For all those electronic music fanatics out there, only one destination offers an unforgettable summer festival…Barcelona! With the Catalan capital set to host the 19th International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art (also known as Sónar) from June 14 until June 16 – that’s 72 hours of non-stop partying! – there is no better city to spend your summer vacation. The festival, one which thrills audiences annually with the latest ‘electronica’ tunes and visual art displays, is set to host yet another memorable event in 2012. With an undeniably amazing lineup this year, this summer’s edition of Sónar is sure to be one for the history books!
Read on for our ultimate guide to Sónar 2012 in Barcelona…
The Party’s in Barcelona this Summer!
With the first Sónar Festival held in 1994, the event has continually grown in both popularity and international acclaim, which should come as no surprise since the list of previous performers includes top artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Carl Cox, 2manydjs, Goldfrapp and the Scissor Sisters. With such memorable artists having graced the stage over the years, it follows that this event has been dubbed as one of the highlights in the European music festival calendar.
This year’s line up is set to be another big one, with names including Canadian house DJ, deadmau5, South African shock hip-hop trio, Die Antwoord, British DJ Fatboy Slim and the American neo soul/hip-hop group, The Roots at the head of the agenda. What’s more, over 100 artists from all corners of the world, from the well known to the newcomers, will travel to Barcelona for Sónar 2012, ensuring a show that will certainly tantalize everyone’s musical taste buds!
Sónar by Day: An Artistic Gateway
Sónar is split into two main events: Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night, offering both musical mayhem and visual delights. It goes without saying that the atmosphere in Barcelona during Sónar is filled with excitement of music fans and the constant sound of spinning turntables, but for those who seek a more calming cultural treat, the daytime’s showcases offer an escape into the inspirational world of new media art.
Throughout the day, Sónar allows concert-goers the chance to immerse themselves in the world of visual arts, with platforms ranging from film screenings to exhibitions. Sónar by Day runs from 12pm-10pm every day of the festival, and features various activities and exhibits at the MACBA and CCCB museums, as well as parallel cultural events taking place throughout Barcelona, at venues such as the Auditori and the CosmoCaixa science museum.
A Three-Day Electronic Overload
With an endless amount of amazing artists for your viewing and listening pleasure, festival organizers in Barcelona are preparing for more than 100,000 attendees across the three main venues in Barcelona: MACBA, CCCB and Fira Gran Via. While daily passes (39€) and nightly passes (60€) are on sale now, you may be interested in buying the full price ticket for €155. Consider it a small fee for the infinite amount of musical talent on display! For more information about the venues or tickets to the festival, visit the Sónar Festival website, or check out the Sónar Facebook page.
So, if you are seeking a memorable summer event, make your way to Sónar Festival 2012 in Barcelona! Grab your tickets today and book one of the many apartments in Barcelona, for a comfortable stay during your three-day musical escapades, but hurry, the Catalan capital is almost packed to bursting with locals and tourists alike looking to enjoy the hottest festival in Europe!
