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Podcast: New Books in Western European Studies
Episode: Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen, "Icelandic Pop: Then, Today, Tomorrow, Next Week" (Reaktion Books, 2025)
Description: Iceland punches well above its weight in the world of music, producing global icons like Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, and Laufey, while at the same time nurturing a vibrant local scene. Icelandic Pop: Then, Today, Tomorrow, Next Week (Reaktion, 2025) by Dr. Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen explores how Iceland’s unique social habits, institutions and everyday practices contribute to its thriving music culture.
 Tracing the development of Icelandic popular music since the rock ’n’ roll era, it examines key influences shaping the scene, from ReykjavÃk’s musicians to national institutions like radio and concert venues...