When the world gets heavy, Icelandic pop duo VÆB (pronounced “vibe”) offer an escape by dancing straight through the chaos. Drenched in silver, powered by joy, and fuelled by internet humour and Icelandic party energy, brothers Matthías David Matthíasson and Halfdan Helgi Matthíasson are redefining pop music as a technicolour playground where silliness, sincerity, and shout-along hooks collide.
Their latest single ‘Þetta Reddast’ is pure serotonin: an upbeat, infectious anthem built on the Icelandic phrase for “it will all work out.” Taken from their forthcoming debut album 'VÆBOUT' (out April 17, 2026 via Alda Music), the track encapsulates everything the duo stands for, such as irrepressible optimism, tongue-in-cheek charm, and a refusal to take themselves too seriously.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
For Matti it was the Trumpet and for Halfdán it was the drums!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Halfdán loved Queen and the Beatles while Matti loves Icelandic comedy music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
We owned a copy of Abby road and it was played constantly at our home.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
For Halfdán it is - Let it be, Matti it is Rocket man by Elton John.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
We just toss the mic around and just sing whatever into the microphone! It's always fun! Sometimes we get something good but most often it is just nonsense.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
For Matti it is 100% Billie Eilish, But for Halfdan it is BBno$.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably Elton John or ACDC! That would be crazy.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
To hear people singing the lyrics and the Melodys you wrote in a small studio in Iceland! It is kind of wild.
And what is the most frustrating part?
That sometimes you just can’t write the song you want because it just does not sound right, right away.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Just do whatever you like and there are more people in the world that will like it! Trust me!
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VÆB's new single 'Þetta Reddast' is out now. Watch the video for it in the player below.