category this year pays homage to the myriad of ambitious projects that musicians undertake. Even amid financial uncertainties and personal risks, artists brave the leap into the unknown to explore powerful ideas. After extensive deliberation, the panel chose the performance “quean : kven : queen” by Samantha Shay and Sóley Stefánsdóttir, staged at Salurinn. Set against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of the Icelandic Women’s Strike, this performance tackled the ongoing pursuit of gender equality, transforming communal resistance into an immersive artistic experience. According to one panelist, it was “an evocative fusion of various art forms, including music, dance, text, and visuals, that produced a compelling statement.”
Nominees:
Norðanpaunk DIY Festival
Satan Metal Festival
Spider Network for Kárihátíð
The 2026 panel comprised:
Alexander the Wise of Fontenay
Ish Sveinsson Houle
Jóhannes Bjarkason
Kristján Guðjónsson
Maria-Carmela Raso
