According to Icelandic Music (the Icelandic music export office), the government-backed program is going to offer recording artists up to 25% rebate on the costs of their recording expenses.
There will be more information soon on ‘Record in Iceland’ however we are told that the incentive will be applicable to any recording studio in the country.
Icelandic Music will hopefully be giving more of an insight into the new scheme at Iceland Airwaves, the annual music showcase in Iceland.
From what we know so far, any application for funds to be reimbursed will need to be completed by the project’s producer who will need to provide receipts for every cost.
There are timing stipulations as well which state that the recorded music must clock in at more than 30 minutes and be released within 18 months of recording.
Other expenses such as travel and accommodation will also be included as will hiring costs of engineers and studios.
It’s no secret that bands and recording artists find inspiration and creativity in beautiful environments and Iceland definitely ticks this box. The team at Record in Iceland have stated that the close-knit creative community and inspirational surroundings are reason enough to make the journey over.
Although perhaps more of an unusual and remote setting Iceland can be easily reached from the UK and Europe in only a few hours so perhaps the new incentive will put Iceland on the map for more international artists.
That said, Iceland itself isn’t short of reputable studios.
In 2016 Kanye West visited Greenhouse Studios (in fact check out his video for ‘’Highlights’’ which was filmed in Iceland), whilst Syrland Studios recorded none other than Bjork and Of Mice and Men.
Iceland Music managing director Sigtryggur Baldursson stated:
‘’Because of our glorious isolation, Iceland has nurtured quite a unique music culture, but as well as developing a nation of poets and musicians, we also have a network of first-class recording studios, each with their own idiosyncrasies’’.
“Until now, these studios have been something of a hidden secret, but our aim with Record in Iceland is to open these facilities to a far wider range of international artists and businesses, and to make them a compelling commercial proposition.”
Already famous for its unique locations for film and TV, it seems the same may be happening for music in Iceland, best book your flights while they are still cheap!