They were internally selected to represent Iceland this May, after having won Söngvakeppnin 2020 in a landslide. And now RÚV has released a documentary about Daði & Gagnamagnið’s journey onto the big Eurovision stage.
Running just under 1 and a half hours in total, the film ran over two consecutive Saturday evenings on RÚV, Iceland’s national broadcaster, leading up to the premiere of this year’s song, “10 Years”, which will take place on Saturday March 13. Under normal conditions this time slot would be reserved for Söngvakeppnin, but with an internal selection this year the documentary screening was a way to keep the Icelandic audience on their toes regarding the impending Eurovision Song Contest.
But it’s not only the Icelandic audience that can enjoy Daði & Gagnamagnið’s journey, as RÚV has uploaded the documentary with English subtitles to their Youtube channel. Not much is revealed in this first part of the documentary about this year’s song or performance, but we are teased with a tiny glimpse of some dance moves towards the end. They sure know how to keep us excited!
Starting with footage from Daði’s childhood, it is clear that the documentary isn’t only focusing on Daði & Gagnamagnið’s trip to Rotterdam but also on their personal journey into the spotlight. With a mixture of one on one interviews and observation, we are given an insight into the group’s lives with emphasis on Daði and Árný.
Though Daði & Gagnamagnið’s upcoming Eurovision participation is pending, we are also told the story of the group’s origin, including their first appearance in Söngvakeppnin 2017 where they ended up in second place respectively. Interviews with all members of Gagnamagnið reflect the humour and joie de vivre of the group.
This is manifested when the forming of the group is discussed, where Daði and Jóhann tell us that because six people are allowed on stage, they of course had to fill that quota. And as the rules are that only the singing needs to be live, not the instrumental music, anyone could in theory be on stage. This is evident in Stefán’s comment regarding his participation: “I am not a musician, I am not a dancer. And if I’m being perfectly honest, I have very little rhythm.” But as Jóhann says, he is a funny guy and therefore he was recruited.
Another interesting insight is the origin story of the instruments used on stage. It turns out that Árný’s father constructed them out of various odds and ends and knickknacks, and indeed they are not to be played. They are there for aesthetic and entertainment value only.
Are you excited for Daði & Gagnamagnið’s premiere of “10 Years”? Tell us in the comments below.
Read more Iceland Eurovision news here
Dadi is Iceland’s best chance to win the contest. Dunno if it is with this song or last year’s song. Maybe both? It’s the hype and story behind it that builds up any momentum. Let’s wait and see. I d really love IS to win this year. I find it is a very weak year. I can only listen 7 songs on repeat not more (out of 40!). Last year I had ~15 songs on my repeat list. Anyway, Dadi and Gagnamagnid, good luck and Afram Island!
They are all talented, down to earth, they deserve to get the win at Eurovision. They encompass all that Europe is about. Talent, creativity, humbleness, positive attitude, enjoying it.
Is begin to be a litle boring all this sh….,good luck
🙂
The pressure is on!
It was sweet and lovely.. Cosy family life.. I just love the whole narrative, hope they do well because Think about things was my jammm last year..
I’ve watched the documentary, it was cool to see how much they are involved in their own new entry. They want to win absolutely and they don’t hide it, and they think they will. It’s ok it’s a competition so it’s normal to wish the victory if you compete, however in eurovision there is only one country winning out of 40, it’s very hard, so you can’t be so sure to win. I mean it’s cool to take the contest seriously but don’t go in this contest with the aim to win absolutely in your head, go there to have… Read more »
I’ve been too late when I know it was leaked the url are gone already so why not release the song already and stop this boosting promotions where you can do this in the entire month of April.
dont really care about him at all since he was very vocal about wanting the *whole contest cancelled* in 2019 because it happened to be in israel
I liked their song last year but … I am not really positive about the 2021 entry (I wish to be surprised though! I am one of those people who always has an open mind for music) because… it all just seems too 2020? There have been returning artists that have excelled at presenting something brand-new and others that so-so have tried. Just from seeing their outfits — which are so 2020 in my opinion — it seems to me as if they are following the same pattern and… it makes me kind of sad because I would love to… Read more »
Hi Mr Bean! I think Dadi was quite within his rights to say happy to go, but only if I’m internally selected. When Eurovision was cancelled, those broadcasters who went ahead with their national finals and ‘only’ guaranteed a place to the 2020 artist rather than internally selecting were criticised. I think in the exceptional circumstances, songvakeppnin can wait another year while dadi gets his chance on the stage 🙂
Hiya, yes defo agree in terms of dadi, although to say that you ‘like him less’ I think is a little inflammatory. In terms of broadcasters, one example is certainly Lithuania – when it was said the Roop would have to make it’s way out a national final, that decision did receive criticism from some. It’s a tough balance for broadcasters as for some their national final is bigger than Eurovision.
Honestly after hearing the leak as sad as it is to say, they arent gonna win, Id be surprised if Iceland even qualifies this year, especially with how good semi final 2 this year is!
They will qualify and place top 10 only because of the televotes
Hey why so much dislikes?
Like dadi is nice but like……
They will qualify just because of their gimmicks and last year over-hype.
I don’t like it either. For me, Dadi is out, The Roop too…
The roop is awesome!