Track/Video: RAKEL, a new voice from Reykjavík, reveals upcoming debut album

Pianist and composer Ólafur Arnalds, through his innovative OPIA project, showcases emerging talents to a wider audience. Among these talents is RAKEL, an Icelandic singer-songwriter whose music combines alt-folk elements with atmospheric and orchestral sounds. Since her debut EP in 2021, RAKEL has been steadily releasing reflective tunes, including collaborations with fellow musicians. Now, as part of the OPIA collective, she is gearing up for the release of her debut album, ‘a place to be’, scheduled for October.

RAKEL’s latest single, “Rescue Remedy,” encapsulates a mix of emotions, with lyrics exploring the bittersweet feelings of holding onto a connection yet knowing it’s time to let go. The song features intricate guitar patterns, lush woodwind arrangements that dance around her vocals, and RAKEL’s emotive voice that effortlessly navigates between vulnerability and strength. There’s a touch of M.L. Buch’s style in her delivery, complemented by subtle autotune effects that enhance the emotional depth of the track.

With “Rescue Remedy,” RAKEL invites listeners into a world where melancholy meets hope, where introspection merges with acceptance. The song serves as a poignant prelude to her upcoming album, hinting at the raw emotion and storytelling that awaits listeners in ‘a place to be.’ RAKEL’s music resonates with a sense of longing and introspection, drawing listeners in with its authenticity and depth.

As RAKEL continues to carve out her unique sound within the alt-folk genre, her partnership with the OPIA project promises to amplify her reach and impact. With “Rescue Remedy” as a teaser for what’s to come, audiences can look forward to immersing themselves in RAKEL’s musical world when her debut album releases in October. Stay tuned for more soul-stirring melodies and introspective lyrics from this emerging talent from Reykjavík.