Iceland’s KALEO is a band known for creating soulful blues- and folk-infused anthems with lead singer Jökull Júlíusson’s captivating vocals at the forefront. Their journey to global fame began in 2012 when their track ‘Vor í Vaglaskógi’ went viral, drawing comparisons to renowned artists like Hozier and Ray LaMontagne. The breakthrough success of their debut self-titled album in 2013 marked the start of a remarkable career, producing multiple gold-certified hits. KALEO achieved broader recognition with their sophomore album, A/B, which secured a spot on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. Their latest release in 2021, ‘Surface Sounds,’ showcases a more expansive and rock-oriented sound, further solidifying their position in the music industry.
Established in 2012 in Mosfellsbær, near Reykjavik, KALEO – a name derived from the Hawaiian word meaning ‘the sound’ – originally comprised childhood friends Jökull Júlíusson, Davíð Antonsson, and Daníel Ægir Kristjánsson. Over the years, they evolved their sound by incorporating elements of blues, folk, country, and rock, culminating in their official debut at the Icelandic Airwaves music festival. The band’s rendition of the traditional Icelandic song ‘Vor í Vaglaskógi’ during a live radio performance unexpectedly catapulted them to regional stardom, propelling them to a record deal with Sena by the end of 2013. Their subsequent success in Iceland, marked by a string of chart-topping hits and a European tour, paved the way for their venture into the international music scene with Atlantic Records in the U.S.