KALEO

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Band Timeline

2012

Formation and Early Breakthrough of Kaleo

Kaleo, an Icelandic blues rock band, was formed in Mosfellsbær, Iceland, in 2012 by childhood friends Jökull Júlíusson (lead vocalist and guitarist), Davíð Antonsson (drums), and Daniel Kristjánsson (bass). They soon added lead guitarist Rubin Pollock and harmonicist Þorleifur Gaukur Davíðsson. The band took its name from the Hawaiian word for 'the voice.' Their first major public performance was at the 2012 Iceland Airwaves music festival. They gained early fame with their cover of 'Vor í Vaglaskógi,' which became popular on Icelandic radio and featured in the TV series Trapped. By the end of 2012, they had signed with Iceland's main record label, Sena, and released their self-titled debut album which went gold domestically, spawning multiple number-one hits and leading to their first European tour.

2014-2015

Rise in Popularity and Major Label Signing

In 2014, Kaleo gained international attention with their single 'All the Pretty Girls,' which amassed over 87 million streams on Spotify. In early 2015, the band signed with Atlantic Records, marking their major label debut, and relocated to Austin, Texas, to expand their presence in the American music scene. That year, they debuted at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, earning notable mentions in Esquire and NPR. Singles such as 'All the Pretty Girls' charted on Billboard's Adult Alternative Songs. The band released additional singles including 'Way Down We Go,' 'No Good,' and 'I Can't Go On Without You,' all of which laid the groundwork for increased U.S. popularity.

2016

Release of A/B Album and Global Success

Kaleo released their major label debut album 'A/B' globally on June 10, 2016. The album peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over one million copies worldwide. The single 'Way Down We Go' achieved widespread acclaim, earning multiple platinum certifications including double platinum in the U.S. and topping Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. The band supported the album with the 'Handprint Tour' from September to November 2016, followed by the 'Express Tour' in 2017, performing extensively across North America and Europe. In 2017, Kaleo received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance with their song 'No Good,' highlighting their stature in rock music.

2020

Surface Sounds Album and Continuing Evolution

After a hiatus following their initial success, Kaleo released new singles 'I Want More' and 'Break My Baby' in January 2020, marking their first new music since 'A/B.' They announced the album 'Surface Sounds' scheduled for June 5, 2020, accompanied by planned tour dates called the 'Fight or Flight Tour.' These releases demonstrated Kaleo's continued evolution musically, blending their blues rock foundation with modern influences. The singles and forthcoming album attracted attention during a challenging period for live music due to the global pandemic, reflecting the band's resilience and adaptability.

2021

Release of Surface Sounds and Adaptations to Global Challenges

Kaleo officially released the 'Surface Sounds' album in 2021, their third studio project. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on live events, the band managed to engage with their audience digitally and prepare for the resumption of touring. The album showcased a matured sound and was generally well-received, reinforcing Kaleo's status as a prominent Icelandic rock group on the international stage. This period was marked by creative adaptation, as the band navigated the constraints of the music industry while maintaining momentum.

Albums

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Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Jökull Júlíusson

N/A

Rubin Pollock

N/A

Davíð Antonsson

N/A

Daniel Kristjánsson

N/A

Story of KALEO

KALEO: The Icelandic Blues Rockers Taking the World by Storm

KALEO, the Icelandic blues rock band, emerged from the small town of Mosfellsbær in 2012, quickly captivating audiences with their raw energy and soulful sound. Led by vocalist and guitarist Jökull Júlíusson, the band features drummer Davíð Antonsson, bassist Daniel Kristjánsson, lead guitarist Rubin Pollock, and harmonica player Þorleifur Gaukur Davíðsson.

Since their inception, KALEO has released three studio albums: "Kaleo" (2013), "A/B" (2016), and "Surface Sounds" (2021), along with the EP "Glasshouse" (2013). Their second album, "A/B", achieved remarkable success, selling over a million copies worldwide.

One of their standout tracks, "Way Down We Go", became a global hit, achieving double platinum status in the US and topping the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in August 2016. The band's powerful performance of "No Good" earned them a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Performance in 2017.

From Local Heroes to International Stars:

The band's journey began with a strong foundation in their home country. Jökull, Davíð, and Daniel, close friends since elementary school, started playing together at the age of 17. They later welcomed guitarist Rubin Pollock in 2012 and solidified their name as KALEO, meaning "the voice" in Hawaiian.

Their early success came from a series of energetic performances at the 2012 Iceland Airwaves music festival, marking their first major public appearance. Their cover of "Vor í Vaglaskógi" quickly gained popularity, becoming a radio staple in Iceland and featuring on the popular TV series "Trapped".

KALEO's distinctive blues-rock sound, infused with elements of folk and Americana, has earned them global recognition and a dedicated fan base. They've toured extensively, performing on major stages around the world, solidifying their position as one of the most exciting and authentic rock bands of their generation.