Kaśka Paluch first came to Iceland on a journalism assignment, since then she has built a life she never thought possible. GayIceland spoke with the Polish musician and artist about her new music project and her relationship with her home country.
Inspiration for Kaśka’s new musical project Noise from Iceland, came from meeting a visually impaired tourist while leading a tour in the Raufarhólshellir lava cave.
“She opened my eyes to the idea that Iceland has more to offer than just visuals; it’s a place of rich sounds and textures,” she says. “This encounter made me curious about capturing Iceland’s soundscape.”
Noise from Iceland is Kaśka’s exploration of how ambient music can beautifully incorporate natural sounds. “Whenever I travel around Iceland, I bring my recorder to capture the essence of its natural sounds, like the haunting quiet of Sólheimajökull glacier or the deep rumble of lava under Fagradalsfjall,” she says.
“I then map these sounds on an interactive platform, allowing anyone to explore Iceland through its sounds. My latest album, Noise to Sleep, is a blend of ambient and electronic music with these natural sounds. It’s meant to be more than just relaxation music, like you know… spa, elevator music. I hope it is more like the invitation to experience the tranquility of Icelandic nature.”
The intersection between nature and digital technology is a fascinating cornerstone of Kaśka’s work, flowing between the genres of music, art and computing.
“My musical background is rooted in formal education, holding a MA in musicology and training as a violinist.
The ability to openly celebrate our love, to discuss it without masking her gender, and to have our union legally recognized was beyond my wildest dreams.
At the core of everything I do is sound, mixed with a keen interest in cutting-edge technology. I dive into hands-on work with microcomputers, 3D design, and programming, especially getting into artificial intelligence lately.
I’m all for using AI creatively, seeing it as a huge opportunity for innovation. As a multimedia teacher at Vikurskoli, I constantly bring new tech into my classroom. My main goal is to give my teenage students real, tangible experiences with technology, not just screen time. I also want them to understand different perspectives, especially those of people with disabilities, using technology to make a positive impact in the world.”
Kaśka’s boundless creativity seems to flourish in Iceland, a stark contrast to the oppressive environment that LGBT+ people in her home country of Poland face. With little room for creativity or authenticity as a queer person Kaśka’ left Poland for a new life in Iceland, opening up a wealth of possibilities in art, life and love.
“I create because I left Poland. Living there as a queer person was overwhelmingly tiring, leaving no room for creativity, just survival and work.
The constant fear and living a double life, hiding who I am, was exhausting. Facing discrimination and battling emotional struggles in a conservative and homophobic environment shaped my early experiences.
Moving to Iceland changed everything. Here, being openly gay isn’t just accepted; it’s a non-issue. The acceptance and love I’ve received from the people and the environment itself have been heartwarming. My work, especially Noise from Iceland, is born out of deep appreciation for this country. It’s a thank-you note to Iceland, celebrating the freedom and love that have allowed me to truly express myself and embrace my new home with all my heart.”
In Iceland, Kaśka lives with her wife of five years, something that whilst living in Poland would have been unthinkable.
“Growing up, I never believed such a life was possible for me. It felt like certain achievements were out of reach, barred by a system that wouldn’t acknowledge my existence. But two years after moving here, it dawned on me that I could marry her in this place.
So, the ability to openly celebrate our love, to discuss it without masking her gender, and to have our union legally recognized was beyond my wildest dreams. Sadly, back in Poland, our marriage remains illegal.”
My parents, while not professional musicians, have a profound love for music and an open-mindedness that has undoubtedly shaped my own connection to it, ingraining music into my identity.
Despite a hostile cultural and political environment for LGBT+ people in Poland, Kaśka acknowledges the effect that traditional Polish music had on her own development as a musician and the synergy between music and nature.
“I hail from the southern highlands of Poland, a region where traditional music deeply intertwines with the culture. My parents, while not professional musicians, have a profound love for music and an open-mindedness that has undoubtedly shaped my own connection to it, ingraining music into my identity.
Their influence has enriched my creativity, allowing me to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Polish traditional music, which I hold dear. Growing up surrounded by mountains, I developed a strong bond with nature, which began to influence my artistic perspective. These landscapes and the musical environment of my upbringing are memories I cherish and continue to draw inspiration from in my work.”
For Kaśka, her experience of emigrating to Iceland has been a positive one. However, she acknowledges the challenges that LGBT+ still face.
“I’ve always felt welcomed in Iceland, experiencing only minor issues that haven’t changed my positive view of the country. Some say my expectations are low because I’m from Poland, and that might seem true to others.
I’m aware of the queer-related challenges here. So, it’s not that I’m unaware of the problems; I just choose to see the positives, perhaps through a slightly optimistic lens.”
Speaking about the decision to leave Poland, visiting Iceland for the first time, she says she experienced a sense of hope and a glimpse of an escape.
“Choosing Iceland as my new home came naturally; I felt an immediate sense of belonging that I hadn’t found anywhere else.”
I’ve always felt welcomed in Iceland, experiencing only minor issues that haven’t changed my positive view of the country. Some say my expectations are low because I’m from Poland, and that might seem true to others.
Speaking about her hopes for Poland, Kaśka says her primary wish is for Polish law to safeguard and respect LGBT individuals, with marriage equality and the strict enforcement against homophobic crimes being essential.
“Despite a change in government offering a glimmer of hope, the LGBT community in Poland remains exposed. It’s an odd sensation to board a flight to Poland that lasts four hours, yet feels like a journey 40 years into the past.”
You can explore the sound map of Iceland at noisefromiceland.com as Noise From Iceland. Kaśka’s music is available on all streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.
Her latest album, Noise to Sleep, is now available for streaming.