Reykjavík-based musician Ari Árelíus makes music that lives somewhere between worlds—drawing from psychedelic rock, jazz, desert blues, and Icelandic folk, all filtered through his background as a guitarist and producer. His sound has been described as “Icelandic desert music” and “mountain funk”—a playful way to name the strange and soulful grooves that emerge when traditional forms meet surreal textures.
His 2022 debut album Hiatus Terræ brought together everything from throat singing and wooden flutes to distorted guitar and fifth-based voicings rooted in Icelandic harmony. The result was a dreamlike and rhythmically rich landscape that resonated with listeners looking for something both earthy and otherworldly.
Now, Ari is preparing to release Hulin Hönd—his most introspective work to date. Still grounded in the raw, improvisational spirit of his earlier music, this new project dives deeper into personal themes, exploring uncertainty, hidden forces, and the quiet gestures that shape our lives.
At Iceland Airwaves 2025, Ari Árelíus offers a glimpse into this evolving sonic world—an honest and imaginative set that blends grooves, textures, and storytelling in unexpected ways.