Two Icelandic professionals recognised: Gabríel Ólafsson (25) and Klaudia Gawryluk (29). The awards will be officially presented during the By:Larm festival in Oslo in September. 

The Nordic music industry has unveiled its annual “Top 20 Under 30 – Nordic Music Biz” list for 2024, highlighting 20 young talents who are driving the industry forward. Among this year’s honorees are two exceptional Icelandic professionals: Gabríel Ólafsson (25) and Klaudia Gawryluk (29). In its seventh year, the Nordic Music Biz Top 20 Under 30 initiative reflects the diversity across industry sectors and genres, showcasing the rich and varied music scene in the region. This initiative emphasises the vital role these young professionals play behind the scenes, contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that continue to shape the global influence of Nordic music.

Since a key focus of Iceland’s new music policy from 2023 is "Music as a Creative Industry," the Iceland Music office is extra proud to strongly support this year's award recipients. The office celebrates the diverse backgrounds of our winners. Gabríel is one of the founders of Reykjavík Orkestra and was instrumental in setting up a recording studio in Harpa, where music for international film projects is recorded, while Klaudia has put Icelandic electronic music back on the map with dynamic grassroots activities that are now attracting international attention, creating a larger platform for Icelandic DJs than has been seen in 20 years.

This year's Icelandic jury consisted of Inga Magnes Weisshappel, who runs the Wise Music Iceland office, Bjarni Daníel Þorvaldsson, co-founder of Post-Dreifing and a program director at RÚV, and Sólveig Matthildur from the band Kælan Mikla, both of whom received this recognition last year for their outstanding work in their fields. It is worth noting that previous recipients of this award include Sindri Ástmarsson, who is now the leading booker for Iceland Airwaves, musician and entrepreneur Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson, Soffía Kristín Jónsdóttir, founder of the management agency Iceland Sync, Árni Freyr, Daði Freyr’s manager, Junia Lin, artistic director for Laufey, and many others. Iceland Music extends its heartfelt congratulations to Klaudia and Gabríel on receiving this recognition.

Gabríel Ólafsson (25):
Gabríel Ólafsson is a composer, producer, and founder of the specialized symphony orchestra Reykjavík Orkestra (formerly Reykjavík Recording Orchestra). He played a key role in establishing a state-of-the-art recording studio in Harpa, Iceland's premier concert hall, connecting it to three of Harpa’s main halls. The orchestra has recorded scores for major international clients such as Netflix, Apple TV, Blizzard, EA Games, Deutsche Grammophon, BBC, and Hans Zimmer. In addition to his production work, Gabríel's original compositions, released under Decca/Universal, have garnered over 300 million streams.

Klaudia Gawryluk (29):
Klaudia Gawryluk is a DJ, promoter, and the founder of Radar, Iceland’s first electronic music club in 20 years. She is the driving force behind event series like "Open Decks" and "Bi*ch Per Minute," which have cultivated a vibrant electronic music scene for young enthusiasts. Radar has become a central hub for Icelandic electronic music, drawing international attention and hosting world-renowned DJs like Marco Bailey and Nina Kraviz. Klaudia’s efforts have revitalized Reykjavik's electronic music scene, making it stronger than it has been in two decades.

The Nordic judges for 2024: 

Denmark: Nicklas Weis Damkjær / Roskilde, Maria Borg / Koda , Agnete Hannibal / Q Junktions / 15 Love   

Sweden: Anna Kornelia Åberg / BLNK Music, Fumi Amao / Spotify, Tomas Jernberg / Monza- Music Entertainment  

Finland: Lili Keh / KEH Consulting, Teemu Laitinen / PME Records, Marja Kokko / Kaiku Entertainment 
Norway: Peder Benjamin Hagen / United Stage and Major Management, Celine Høie / Indie- Recordings, Eric Elvenes / AirTime Management  

Faroe Islands: Marianna Nagata Winter / Tutl Records  

Meet the other Top 20 Under 30 2024 winners:

Denmark:
Arense Elvira Riis Warny (26) CEO, Founder and artist manager / Carrie Management
Mathias Madsen (26) Senior A&R Manager, Warner Music Denmark
Ceyda Yasar (28) Manager / Takin’ Space, Makin’ Space Agency 

Philip Thornhill (29) Partner and Head of Agency / Kin 

Benjamin Graham (28) CEO and co-founder / 100blaa 

Norway:

Erik Egenes (29) General Manager / by:Larm  

Stephanie Owusu (30) Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager / Sony Music Entertainment Norway Founder / AFRONORDIC  

Emilie Dyrøy (26) Communications Specialist / AXS (AEG)
Oda Tilset (28) Founder and Sound Designer / Noknok Audio 

Sweden:
Simon Bálogh (23) Founder / Butterfly Effect 

Jonathan Fröberg (30) Creative Manager / Universal Music Publishing 
Khadra Abdirashid (30) A&R Manager / Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia
Isabella Sedman (30) Head of Songs / Monza Songs  

Naomi Amorti Jensen (30) Founder / Naomi Communications 

Finland:

Leevi Mäkinen (25) Artist Manager / PME Management

Stella Kylä-Liuhala (29) Marketing Manager / Warmer Music Finland

Miika Blomqvist (29) Pianist and composer at Sony Classical / Founder of Nordic Euphony Records, Nordic Instrumental Records & Nordic Distro 

Faroe Islands:

Fríði Djurhuus (30)