We are betting on Iceland to become the new nation to watch in the Eurovision Song Contest. Here, Sigga, Beta and Elín Eyþórsdóttir, the three sisters behind Systur, reveal their inspirations, their love for the 1970s, and the privilege to compete for Iceland as a family
In this year's Eurovision Song Contest, all eyes are on Iceland. After the international phenomenon of Daði Freyr's success with 2020's Think About Things and 2021's 10 Years, the tiny but mighty nation has placed itself on the map as the one-to-watch in music.
Systur, a trio of sisters Beta, Sigga and Elín Eyþórsdóttir, are ready to take on the torch and potentially lead Iceland to its first ever win. So, what inspires this band to fight for the Euro throne? "Love and kindness." Here, Beta, Sigga, and Elín tell all about their experience with the contest, their individual styles as sisters, and the true meaning behind their now-classic sonic contribution Með hækkandi sól.
What does the Eurovision Song Contest mean to you?
It means so much to be trusted to represent Iceland in Eurovision 2022. It is such a great honour for us to be able to represent our country in something we love doing. We will never represent Iceland in sports so this is our only shot. Eurovision is a big platform for artists like ourselves and we get to meet many artists from other countries and hear unique sounds from different cultures. That’s very inspiring to us. We also get to do this as a family which is an absolute privilege.
Do you have any specific memories of the contest that have influenced your decisions to become artists?
Our Mom and Dad competed in our National finals when we were kids and that is among many other things they did that influenced us. Abba, Celine Dion, and Loreen are among the artists that we listened to and still do.
What is it like to represent Iceland in such a prestigious event?
It’s surreal, this is so big and unlike anything we have ever done. We love it, we love all the diversity and the freedom to express ourselves and our music.
Sigga, Beta, and Elín. Photo: Björn Júlíus Grímsson
Are you nervous about performing on such a big stage?
We have been playing a lot lately so that has helped us get over the stress that comes with performing on stage! I think we are all nervous but in a good way! Luckily, we have each other to lean on.
What does the song Með hækkandi sól mean to you? And how does it reflect Icelandic music?
It means “With the rising sun”. In Iceland, we have very dark long winters with short periods of sunlight so in spring when the sun starts rising higher the days grow brighter and longer. With that our spirits lighten up and we feel happier and more joyful. We can translate this to every difficult situation going on in one's life and especially where people are oppressed. There’s hope, don’t give up the light will shine on you again. You can break free.
Why do you think Nordic music has had such immense success internationally? As artists, what about it makes it connect with a universal audience?
The uniqueness of the soundscape is inspired by nature, old tales [that portray] open-mindedness and the freedom to express yourself.
Photo: Björn Júlíus Grímsson
Photo: Björn Júlíus Grímsson
What was the thought process and inspiration behind the show looks?
We all agreed that we wanted to have a '70s-style theme. We love 1970s fashion and music. We decided to look at the '70s Americana style. We were so lucky to have the most amazing stylists to help us deliver that look.
As sisters, how do your individual styles compliment each other?
We are sisters and we are very close and spend a lot of time together but we are different even though we are very much alike. Our styles match our personalities and help us hold on to our own identities.
What is the best style advice you’ve ever received?
Be confident in your style. What matters the most is that you love and respect yourself that is what will shine through.
Who are your style icons?
Beta: I love the '70s style. Sharon Tate, Audrey Hepburn.
Sigga: People that are able to be themselves and not let others define who they are. I don’t have specific idols. It’s just as many people on the street as any celebrities.
Elín: Everyone who’s brave enough to express themselves no matter what others think. Icons like Jimmy Hendrix, Boy George, Lady Gaga and Prince.
What is your greatest inspiration?
Love and Kindness. Believing and focusing on the good things in this world, Human rights, and making sure that we treat people with kindness and respect.
And on that note, listen to Systur's song Með hækkandi sól on Spotify:
Make-up: Maríanna Pálsdóttir
Jewelry: Kria
Special thanks: OGR venue in Torino