Icelandic artist Daði Freyr achieved worldwide recognition through his catchy 2020 track "Think About Things," crafted to showcase his nation at the Eurovision Song Contest. Although the event was called off amid the worldwide health crisis, the upbeat synth-pop number gained traction across multiple nations, paving the way for the equally lively follow-up "10 Years" in 2021. This tune secured a fourth-place finish at that edition of the competition. As a vocalist, composer, and player of various instruments, Freyr has earned acclaim for his unconventional performances, distinctive choreography, and dedication to crafting memorable pop melodies.
Originating from Reykjavik and spending part of his childhood in Denmark, Freyr's family eventually established roots in Iceland's Southern Region, where he pursued studies in music management at the collegiate level. His initial significant endeavor involved the electronic pop ensemble ReTroBot, which put out a single record and claimed victory at the 2012 Músíktilraunir competition held in Reykjavik. Upon moving to Berlin to further his education in music production, Freyr launched his individual artistic path via the independently issued Næsta Skref EP, alongside a 2017 participation in Söngvakeppni—the yearly selection process for Iceland's Eurovision representative. Although "Is This Love?" failed to emerge victorious, it solidified his distinctive sonic identity and visual style. Featuring rumbling synthesizer melodies paired with precise rhythmic pulses, the clever pop composition was brought to life onstage by his sibling, supporting vocalist Sigrún Birna Pétursdóttir, his spouse, dancer Árný Fjóla Ásmundsdóttir, and an ensemble of companions and players all clad in distinctive teal sweaters imprinted with pixelated images of their faces. This collective came to be recognized as Daði & Gagnamagnið, a phrase in Icelandic meaning "data plan."
Following the issuance of the 2019 LP & Co., Freyr resumed his efforts toward Eurovision success. Unveiled in January 2020, the irresistibly memorable "Think About Things" easily triumphed in Söngvakeppni and was poised to stand for Iceland at the upcoming contest. Its widespread appeal positioned it as a potential contender, yet the pandemic's interference with Eurovision transformed "Think About Things" into an internet sensation globally, ultimately prevailing in various international song contests hosted in locations such as Austria, Sweden, Norway, and Australia. Capitalizing on the surge of interest, Daði & Gagnamagnið came back in 2021 with "10 Years," a comparably catchy dance tribute to Freyr's partner that achieved fourth position at the Eurovision event that year. Yet another worldwide success which reached the summit of the Icelandic pop rankings, this track formed the cornerstone of his Welcome EP. Freyr reemerged in 2022 via the filous-supported release "Sabada" and declared plans for a global tour.
