Further Information

BREK's Second Album

After receiving the Icelandic Music Awards for their debut album in 2022, the band BREK is finally working on their next record. On this album, the band's soundscape continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the same values and focus as the first: a blend of influences from various directions—folk music, art songs, jazz, and pop—all held together by meticulously crafted Icelandic lyrics, with two exceptions sung in English.

Final recording sessions are currently underway, and the album will feature 11 original tracks in BREK's unique signature style.

Their musical influences come from various directions, but BREK strives to weave them into their own soundscape, aiming to break down barriers between genres while connecting Icelandic folk heritage with other folk traditions. BREK uses Icelandic lyrics and vocals, combined with the rhythmic and dynamic interplay of the instruments, to drive the music forward. One could say that the subject matter of the new songs is more introspective compared to their previous work; however, the band maintains a consistent thread, making these compositions a natural and logical progression.

The new songs have been in the making since 2021, with the band steadily releasing several singles along the way. In the spring of 2026, a new single will be released as a preview, followed by the full album launch on streaming platforms in August 2026. To mark that occasion, a concert tour across Iceland is planned. The vinyl edition of the album is then scheduled for release in September 2026.

Recording took place primarily at Masterkey Studios in collaboration with producer Sturla Mio Þórisson, who also handled the mixing. Additionally, Gísli Kjaran Kristjánsson recorded and mixed two of the tracks.

The band members are:
Harpa Þorvaldsdóttir, vocals and piano
Jóhann Ingi Benediktsson, guitar and vocals
Guðmundur Atli Pétursson, mandolin
Sigmar Þór Matthíasson, bass.

BREK has garnered well-deserved attention in recent years, including two consecutive nominations for the Icelandic Music Awards in the folk music category. In 2022, their debut won Album of the Year in the Folk and World Music category. Since then, BREK has performed worldwide at festivals in countries such as the United States, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland.

Additionally, the band offers a specialized program for children and families entitled 'Bernsku-BREK,' which has been performed for school children in Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Siglufjörður, Finland, Norway, and beyond.

The song Heimþrá performed at Stúdíó RÚV

The members of BREK feel it is profoundly important for the album to exist in the tangible form of a vinyl record. This stems from a belief in the importance of experiencing music without distraction—with the sole intention of enjoying it in the present moment.

The band is now seeking support to fund the vinyl production of the album.

www.brek.is/en