© Albin Olsson
Biography
Pollapönk is an Icelandic pop-rock band that has delighted audiences with their unique musical style and captivating performances since their inception in 2006. The band was initially formed by two preschool teachers, Heiðar Örn Kristjánsson and Haraldur Freyr Gíslason, with the aim of creating music that children and adults alike could enjoy.
The band’s name, which translates to “Puddle Punk,” exemplifies their quirky and fun-loving character, as well as their appeal to a diverse range of listeners. Their colorful outfits and eccentric performances are hallmarks of their image. The duo soon expanded to a four-piece band with the inclusion of Guðni Finnsson and Arnar Þór Gíslason, further broadening their musical capabilities.
They sing in both Icelandic and English, making their music accessible to a global audience.
In 2014, Pollapönk represented Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest with the track “No Prejudice.” The song, an upbeat pop-rock number with an encouraging message about breaking down barriers and eradicating prejudice, made it to the final round of the competition. This performance significantly raised the band’s international profile and served as a testament to their talent and dedication.
So far, Pollapönk released four albums. Their greatest hits, apart from “Enga fordóma/No prejudice” were “Litli ljótu ljónið” (2008), “Punkabillybræðraband” (2009). Despite their initial focus on children’s music, their broad appeal has transcended these boundaries, captivating listeners of all ages.
As of mid-2023, Pollapönk continues to write, record, and perform, bringing their music. In May 2023, Pollapönk released a new version of “Enga fordóma/No prejudice” for Unicef, together with @Tag, a choir of deaf children.