The 8th March marks International Women’s Day – a day that exists as “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.”

More than that though, the occasion also serves as a time to re-address issues facing women around the world, as well as being a day to mark “a call to action for accelerating gender parity.” Events, conferences, marches and talks take place around the world in recognition of International Women’s Day, so to find out more, check out the official website right here.

In 2016, we caught up with Icelandic musician Lay Low who, having curated her own edition of the Nordic Playlist in the past, was keen to highlight some of her favourite women musicians from the Nordics. So, read on as we catch up with the Lay Low – aka Lovísa Elísabet Sigrúnardóttir – to hear more about some of the music she’s loved over the past year as well as her plans for marking the 2017 edition of International Women’s Day.

Hi Lovísa, and thanks for joining us again! Where are you speaking to us from today, and how are you doing?

Hi!

I’m now heading back home to Iceland after a short visit to Slovakia. I was playing a little Nordic festival in Kosice. Had a lovely time there, but I’m also excited to get back home like always when I’m playing abroad.

It’s International Women’s Day today, so will you be doing anything to mark the occasion?

Hoping to have a little get-together with some friends.

You updated your playlist for International Women’s Day last year, so we’re very happy that you’re joining us again this year.  Can you tell us a few things about the new songs you’ve selected?

It is always easy to add songs to the playlist. There is so much good music out there. I had a hard time to not put too many songs. I’ll keep some songs ready for next year’s edition.

Any up and coming female artists from the Nordics we should look out for in 2017?

I’m excited about RuGL, a band from Iceland that are hopefully working on their debut album.

And finally, what does the rest of the year hold for you? Can we expect to hear exciting news from you or see you soon?!

This year I’m focusing on quality time with family and friends. It has been on the agenda to do some more exploring here at home, so we plan on spending most of the summer travelling around Iceland.

I’m also working on new material so there might be a sight of a new single sometime later this year if I ever make it back home from the Iceland excursion.