Having spent several days exploring Iceland and its music scene during the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, The Current's Program Director Jim McGuinn sums up his time there. 'At times in Iceland, when looking at fantastic mountains, lava fields, or northern lights, it feels like you are on another planet or on the moon, isolated from the rest of the world and able to foster your own reality,' McGuinn writes. 'That reality manifests itself in the creative music and culture.' See McGuinn's summary along with many photos by Nate Ryan.

As the label Bella Union celebrates 20 years, founder Simon Raymonde reflects on his career with Cocteau Twins, the magic of Iceland, and his new band, Lost Horizons.

Following several days of musical and cultural discovery at Iceland Airwaves, Mark Wheat shares his thoughts as he reflects on his experiences in Akureyri and Reykjavik. See what Mark has to say, and browse a roundup of performance videos from our live broadcasts from Iceland.

The Current enjoyed two fantastic days of live performances and interviews from the Gotubarinn pub in Akureyri, Iceland, as part of the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. Watch Emiliana Torrini and The Colorist perform their song, 'Thinking Out Loud,' recorded as it was broadcast live to The Current's listeners.

It's day two of The Current's first-ever international live broadcasts. On Friday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Central Time), join host Mark Wheat as he broadcasts live from Akureyri, Iceland, for the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. Mark will have interviews, live performances and a few cultural insights as well.

The Current enjoyed a fantastic day of live performances and interviews from the Gotubarinn pub in Akureyri, Iceland, as part of the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. Watch Asgeir perform his song, 'Stardust,' recorded as it was broadcast live to The Current's listeners. Be sure to join Mark Wheat on Friday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time for more from the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival.

The Current enjoyed a fantastic day of live performances and interviews from the Gotubarinn pub in Akureyri, Iceland, as part of the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. Watch Icelandic band Mammut perform their spellbinding a cappella song, 'Bye Bye,' recorded as it was broadcast live to The Current's listeners. Be sure to join Mark Wheat on Friday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time for more from the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival.

This week, we're excited to share with you a historic moment for The Current: our first-ever international live broadcast. On Thursday and Friday, Nov. 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Central Time), join host Mark Wheat as he broadcasts live from Akureyri, Iceland, for the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival.

Mark Wheat sits down with Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane from Mumford and Sons at the conclusion of the Iceland Airwaves Festival.

In preparation for this week's live broadcasts from Akureyri, Iceland, at the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, Mark Wheat prepared for his adventure with the help of Iceland's Honorary Consuls General to Minnesota, Dr. Orn Arnar and Katrin Sigureardottir. Watch Mark's video, and see the complete Iceland Airwaves broadcast schedule.