AFERS: ÖLIVIAS + RAKEL

ÖLIVIAS is a Catalan experimental folk duo formed by Clàudia Balletbò and Isabel Archs. Since 2020, they have developed a project that brings together poetry, oral tradition, and sonic experimentation, establishing a distinctive artistic identity through releases such as Antich Ventura (2021), Clamare (2022), and their debut full-length album Que baixi el cel (2024).

They have performed at renowned festivals and venues including Eufònic, BAM, Barnasants, Barcelona Poesia, CCCB, Heliogàbal, and Apolo, as well as at national and international stages.

At Afers, they present the first chapter of Després de tot, demà, their second album. This conceptual work reflects on extinction and its social, political, and environmental consequences, bringing poetry, folk-rooted music, and contemporary experimentation into dialogue.

“Iceland’s next breakout star” — The Line of Best Fit

RAKEL is an Icelandic singer-songwriter who blends intimate vocals, acoustic instrumentation, and subtle electronic textures to create deeply emotional songs. Since releasing her EP Nothing Ever Changes (2021), she has established herself as one of the most promising voices in Iceland’s music scene, collaborating and sharing stages with artists such as Nanna (Of Monsters and Men), Damon Albarn, and Axel Flóvent.

Her debut album, a place to be, released through Ólafur Arnalds’ OPIA Community, transforms everyday sounds and sonic landscapes into evocative compositions. Praised by outlets including Billboard and The Line of Best Fit, RAKEL is emerging as one of the new generation of Icelandic artists with international projection.