Sónar 2012 – electronica in Barcelona

Art and Design, Entertainment, Events and Music on April 4, 2012 4:28 pm

Its full title might sound a bit of a mouthful, but the Sónar Barcelona International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art is one of the most raved about annual events in the city. If you’re in Barcelona on 14, 15 or 16 June, expect three days and nights of partying throughout the Catalan capital and an intriguing mix of events that blur the boundaries between music, technology and art.

Sónar by day

Taking place amid the dense summer heat, this festival has been on the go for 19 years. It’s divided into two distinct halves, Sónar Day and Sónar Night, which take place in different locations. During the day the action happens at modern art museum MACBA and the CCCB cultural centre right next door.

The concerts themselves take place alongside workshops and exhibitions, with many weird and wonderful things to see. Try out some cutting-edge interactive exhibitions at Sónar Hall (a particular highlight of last year’s festival was Japanese artist Daito Manabe, who makes music by moving the muscles on his face).

Wandering around the Sónar village, taking in its open-air stage by the CCCB, or browsing through the massive record fair is a great way to soak up the creative atmosphere.

Sónar by night

You won’t be surprised to hear that it’s the night-time festival where the party really gets going, often lasting till 8am the next morning. Out at the massive Fira Gran Via, the warehouse venue plays host to some of the biggest international acts as well as some up-and-coming acts in the world of electronica and pop.

To get there, you could grab the bus that’s laid on from Drassaness to the Fira Gran Via. Bear in mind that this service is usually packed, so another option would be to take the train. Trains leave from Espanya metro station and go to Europa/ Fira which is close to the venue, although they don’t run after midnight.

Top five acts

The Roots – This American band formed in 1987 in Philadelphia and is widely considered to be the best hip-hop band in the world. With a brand of music that quotes a broad range of influences from jazz to rock, the group’s longevity is also down to their highly entertaining live performances.

Fatboy Slim – Probably the world’s most famous working DJ, this is the Englishman’s first visit to Sónar. His anthemic tunes have triumphed on stages and in charts for the best part of two decades. Brighton’s beloved raver knows how to handle a crowd like few others, with a live show that defines everything that electronic music should be.

Lana Del Rey – Recently awarded the ‘Brit’ for best International breakthrough artist, this American songstress blends Hollywood glamour with contemporary pop and powerful vocals. Lana Del Rey was raised from internet sensation to international artist with remarkable speed, helped along the way by unique production and arrangements.

deadmau5 – With an impressive audiovisual show mixing lights and computer-generated 3D images, deadmau5 is the creation of Joel Zimmerman, computer geek turned musical hero. Today his infectious electro-house- trance fills festivals and heads marketing campaigns for leading international brands.

Hot Chip – Returning to Sónar to present their new album, this London group has been responsible for some of the most inspired pop music in recent years. Both floor-filling and unique, the duo’s collaborations are all about humour and taking a quirky look at the canon of pop.

Making arrangements

Tickets are fairly cheap and you should try and book them well in advance. This year they can be paid in two instalments for the first time at the official website. You can opt to go for a single day or night, but as it happens many visitors don’t attend the official festival and go instead to the various spin-off events around the city. Almost every club in Barcelona, as well as all bars and hotels, arrange parties throughout the week, with a mix of sounds from international DJs blaring out all over the city.

Sónar isn’t a camping festival, so make sure you book accommodation if you are going to be a part of this massive event. See you there!

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