Up­prásin | Spouses, Bren­ninet­la, ÞESAL

This concert will feature Spouses, Brenninetla and ÞESAL

Harpa, in collaboration with the Reykjavík Music City and Rás 2, is hosting Upprásin, a concert series dedicated to grassroots Icelandic music, across musical genres. Upprásin is now taking place for the fourth year in a row and a total of 27 bands will perform, three on each concert night.

Ticket prices are only 2000 kr. but it is possible to contribute a higher amount during the ticket sales process, which will go directly to the artists.

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Spouses

Born in Canada, Joel Durksen cut his teeth in the UK’s music scene, performing and recording with numerous bands before relocating to rural Iceland in 2023. Despite a growing profile as a multi-instrumentalist for Brad Stank, Dent May, and Two Blinks I Love You, he found himself increasingly disconnected, unsure whether he was moving closer to his own voice or further from it.

What followed was Spouses. Based on a horse-breeding farm in South Iceland, Durksen wrote and recorded the debut album, I Could Be Your Dog (released 22 May 2026 via Kálfholt Records), largely alone in a small loft above a stable (Kálfholt Studios). Mixed by Finn Howells at Alan Moulder’s A.M.C. Studios, the album blends the guitar-driven energy of The Bends-era Radiohead with folk and folktronica influences. Songs from the record have received support from The Reykjavik Grapevine, RÚV, The Line of Best Fit, BIRP!, and For The Rabbits.

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Brenninetla
is a jazz trio consisting of Kjartan Hugi (saxophone), Stígur Grendal (guitar
and bass), and Hinrik Torfi (drums). The band began as an improvisational duo
between Kjartan and Hinrik, but when Stígur joined the project it evolved into
a dynamic trio exploring a wide range of musical ideas.

Their
music is rooted in jazz and free improvisation while drawing inspiration from
many other genres and influences. The trio aims to let the music unfold
naturally in the moment, ensuring that no two performances are ever the same.

Brenninetla
placed second in the 2026 Icelandic Music Experiments (Músíktilraunir), where
the band gained attention for its energetic, improvisation-driven performances.
At the competition, Stígur Grendal also received the Best Guitarist award.

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ÞESAL is far from a conventional pop band—it's an experience that feels like an acid trip. Guiding the audience through the journey is Marens, a cartoon alien who pilots a spaceship accompanied by hand-drawn visuals.

The band specializes in infectious soundscapes, witty lyrics, and electrifying stage energy. Made up of three seasoned party-starters, ÞESAL fearlessly blends music, early-2000s cartoon aesthetics, and dancefloor vibes into one giant explosive celebration.

ÞESAL consists of Ómar Vídó, Kata Backmann, and Guðmundur Elí.

Promoter

Harpa