Sónar Barcelona 2023 marked a monumental occasion: the 30th anniversary of this iconic festival that has become synonymous with pushing the boundaries of electronic music and creative expression. Held from June 15th to 17th, the event wasn't just a celebration of the past; it was a vibrant exploration of the ever-evolving soundscape and a glimpse into the future of music itself.
A Look Back, A Look Forward
The 2023 edition was a masterclass in artistic curation. Veterans of the Sónar stage like Aphex Twin, Black Coffee, Richie Hawtin, DJ Holographic, and Eric Prydz returned, their presence a testament to the festival's enduring legacy. But Sónar isn't one to rest on its laurels. Alongside these established legends were a plethora of fresh faces: BICEP, Honey Dijon, Peggy Gou, and Little Simz brought a new energy, showcasing the diverse directions electronic music is taking.
The focus wasn't solely on established names.
Sónar Barcelona 2024 wasn't just a festival; it was a vibrant showcase of the contemporary electronic music scene and its intersection with cutting-edge digital culture. This landmark event, the 31st edition of Sónar Barcelona, took place from July 13th to 15th, 2024.
The festival attracted a global audience with a lineup featuring established electronic music icons like Laurent Garnier, Richie Hawtin, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Sevdaliza. Sónar also offered the chance to witness exciting back-to-back sets from talented artists.
Sónar Barcelona extended beyond the main stage, offering a platform for creative exploration through Sónar+D, its dedicated technology conference. This year, Sónar+D delved into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on the creative industries. The conference featured talks, demos, workshops, and exhibitions, fostering dialogue and collaboration between artists and technologists.