IIPC Debate 129 Icelandic Popular Music 1950–2020: A Socio-Historical ApproachLäsnäosallistuminen / In-person

Dr Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen (The University of Iceland)

tiistaina 5.5.2026 12.15.00 → 13.45.00 Europe/Helsinki

A270 (Arcanum)

The presentation discusses the author's book, Icelandic Pop. Then, Today, Tomorrow, Next Week (2025), published by Reaktion Books / The University of Chicago Press. The content is based on his doctoral thesis, which examines the Icelandic music community through the lens of sociological theory. 

The book traces the history of Icelandic popular music from the beginning of the rock era using historical methods while simultaneously applying sociological theory. The results show that Iceland occupies a unique position compared to the popular music cultures of other nations. It is too small to be truly comparable to million-plus populations, yet large enough to sustain diverse music communities and genres (jazz, experimental music, hip-hop, etc.).

The fact that Iceland is a micro-community or small state has created a certain "village character." This involves rapid and informal communication, extensive networking between musicians across various genres, and blurred lines between professionalism and amateurism. In other words, smallness and proximity govern much of the musical landscape. The book is an attempt to identify a common thread in Iceland's popular music community over the last seventy years, exploring how Icelandic social customs direct musical activity and support the high level of productivity found here—a phenomenon confirmed by international scholars visiting the country (Prior, Størvold, et al.).

Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen is a sociomusicologist who completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of Simon Frith. His thesis explored the music communities in Iceland, examining how social dynamics operate within a micro-society. He is also an active music journalist and critic and serves as the programme director of Media and Communication Studies (undergraduate) at the University of Iceland.