A new podcast series, Northern Rising, recorded during the 2024 edition of Iceland Airwaves, offers a glimpse into the chaotic and colourful experiences of Iceland’s most exciting new artists. Hosted by radio, TV and digital media veteran Tim Pogo, who’s been covering the festival since 2000, the series follows a selection of fast-rising acts throughout the festival, and a few of Reykjavik’s must visit haunts. 

The debut episode features post-punk titans Virgin Orchestra, who cemented their status as one of Reykjavík’s most thrilling new bands with the release of Fragments in 2023. Their latest single The Pathetic Song—out 31 March—is a couch-wave-noise-fest based on a stoner beat in the spirit of ’90s Bristol yet bursting with the screeching chaos favoured by Buckfast-fuelled youth in ’80s Glasgow.

Northern Rising is produced by Iceland Music, Record in Iceland, Tim Pogo in collaboration with The Reykjavík Grapevine.

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You can find the podcast across most streaming services, including here:

And here you can listen to Pathetic Song: 

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