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Art and tech create music for the Spanish air and bind all in love.
The moment I landed in Spain, my heart raced with excitement. I had dreamed of attending the Sónar Festival for years and I was finally here!
Barcelona is beautiful! From the intricate architecture of the Gothic Quarter to the sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast, every corner of this city is a sight to behold. I found the air alive with the sounds of the Spanish guitar in every corner of the city. The sun shone upon the city, casting everything in a golden glow. But what truly captivated me was the electrifying vibes of the Sónar Festival.
As an electronic music enthusiast and a die-hard fan of EDM, Sónar Festival was a paradise for me. It's a place where music lovers come together and experience something unique. From the pulsing beats of techno to the dreamy melodies of ambient, there was something for everyone in this unforgettable three-day event.
Sónar's origin story is one of humble beginnings. The festival began in 1994 at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona and Sala Apolo. The founders, Sergio Caballero and Enric Palau, with music journalist Ricard Robles, envisioned Sónar as a platform for "advanced music."
Eventually, their vision was realised. Sónar has since expanded to other countries. But the Spanish version remains a festival of two halves — Sónar by day and Sónar by night.
Sónar attracts 100,000 guests, many of whom are from outside Barcelona. Hotels are likely to be crowded. Hence it is advisable to make reservations in advance. Also, the festival requires an entry pass. I paid 210€ for my Sónar pass.
As the festival kicked off, the city got into a festive mood. People made their way to Fira Montjuïc, a stunning complex of buildings and outdoor spaces. I was immediately struck by the festival's intense electronic beats. I could feel the energy of the crowds before I even reached the gates. The music's bass was pulsing through my veins.
The festival gives a chance to up-and-coming producers to play on the main stage. Every year, there's a showcase that celebrates a particularly unique record label.
The perfect act to kick off the event was the Chemical Brothers, who drew on decades of experience to deliver an electrifying show. The opening chords of their song Hey Boy Hey Girl sent chills down my spine. Their set was full of raw energy, accompanied by stunning visuals and featured all their biggest tracks. As the day passed, the lineup only got stronger with performances from AJ Tracey, MC Yallah, Tomm¥ €a$h, Amnesia Scanner, Lafawndah, and Sega Bodega. I honestly didn't know much about them, but they sure moved the crowd!
It was only 4 pm on Friday, and I was already engulfed by industrial-spiked techno. The music was intoxicating, and the crowd was immersed in the experience. This was no ordinary European music festival!
Beyond the music, Sónar also offered a range of interactive experiences and workshops. Festival-goers could explore the intersection of technology and creativity here. I had the opportunity to explore +D—a tech-focused event at Sónar by Day held in warehouse spaces at Fira Montjuïc. The event was filled with interactive performances, workshops, immersive installations, and expert-led talks. These were aimed at showcasing how technology can enhance the festival experience.
As I walked around, I came across a mesmerising tunnel. It was made of mirrors and LED lights that changed colour based on my biometric data! When I stepped in, I was immediately captivated by the shifting colours and patterns. They seemed to be in sync with my every move. It led me into a space with massive projections covering the floors and walls, illuminated by a complex network of cameras and projectors.
From virtual reality installations to hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, there was always something new and exciting to discover.
Sónar By Night, the second half of the festival, was full of energy. The venue was transformed into a playground of sound and light, with every corner of the space dedicated to a different musical experience.
Mind you, navigating through the masses of party-goers in the city is quite a challenge. Finding a taxi to Fira Gran Via, the expansive conference centre on the outskirts of Barcelona, was an uphill task. But, I was fortunate enough to tag along with a group of local party enthusiasts headed to the festival.
As I wandered through the crowds, I was struck by the diversity of people in attendance. There were young ravers in brightly coloured clothing and older music enthusiasts in more understated outfits. Everyone was united by a common love for electronic music.
Sónar By Night showcased a lineup of renowned artists, such as C. Tangana, Nathy Peluso, Critical Soundsystem, and Joy Orbinson. As a long-time fan of Orbinson, I eagerly anticipated his set. It was sensational!
Arca, the Venezuelan musician, was a standout at the event. Her striking presence and signature hair whips captivated the audience. She effortlessly performed her hits Rakata, KLK, and Riquiqui, while waltzing with a cigarette and a glass of champagne.
With electrifying techno rhythms and mesmerising visuals, the performance transcended the boundaries of time and space. I danced and swayed to the music till sunrise. I felt alive at that moment. I felt connected to something larger than myself – a community of people who believed in the power of music to change lives.
It's not just a weekend of music and art – it's a celebration of the human spirit. It's a reminder that no matter where we come from, we are all connected by our love for creativity and desire to connect with others. I knew I would be back at Sónar someday; ready to immerse again in the incredible world of electronic music and creativity.
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