Get to know: Brynja Rán – Iceland’s Genre Explorer With a Soulful Edge

From the soulful streets of Reykjavík to playlists around the world, Brynja Rán is making waves with a sound like no other. Her debut EP Seven is a musical journey through jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and beyond, all tied together by one constant: authenticity.

“I have been experimenting with singing and writing music since I can remember,” Brynja shares. With parents who nurtured her passion early on, she grew up surrounded by lessons, rehearsals, and the unwavering belief that music was her calling. “It’s just always been my calling and passion,” she says, a truth that has shaped her life from childhood to the release of her first album.

A turning point came when she won both the song contest and the talent contest at her school, a moment she describes as the first time she realised she “maybe had something special to offer.” That quiet self-belief has since grown into a confident artistry, though Brynja remains humble - “I just put my heart in my work and when it resonates with people it makes me happy.”

What makes Brynja truly stand out is her fearless approach to genre. “It’s hard to put in a box because I have really just started,” she admits. Seven reflects that openness, blending styles into something distinctly hers. Now, she’s diving into new territory - “This time I’m exploring Indie pop a little bit more.”

Her songwriting process is as organic as her sound. “Sometimes when I go to sleep I get an idea and have to record it. It just comes very naturally once I have started the process of a song.” Inspiration flows from her own life, the experiences of those close to her, and the influence of icons like Amy Winehouse and Lana Del Rey.

The connection she builds with listeners is at the heart of her music. “I just hope that my audience can relate to the message and that they can feel their own experience while listening,” she says. The proof is in her inbox: “I’m literally blown away by all the messages I’m receiving... it warms my heart and inspires me to continue on this journey.”

Looking ahead, Brynja is working on her first LP, with a lead single expected in September. Her vision for the future is clear - keep exploring, keep blending, and keep creating music that is undeniably her own. “I see myself evolving around a lot of different genres and blending them together similar to what I did on Seven.”

Direct, honest, and refreshingly grounded, Brynja Rán isn’t chasing trends, she’s building a sound from the inside out. And if her debut is any indication, this Icelandic soul explorer’s journey is only just beginning.

Connect with Brynja Rán on Spotify, YouTube and Instagram