While Iceland is often praised for its strong commitment to human rights — particularly the rights of marginalised groups — it continues to struggle when it comes to protecting its natural resources. The island remains one of the few countries in the world that still permits commercial whaling.
Recently, we published a story about the Captain Paul Watson Foundation returning to Iceland to launch a new campaign targeting the country’s whaling industry.
Whaling has long been a contentious issue in Iceland, especially after Icelandic whaling company Hvalur hf. received permission to hunt 150 fin whales and 168 minke whales.
Although this represents a 25 per cent reduction from the previous quota of 209 fin whales, the decision has nevertheless shocked environmentalists around the world.
What may once have been a necessity in the 12th century is now widely regarded as an extreme form of violence against marine life.
In a modern world where food sources are far more abundant than they were in medieval times, commercial whaling appears increasingly outdated and unnecessary. Moreover, the brutal methods employed by whalers — including the use of exploding harpoons — have sparked widespread protests from environmental activists.
Many of those campaigning to protect Icelandic flora and fauna are artists themselves. Unsurprisingly, whales — their haunting calls and extraordinary intelligence — have inspired numerous Icelandic musicians and composers.
Our latest playlist brings together tracks that highlight the importance of whales, both as vital creatures within the natural world and as enduring sources of artistic inspiration.
Bubbi Morthens – “Whale Song”
Often described as Iceland’s answer to Bruce Springsteen, singer-songwriter Bubbi Morthens has long been known for his rebellious spirit and socially conscious lyrics. Released in 1988, “Whale Song” addresses the cynical realities of commercial whaling:
“Money counts, money talks / The businessmen spoke / Who believes in the Greenpeace dream? / For him, it’s a bad joke.”
Milkywhale – “Milkywhale”
Icelandic duo Milkywhale craft addictive electronica reminiscent of Saint Etienne. With shimmering beats and siren-like vocals, “Milkywhale” draws parallels between the loneliness experienced by whales and by humans. Both long for connection, affection and understanding — and, of course, both are mammals.
Jónsi and Alex Somers – “Daníell in the Sea”
“Daníell in the Sea” appears on Riceboy Sleeps, the debut album by Jón Þór Birgisson — better known as Jónsi — and his then partner Alex Somers. According to the duo, the album began with acoustic recording sessions in Iceland before being reworked on solar-powered laptops in a raw-food commune in Hawaii. That unusual process reflects the album’s environmental undercurrents, subtly woven beneath its lush and cinematic soundscapes.
Mountain Milk — Fischersund, Jónsi, Kjartan Hólm, Sin Fang
Named after a fragrance from Fischersund’s Faux Flora series, “Mountain Milk” serves as an ambient soundtrack to the perfume itself. Ethereal and immersive, the piece evokes both the fragility and power of the natural world.
Björk – “Antarctic Return” and “Hunter Vessel”
For Matthew Barney’s avant-garde film Drawing Restraint 9, Björk composed a sweeping soundtrack deeply intertwined with oceanic imagery. The music captures the atmosphere of a Japanese factory whaling vessel, while the film’s climactic transformation sees the two human protagonists evolve into whales.
Biggi Nielsen — “Whales of Iceland”
This instrumental composition by Icelandic artist Biggi Nielsen places whale song against a backdrop of atmospheric krautrock-inspired textures, capturing both the serenity and majesty of Iceland’s marine life.