Sonar Festival: Preview

Sonar festival is still going strong in its 22nd year. The international festival set in Barcelona, Spain is a melting pot for progressive electronic music and new media art. Sonar’s been experimenting with the freshest dance sounds for years and has acted as the forefront for bringing new trends and discovering artists. It also brings in a hybrid of digital creation and new media through the live performances and standalone creations, all in it’s aim of linking creativity and technology.

The festival takes place over three days from the 18 - 20 June with music all day (Sonar by Day) and night (Sonar by Night.) There’s the addition of Sonar +D, initiated in 2013, which is a conference that covers the digital transformation of the creative industry. It’s an interesting inclusion to the mix as it signals the increased importance innovation and technology play in music, and the relevance of linking the makers and creators together from different creative community backgrounds. A platform similar in India is probably the Coalition, an initiative to merge creative and business forces together.

This year the festival brings a tight selection of progressive performers and live acts. Fira Montjuic, home of Sonar by day, brings Squarepusher, Dorian concept, Evian Christ, Toronto trio Badbadnotgood and LDN’s Swindle plus more. Brace yourself to work those legs at Sonar by night which features a stellar line-up with The Chemical Brothers, FKA Twigs, ASAP Rocky, Fly Lo, Seth Troxler and Maya Jane Coles to name a few. Plus, no-one should miss the neon chic bumper cars in the industrial space of the Night venue, Fira Gran Via L’Hospitalet, which adds a hedonistic flavour.

And it doesn’t stop there. OffSonar parties aren’t technically connected to the festival but could be an extension. A host of music platforms, labels, nights takeover the city to extend the party. This year there’s presence from Resident Advisor, Boiler Room, MixMag and Monkeytown Records - plus artists that include Joy Orbison, Derrick May and Nina Kraviz. To top it off, Barcelona is, well Barcelona. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, home to some of the world’s best architecture and an absolutely gorgeous beach.

Visit the website here for full lineup and tickets.

Words: Amrisha Prashar