SECRET SOLSTICE 2016
We are family The third annual Secret Solstice festival was a family affair as Icelanders of all ages and their foreign guests spent a long weekend in Reykjavík soaking in the music, the midnight sun and the madness. WOW magazine correspondent Guðrún Baldvina was on site to witness it all. by Guðrún Baldvina Sævarsdóttir Photos: Vlad Solovov, courtesy of Secret Solstice
Granted, spirits were already high when the festival started on Thurs day, June 16 as Iceland had just played its first ever EU game in football and tied with Portugal. June 17th is our Independence Day and on top of that the sky was still sunny after a whole week (this almost never happens). EXPLORE AND DISCOVER As a 35-year-old Icelander, I’m naturally inclined to go for the big foreign headliners and I had plenty to choose from in that category. I am however well-versed in music festivals and know that one of the best things about this type of event is the chance to explore and discover stuff that you wouldn’t normally come across in your traditional musical outings. This is where it becomes helpful to have stepsons that represent the very youngest generation at Solstice and while I planned my schedule around Radiohead, Róisín Murphy and Goldie, they couldn’t wait for Action Bronson, Flatbush Zombies, Sturla Atlas
and yes, Radiohead because they rule no matter how old you are. THE SECRET HEADLINER The festival line-up also included a secret headliner. When I heard it would be Sister Sledge, it certainly did not light my fire and I won’t even repeat what the teenagers had to say about it. However, when the three women that make up Sister Sledge stepped onto the stage and proceeded to dance their ancient choreographed disco dances, we couldn’t help but swing our hips right along with them. The mood instantly lifted and the Sledge sisters, aged 57-61, proceeded to entertain all age groups equally. Hats off to them and shame on me for distrusting these veritable disco queens.
One of the best things about this type of event is the chance to explore and discover stuff that you wouldn’t normally come across in your traditional musical outings.
nowhere. Strong beats, fresh melodies and spot-on, poignant lyrics about a relatable reality have become the new norm which quite frankly is nothing short of a Nordic rap miracle. Artists such as Gísli Pálmi, Úlfur Úlfur, Aron Can and Sturla Atlas have won the hearts of teenagers and the respect of their parents. Young, Icelandic rap and hiphop artists really put their quality mark on this year’s festival. v
RAP IT UP The Icelandic rap scene is so happening right now that it’s been hard to keep up with all the good quality music coming up in this tiny Scandinavian island in the middle of
Pros The music of course: Kudos to the organizers for bringing such a cool and diverse line-up of artists to the festival this year. The atmosphere was friendly and fun despite the energetic youngsters and jaded oldsters. Both venues and vendors served a wide range of appetites. Cons Lines, lines, lines: The lines to see both Radiohead and Die Antwoord were ridiculously long and caused an outrage among some festival guests. To be fair, Die Antwoord was never supposed to play indoors. Their flight was delayed, so their slot was pushed back and moved indoors to keep with regulations about noise control. Some things can’t be helped but try telling that to thousands of pissed (and pissed) Yolandi-fans. Highlights No surprise there, Radiohead and Die Antwoord take home the trophy for epic performances, both groups giving it all to a most appreciative audience.
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