Extreme Chill festival spotlights electronic and experimental music

The Extreme Chill music festival will feature electronic and experimental artists from Iceland and abroad when it runs from September 2 to 6, mbl.is reported. Pan Thorarensen, who is behind the festival, said its programme had become more diverse over time, although experimental music remained its main focus.

Electronic music dominated the festival in its early years, but artists from a range of genres have performed during its 17-year history. Thorarensen said several international artists had learned about the festival through colleagues who had appeared there, while others were interested in visiting Iceland.

“The festival has reached the point where people are telling me they want to come, and I am talking about major artists who perform at huge events and simply find this festival very exciting,” he said.

This year’s programme includes Japanese musician DJ Krush, who Thorarensen described as legendary among hip-hop fans. Italian artist Abul Mogard, one of the leading ambient and drone musicians today, will also perform, as will American ambient musician Rafael Anton Irisarri.

Other performers include Perila, a Russian musician who has lived in Berlin for many years, and Ulla, who has worked extensively with her and will perform a solo set. Japanese musician IPY, a member of the Japanese noise band Goat, is also on the programme.

Youth, the stage name of Martin Glover, who played bass in Killing Joke, will perform alongside cellist Martina Bertoni and electronic musician Gerald Donald, also known as Arpanet.

The Icelandic performers include Ronja, DJ Flugvél and Geimskip, Orang Volante, Jónbjörn, Steve Sampling, Kosmodod, Helgi Pétursson and Skurken. Reptilicus will also reunite after a long break.