Firewoodisland

Firewoodisland is a group based in Cardiff and Bristol that forms in 2013 and remains active. The band begins as a solo project for Norwegian musician Stian Vedøy before developing into a full line-up with Abi Eleri Vedøy, Stephen Allen and Dylan Jones. Its sound sits at the point between alternative, mountain pop, indie folk and Celtic-inspired music, and the group describes its style as Celtic Viking Music.

Background

The project starts in Cardiff, South Wales, after Vedøy moves from Haugesund, Norway, in 2010. The music grows from those early solo beginnings at Cardiff’s local club Koko Gorillaz into a collaborative band format. The group draws on artists such as Thomas Dybdahl and Bon Iver, alongside traditional folk music from Wales and Norway.

Career

A regional win in Norway’s Bandwagon Battle of the Bands in 2013 helps turn the solo project into a full band. Firewoodisland then tours across the UK and back to Norway. Its debut EP, ILD, appears in 2014, followed by a second EP in autumn 2015.

The group also wins Amazing Radio’s weekly Audition twice and headlines the Richer Unsigned showcase in association with Q Magazine. Coverage in Q Magazine and Earmilk describes the band as suited to both radio play and festival settings.