Dikta

When thinking Icelandic music, one would naturally think of country mates Björk, Sigur Rós, and Gus Gus who have found international success with their distinctive ethereal sonic landscapes. Dikta (dic • tah) is a welcomed departure with their more approachable alternative rock sound.
"Dikta has been our creative outlet for 12 years, we've been a band since high school, friends since kindergarten… music is a shared passion for all of us so it just made sense to do it together." Starting in a garage in Garðabær, Iceland, and inspired by bands like Radiohead, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins to name a few, Haukur, Jón, Skúli, and Nonni released their first album, Andartak, in 2002 under their own label, Mistak Records. Andartak's singles topped Icelandic charts and were constantly played on Iceland's rock stations.
Dikta, an Icelandic verb meaning "to compose or make something up," remains immersed in the same passionate and soulful atmosphere it was formed in, inspiring their melodic alternative rock sound. They followed up with their first English language album, Hunting for Happiness, in 2005, expanding their European audience. Dikta filled every venue and played every festival in Iceland and opened for The Kooks during their 2010 European tour before releasing their third album, Get it Together, through their recent union with German record label Smarten Up. Prior to releasing the album in Germany, Get it Together, also sung in English, reached Platinum in their home country.
Recalling the best of U2 and early Coldplay, "Thank You," is an anthemic feel-good rock song the world can relate to as noted by being the most played song in Icelandic radio history. "Breaking the Waves" is a moody, energetic track that showcases both Haukur's vocal prowess and the band's musical ability. The band is eager to gain fans in North America and shows no signs of slowing down, winning the People's Choice Award for "Most Popular Artist" at the Icelandic Music Awards for two years running. Playing together for as long as they have, the members of Dikta are able to "feel each other out" while creating new music, explains Haukur: "We're communicating with each other through our instruments and our music." With the dream of one day working with celebrated producer, Nigel Godrich, their natural music making process allows them to try new instruments and recording techniques, a freedom that carries over to their live performances. Thriving off of the audience's positive energy which they cultivate, "we often try out new songs that we've been writing. we love to play new songs that no one has heard before," says guitarist Jón. Dikta is poised to make 2011 a good year, kicking off with a European and US tour, making a stop at the SXSW music festival in the US and Spot festival in Denmark. Check them out to see what Iceland is buzzing about.