Retro Stefson

Hailing from Reykjavik, Retro Stefson became one of the most prominent bands to emerge from Iceland in the early 21st century. The band began to make music together in 2006 when brothers Unnsteinn and Logi Stefánsson joined forces with school friends Þórður Jörundsson, Jon Seljeseth, Þorbjörg Gunnarsdóttir, Haraldur Stefánsson, and Gylfi Sigurðsson, as a way to gain entrance to a local youth talent show. Their first record, Montana, came out in 2008; it was primarily an indie pop album with a disco and tropical twist. In the same year they made an appearance at the prestigious Iceland Airwaves festival, making a name for themselves in their home country in the process. The sophomore album, Kimbabwe, was released in 2010 on the Icelandic label Kimi Records and in Europe on Vertigo Records. This atypical pop record infused more influences into their own sound including surf rock, Latin, and Afro-funk, and included the singles "Kimba" and "Mama Angola." They received international acclaim for their self-titled third record which included the tracks "Glow," "She Said," and "Queen" -- all three reaching number one on the Icelandic singles charts. The band once again developed their sound with a heavier use of synths and electronics and well polished production.
© James Pearce /TiVo