Whoever sets out to explore Icelandic music will inevitably come across Bríet. The artist, known for her emotionally rich songs about love and relationships, has become an integral voice in the country’s music scene. While she may seem a little intimidating at first glance, Bríet is anything but — she’s warm, open, and full of light. Her energy draws you in immediately. Our editor in chief, Chiara-Marie Hauser, met her in her favorite coffee shop in Reykjavík, a cozy spot that feels less like a café and more like Bríet’s living room. Everyone knows her there, and the way they greet her makes it clear how loved she is. Her presence fills the space, especially when she starts talking about her music and writing. Now taking bold steps into english songwriting, Bríet opened up about her creative process, vulnerability, and the healing power of music.
CMH: Bríet, you released your new song “Blood on My Lips” not too long ago. Can you tell me a bit about the inspiration behind it?
Bríet: All of my songs are about love or relationships in some form, but Blood on My Lips is a little different. It’s about a connection that’s difficult to explain, something bigger than you, something you can’t really comprehend. It tries to capture the feeling of something powerful and mysterious pulling you in.
CMH: What does your writing routine usually look like? Can you walk me through the process from the initial idea to a finished song?
Bríet: It usually starts with the producer playing some chords. I’ll sing over it and try to find melodies that just feel right. It’s a very intuitive process. For Blood on My Lips, I kept repeating the word “heaven” in my head. It felt cheesy at first, but I couldn’t stop saying it, and eventually, it just fit. I also keep a diary, a place where I write things that inspire me.
CMH: So what inspires you most when you’re writing? I think I read in one of your Instagram Q&As that Bon Iver is a big influence. What is it about his music that speaks to you?
Bríet: Yes, I love Bon Iver! I admire the world he creates through his music. Every song feels like it has layers, you listen and start questioning things. His writing is so open and honest, and I really connect with that. He makes you think, and that’s something I strive for in my own music too.
CMH: To me, songwriting seems like something very intimate and personal. Do you ever feel afraid of putting something so close to yourself into words for others to hear?
Bríet: Definitely. I don’t really like secrets, and I want to be open. Songwriting becomes a part of a healing process almost. When your audience grows, it gets a bit scarier. But anything that puts you on your toes and makes you feel something is worth doing. You have to face your fears when you put something personal out there, it’s part of being an artist.
CMH: If I understand correctly, you’re moving more toward writing songs in English instead of Icelandic. As someone who avoids writing in their mother tongue too, I sometimes feel it’s easier to express certain things in English. Is it the same for you?
Bríet: Actually, I find it harder in English. Writing in Icelandic is so personal, and I want to keep that feeling even in English. But it’s challenging. Finding clever words or the right emotional tone is like learning to speak all over again — like being a child. But I like the challenge. It keeps me on my toes, and even though it’s scary, it helps me grow. It forces me
to put my ego aside and just focus on evolving.
CMH: Do you feel that Iceland inspires your music? The nature? It’s such a magical country.
Bríet: Yes, absolutely. The more I travel, the more I appreciate the little things back home. But I also love exploring new places. Even just being in Europe, changing money or hearing different languages makes you reflect and it is exciting. At the end of the day, Iceland’s nature and atmosphere have a strong pull, and it always comes back into my music in some
way.
CMH: Is there an artist you’d love to collaborate with?
Bríet: Bon Iver, of course! But honestly, I’m open to everything. I like working with different styles and artists.
CMH: Music is such an emotional outlet, especially for young people trying to navigate the world. How do you see the role of music in that context?
Bríet: Music keeps you alive. It holds memories, changes your mood, helps you connect. It’s nostalgic, grounding, and necessary — like food. It’s something you can always turn to, whether you need to escape or to feel something deeply.
CMH: Is there something you’d like to say to the young people who may look to you and
your music for comfort or guidance?
Bríet: Surround yourself with people who are really good at what they do. Be open — to learning, to teaching. Ask questions and stay curious. It’s okay not to know everything.
That’s how you grow.
We thank Bríet for her time and can’t wait to see where her path will lead her next!
Bríet’s Spotify
Bríet’s Instagram
