The state of live music in Reykjavík’s city center
The Research Center for the Creative Industries has published the report “Nobody Starts at Harpa: Live Music, Concert Venues and Cultural Infrastructure in Reykjavík’s City Center.”
R. Michael Hendrix and Erla Rún Guðmundsdóttir conducted the study for Reykjavík Music City. The study examined the state of live music in the city center, how it has evolved, the role of concert venues and their operating conditions.
Using mixed methods, the researchers analyzed statistical data on music events and interviewed concert organizers and venue operators. The goal was to understand how concert activity has shifted and what operational and organizational conditions have driven those changes.
Key findings
From 2022 to 2025, the number of live music events in Reykjavík’s city center rose 45%, from 1,931 to 2,794. At first glance, the figures suggest a thriving music scene, but a closer look reveals highly uneven growth. Midsize and large concert venues saw the greatest growth, while grassroots spaces accounted for a smaller share of events.
The findings suggest that concert venues face mounting financial pressure. Rising operating costs, inflation and high alcohol taxes strain venues’ business models, while shifts in tourism, concertgoer behavior and regulations shape how they operate.
Concert venues are a vital part of the city’s cultural infrastructure, providing spaces where musicians develop, audiences form and the local music scene takes shape. The report emphasizes that more concerts at larger venues cannot replace the opportunities smaller and grassroots spaces offer emerging musicians. Smaller concert venues are essential to developing artists, building audiences and preserving the city’s distinctive character.
Key insights
The study lays the groundwork for policy development and ongoing measurement while raising broader questions about how Reykjavík can support small businesses, create opportunities for youth and ensure its tourism and tax policies strengthen the city’s cultural identity rather than undermine it.
Ása Dýradóttir, project manager for Music City, welcomed the report’s publication as a milestone. “A lack of data has always made it hard to advocate for concert venues and artists. It was time to take a thorough look at the state of live music and use the findings to keep working toward better conditions for artists, audiences and venue operators in Reykjavík. The findings clearly show that operating conditions for live music venues in the city need systemic change.”
Two weeks ago, the report was presented to the Reykjavík Culture Council and at yesterday’s event, “A Conversation About the Creative Industries.” The discussion was part of a music industry gathering organized by Iceland Music and Reykjavík Music City. It was titled “Knowing Your Stuff: Research and How to Apply What We Know About Iceland’s Music Ecosystem.” Participants explored several topics, including how research and fresh insights can clarify where the music scene stands today and help shape its future.
