Gugusar is one talented teenager – hailing from Iceland we got to speak to the artist who already has an incredible debut album released in ‘Listen to this Twice’ – we have listened to it more than twice and it is a bloody great record you need to get on to (trust us)! The singer was also down to play Iceland Airwaves this year but sadly the festival was cancelled due to the current you know what.

We found out what we can expect next from Gugusar and get the word on what the best places to eat are in Reykjavik!

Tell us who you are and what is your sound?

I’m a sixteen year old from Reykjavik, Iceland and I started making music when I was about fourteen years old.  My first song was like a classical piano drifty song,  it had no vocals because I was too scared to sing.   I would like to think that I’ve improved a lot since then, people say I make electronic music now. I personally don’t know how to describe my own sound but I think it is electro pop.  If that is a thing.

What exciting projects have you got coming up?

I’m working on some new music at this moment.  I’m actually working on an EP,  I haven’t told anyone yet so if you are reading this right now,  you’re one of the first one to know.  Its really different than my other stuff, but I’m really excited to put it out there.

Where did you grow up and what music influenced you?

I grew up in the central of Reykjavik,  I loved Reykjavík as a kid, and I still do today.   I remember growing up listening to a lot of different music like Red Hot Chili Peppers and System of a Down.  I take a lot of inspiration from Icelandic artists such as Ólafur Arnalds, Salka Sól, Króli, Auður and so much more but I usually listen mostly to the production.  I barely listen to the lyrics, which is kind of a bad idea.  My biggest inspiration is definitely the american hiphop trio Injury Reserve.  They are probably the reason I make music today.

What cool places do you recommend to visit in your city (bars, restaurants, etc)?

I personally love biking or walking around Reykjavík.  It doesn´t really matter if its raining or not, Its always a blast.  When it comes to food I don’t really know.  I like the restaurant Old Iceland,  Yuzu and Te og Kaffi.  But most importantly the Ice-cream shops here in Iceland are bonkers.  It doesn’t really matter which one you enter, they’re all too good!  Being only 16 I am too young to frequent bars but I can recommend Hlemmur Square downtown as they have given me the opportunity to perform on numerous occasions.

We love recommendations – what have you been listening to, watching, or reading recently?

I’ve been listening to Tame Impala, KAYTRANADA, Noname, James Blake, BROCKHAMPTON and Patrick Watson a lot lately and I really recommend listening to them if you haven’t already.  I don’t like to read,  I can only read two pages before I forget everything I just read.  

Finally, what was the last thing that made you swear out loud?

The fact that I had to cancel my album release concert for the second time.  That was a bummer, but I just want people to be safe in these difficult times and I hope everyone is healthy.

Interview by Alex Minnis

Head Shot Image by Gunnlöð