Even though the organisers celebrated a more intimate, small format edition in 2021, this year is set to be as big as always: internationally acclaimed artists like The Chemical Brothers,
Arca,
Moderat, The Blessed Madonna, Richie Hawtin, Headie One or
Nathy Peluso will share stage with more up-and-coming talents from around the world including Serpentwithfeet,
Sega Bodega, La Chica,
Coucou Chloe, Yung Singh, Kiddy Smile, MBODJ, Jyoty, or
Giant Swan. Expect everything from house music to hip-hop, to techno, flamenco, synth pop, and more.
As usual, Sónar Barcelona shines a light on Spanish talent. From Gen Z favourites like
Rojuu,
Samantha Hudson, (who’s debuting her new show Liquidación Total Por Cierre),
Rusowsky Juicy Bae or
Chico Blanco, to more established names like
C. Tangana, who’s been touring the world with his acclaimed album El madrileño, and
Recycled J. The festival also highlights local DJs including AWWZ, Albal and Rocío (formerly known as Chica Gang),
ETM, Virginie, or
Yugen Kala.
On its quest to celebrate music diversity and avant-garde creation, it also gives space to unique proposals like that of Niño De Elche, who’ll be presenting
Concert de músika festera, an hour-long performance with Ylia (DJ) and La Valenciana (band) intertwining folk, flamenco and electronic music; or that of
Maria Arnal and Marcel Bagés, with their show
Hiperutopia, a “heavy and atmospheric staging of the album Clamor in which the songs expand to incorporate a storm of human choirs and geological sounds.”
For those more interested in the intersection of art and technology, the SonarComplex stage will also host haunting shows by
Eartheater,
Lafawndah, or
Lyra Pramuk, among others. And for the first time ever, Sónar+D (the technology-led branch of the festival) will have a stage open to everyone featuring AV shows, talks, and performances by artists including Sougwen 䇤君 Chung, Bernie Krause, or Monira al Qadiri.
As usual, the list of artists we want to see is endless (especially after 2 years without live music festivals), so we want to make it easier for you by highlighting the top ten performances you can’t miss if you’re in Barcelona.