Kaleo, the Icelandic band whose name means “the sound” in Hawaiian, made a name for themselves by blending a unique combination of different genres and dynamics to create a distinct niche in the indie rock world.
Since their humble beginnings as best friends in elementary school in Mosfellsbaer, right outside of Reykjavik, Julius Son, Daniel Kristjansson, and David Antonsson evolved their relationship into playing music together at the age of 17–later adding Rubin Pollock as guitarist in 2012.
That same year, Kaleo became popular after a handful of highly reviewed shows at the Iceland Airwaves music festival, and a notable of cover of the 1960’s Icelandic love song “Vor í Vaglaskógi,” which gained traction in their homeland.
Two years later, Kaleo procured greater mainstream success with the release of their single “All The Pretty Girls,” signing with Atlantic Records and moving to Austin, Texas in 2015. Since then, their songs have been heard on notable television shows such as Vinyl, Grey’s Anatomy, Empire, and Orange is the New Black. Close your eyes and imagine the iconic scene in Suits where Mike is walking into prison – musically leading this moment is none other than Kaleo’s “Way Down We Go.”
The band’s main songwriter, Julius Son, has a distinct personal ethos when it comes to writing, and explains that “I prefer to let the listener decide what each song means to them instead of me telling my own personal connection.” This mentality comes through clearly in the sound of the group, and spurs the audience to take a new approach to listening.
So if indie-rock-meets-blues sounds like your type of music, come see Kaleo play at the new DC venue The Anthem this Saturday, October 14th, and interpret Julius’ lyrics for yourself. This show will be one you do not want to miss. Ticket purchases are available here!
Check out their songs “Way Down We Go” and “Vor í Vaglaskógi” in their native tongue below:
Show Details:
Date: Saturday, Oct 14, 2017
Doors: 6:30 PM
Show: 8:00 PM
Opening Acts: ZZ Ward, Wilder
All Ages
Ticket Prices: $40 – $55
Purchase Tickets HERE
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