Birkir Blær’s latest single “Go On” is a beautiful reminder that music doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. With its raw emotion, rich production, and quietly commanding vocals, “Go On” showcases an artist who isn’t just making music—he’s telling a story, and doing it with sincerity, soul, and undeniable skill.
At 24, Birkir may be young, but he’s no newcomer. Hailing from Akureyri, Iceland and now living in Stockholm, Sweden, Birkir Blær has already made a name for himself, most notably by winning Swedish Idol in 2021. Since then, he’s kept busy—writing, performing, producing, and steadily building a following with nearly 6 million streams on Spotify. “Go On” marks a new high point in that journey.
The track was born out of a jam session at the Icelandic writing camp Airsongs, hosted by Iceland Sync. It came together organically with a team of creatives—Birkir, Baldvin Hlynsson, Halldór Gunnar Pálsson, and his brother Hreinn Orri Óðinsson—who clearly struck the right chord, both musically and emotionally. The song was also shaped by Helga Soffía Ólafsdóttir’s songwriting contribution, mixed by Sæþór Kristjánsson and mastered by Glenn Schick, whose polished finishing touch is the perfect bow on this soulful package.
What makes “Go On” stand out is how human it feels. Birkir’s voice is both delicate and powerful—a controlled vulnerability that hits home without trying too hard. His tone floats effortlessly between soul and R&B, but with a bluesy undertone that makes each lyric land with weight. The instrumentation is minimal but meaningful: subtle piano, fluid guitar, and gentle rhythmic layers that never overshadow the vocals, but instead hold space for them.
Lyrically, “Go On” is reflective and heartfelt. While it doesn’t scream for attention, it quietly commands it, inviting listeners into a space of emotional honesty. There’s a sense of movement in the song—not just in tempo, but in emotional depth. It’s about continuing, pushing forward, and letting go, all while holding onto your truth. The song doesn’t need to be loud to be heard—it breathes, pauses, and allows silence to speak just as much as the music.
Birkir has said that he doesn’t like to be boxed into one musical category, and “Go On” reflects that beautifully. His influences—from Otis Redding and Donny Hathaway to Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly—are felt not in mimicry, but in spirit. The soul, the depth, the dedication to craft—all of it is there, but filtered through Birkir’s own lens. He’s not imitating his idols; he’s learning from them and creating something uniquely his.
He also mentions how important sincerity is to him, and you can feel that authenticity in every layer of the song. There’s no forced image, no commercial gloss—just a young artist letting his music speak for him. As he said himself, “The artwork is to show where I came from, and the music to show where I’m going.” With “Go On,” it’s clear he’s headed somewhere meaningful.
“Go On” is more than just a song—it’s a soulful statement of who Birkir Blær is as an artist: thoughtful, genuine, and in full command of his craft. It’s a track that lingers in the air long after it ends, and one that rewards you with something new on every listen. In an industry often obsessed with instant hits and fleeting trends, Birkir gives us a refreshing alternative: music with heart, purpose, and staying power.
Stream “Go On” now—it’s one of those songs that doesn’t just ask to be heard, it deserves to be felt.
Connect with BIRKIR BLÆR on
English