Nanna: The Ethereal Voice of Icelandic Indie Pop

Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir is the lead vocalist and creative force behind the internationally acclaimed Icelandic indie folk-pop band Of Monsters and Men. Hailing from Garðabær, Iceland, she co-founded the band whose 2011 debut album "My Head Is An Animal" achieved platinum status in the United States and topped charts globally. Her distinctive, haunting vocals and evocative songwriting have become synonymous with the band's cinematic and anthemic sound.

Early career

Born in 1989, Nanna began her musical journey as a solo acoustic artist under the name Songbird in her late teens, performing in Reykjavik's small venues. Her path changed in 2009 when she joined forces with fellow musicians Ragnar "Raggi" Þórhallsson, Brynjar Leifsson, Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, and Kristján Páll Kristjánsson. This collective initially performed as a folk-pop sextet, quickly gaining a devoted local following with their harmonious, storytelling-driven music.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2010 after winning the annual Icelandic music competition Músíktilraunir. This led to the recording of their debut single "Little Talks," which became a viral sensation in Iceland. Signed by the influential Record Records in Iceland and later by Universal Music Group internationally, Of Monsters and Men released "My Head Is An Animal" in 2011. The album propelled them to global fame, fueled by the massive crossover success of "Little Talks," which charted in over a dozen countries and went multi-platinum.

Key tracks

Little Talks — This global smash single defined the band's early sound with its infectious call-and-response vocals and brass-driven melody, breaking them into the international mainstream.

Dirty Paws — Serving as the opening track to their debut album, this song's driving rhythm and fantastical lyrics set the tone for the band's narrative style and was featured in major film trailers.

Mountain Sound — Another standout single from their debut, this track showcased the band's ability to craft uplifting, communal folk-pop anthems with massive sing-along potential.

Alligator — Released in 2019, this marked a bold, guitar-driven departure into a more rock-oriented sound, signaling a new energetic chapter for the group.

Visitor — From their 2023 album "Tíu," this track highlights Nanna's matured, introspective songwriting and the band's refined, atmospheric production.

Following their explosive debut, the band solidified their status with the 2015 album "Beneath the Skin," which debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart. Their third studio effort, "Fever Dream" (2019), saw the group, led by Nanna's creative direction, experimenting with synths and a more intimate pop-rock sound. Their most recent work, 2023's "Tíu," commemorated their decade-long career while exploring themes of connection and reflection, demonstrating their enduring artistic evolution.

Fans of Nanna's work with Of Monsters and Men often appreciate the atmospheric pop of fellow Icelandic artist Ásgeir, who also blends folk sensibility with electronic production. The anthemic, emotionally charged songwriting finds parallels in the music of The National, known for their deep baritone vocals and rich lyrical landscapes. The harmonic folk-pop drive is shared by the Swedish duo First Aid Kit, whose vocal harmonies and storytelling are a key focus. Additionally, the cinematic scope of their music aligns with the grand indie rock of Florence And The Machine.

Nanna's music with Of Monsters and Men maintains a strong presence on radio airwaves, particularly on alternative rock radio stations and adult album alternative (AAA) formats. Their catalog, from early hits to recent releases, is also a staple on online indie radio streams and various independent music radio stations seeking evocative and well-crafted pop music.

Listeners can explore the