Barcelona act Dorian is set to headline Valencia this Friday for Deleste’s opening night, sharing the stage with León Benavente and the Valencian Invaders. Frontman Marc Gili has hinted at a busy horizon, mentioning new music, a Latin American tour, and other exciting projects in the works at Liceu, while noting a sense of happiness about the moment. The band released Ritual last year, an album that pushed into fresh sounds, welcomed new collaborations, and explored more social themes.
Was opening up a personal need or a market tactic?
Opening up, as explained by the band, was not about chasing a market. It was about art and surprise, a way to push boundaries and keep the music evolving. When crafting Ritual, the group aimed to discover new idioms and ways of expression, collaborating with artists who did not belong on their usual stage. The goal was to broaden creative horizons and to explore what happens when voices from different backgrounds—Pimp Flaco, Lido Pimienta, Ana Mena, Alizzz among them—enter their studio space.
“You haven’t set foot in a festival in ages,” goes a line with Alizzz.
The sentiment is about friendship and family members who, after years, feel they know everything and stop exploring. They are drawn in by a stubborn gravitation to the familiar, away from the energy of discovery. The song speaks to a moment when curiosity is dimmed and life becomes routine rather than experimental.
Does it hurt to skip festivals, or is it simply a missing outlet?
There is a belief that festivals always expand possibilities, bringing new people and artists together and prompting artists to step outside their comfort zones. Choosing to participate in a festival is deemed better than retreating to routine or normalcy. Attending, in this view, is a preferred option that keeps the momentum alive.
What does a ritual festival look like to you?
Festivals are communal rites of sharing where diverse social groups, races, and environments meet. They stand as the most democratic and exuberant public expression in the modern world, a life-affirming celebration of collective energy. Born from the hippie era of togetherness and music, festivals have maintained their essence while expanding in scope. They open minds, release energy, and forge a sense of community.
We’ve all faced critiques and jokes at some point, regardless of identity.
Are issues like corruption, gentrification, or feminism reaching festival-goers?
Yes, they are part of the conversation. Songs like Dual touch on sexuality and identity, inviting audiences to sing along. It’s not about seeing oneself in a label but about recognizing everyone’s right to live freely. The energy of the song resonates because many have faced hardship and mockery, and audiences respond with empathy and curiosity. A festival audience isn’t passive; large crowds can still listen intently to what’s being said from the stage. Strong, thoughtful messages tend to resonate more than the banal.
Do new generations respond differently to these messages?
The speaker avoids boxing audiences. There is a measurable share of people across generations who engage with politics and social justice, while others show indifference or even opposition. The trend appears across age groups, not confined to any single cohort.
Ciudad Subterranean from 2009 is often cited for its social tone, with tracks like La Mañana Herida, Estudios de Mercado, and La Torre de Arena. The message is clear: medicine is a recurring theme, but so is resistance.
Music is a tool to spark rebellion and reach listeners who feel disillusioned with family and social norms. The intention is to push boundaries through songs that address existential questions, anger, and the rejection of what is expected. It remains a core part of the band’s DNA.
generation friends
How do those enduring anthems like Arena Torture or Anywhere hold up after more than ten years?
The band still finds resonance in those tracks. They feel timeless and continue to be enjoyed by younger listeners. In an era dominated by rapid release cycles, songs that have stood the test of time carry a special privilege and longevity.
And when facing peers like Meyers, Vetustas, Lesbians, Sidonis who head festival bills, does that weigh on you?
There is pride in belonging to a generation that challenged the music industry, growing independently without heavy lobbying from major players. Remaining active and visible without losing sight of the art is a source of pride and a reminder of the path traveled to reach this point.
What does indie mean today?
Independence today means owning the creative process from start to finish, from the next album’s sound to the tour schedule. It is about control and responsibility rather than a label tag. The reality is nuanced: independence is not a guarantee of success, yet there is value in pursuing authentic artistry regardless of commercial metrics.
If indie status brings freedom, why not always win?
The final verdict belongs to the audience. Some indie acts achieve immense commercial success, while others remain less visible but still influence the scene. The key is staying true to the art and continuing to perform, regardless of external validation.
What changed for electronic music in Spain, and how has Dorian fit into that shift?
When the band started, mixing guitars, synths, and programmed beats met with skepticism. Over time, audiences grew more receptive to such fusions, and the press has broadened its palate. The group has helped shape a climate where cross-genre experimentation is celebrated, proving that diverse influences can coexist on a single stage.