Primavera Sound expands its bold Barcelona lineup beyond the obvious names
Beyond the familiar names this year, Primavera Sound in Barcelona presents a diverse spectrum of artistry within its leafy Forum setting. The festival features more than 200 artists, with ten standout performances highlighted for their distinctive profiles as the event opens this Wednesday morning.
Primavera Sound opens its toughest version without thinking of recordings
The Pink Panther
Thursday, 21:50. This British singer and producer rose to prominence in early 2021 by blending bedroom pop with 90s British dance influences like jungle and 2-step. Her songs are often brief but memorable, driven by melodic intuition and precise rhythmic craft.
Central Cee
Thursday, 22:55. The London rapper, known for a masked stage persona and a blend of melodic flow with street grit, has become a focal point for contemporary hip hop. His work displays a grounded perspective that resonates with both club and urban audiences, making his live performances widely anticipated.
Avalon Emerson and Charm
Friday, 17:10. Emerson has earned praise for her deep club-oriented sets and, with the album And The Charm, showcased a lush collection that moves beyond traditional dance music into a dreamier pop-infused atmosphere. Her live show blends electronic textures with dynamic vocal delivery, inviting the audience into a richly formed sonic journey.
Beth Orton
Friday, 18:00. The British artist has a long arc from neo-folk beginnings to collaborations with electronic pioneers. Her current live program weaves jazzy improvisations with atmospheric textures, delivering a compelling comeback performance in a vibrant setting.
Julia Holter
Friday, 19:30. For nearly a decade, Primavera Sound has supported Holter’s bold, exploratory approach to songcraft, fusing pop structures with experimental elements. Her latest work continues to explore parallel realities, offering a thoughtful blend of lyrical storytelling and avant-garde composition.
Wall Mass
Friday, 01:00, near Saturday. In the expansive Forum space, a rough-hewn corner of the scene thrives with a kinetic, almost theatrical energy. The night promises a high-velocity set featuring Mura Masa among others, capturing the festival’s pulse and the crowd’s enthusiasm in one electric moment.
Wednesday
Saturday, 18:05. The lush, country-influenced framework of Wednesday’s music leans into emo intensity and shoegaze textures, creating a rich sonic tapestry. The live set is expected to offer bold transitions and a communal, immersive experience for attendees, especially as they navigate the emotional peaks of the performance.
John Cale
Saturday, 19:30. The Velvet Underground co-founder returns to the stage, bringing a storied history of minimalist sophistication and experimental edge. His current work, Mercy, continues to fuse reflective lyricism with a stark, intimate presentation that honors past influences while pushing into new emotional territories.
Laurie Anderson
Saturday, 21:30. A pioneer of multimedia performance, Anderson blends pop with avant-garde rhetoric and political nuance. Her live show features a compelling mix of voice, electronics, and theatricality, delivering a stimulating, thought-provoking experience for the audience.
Tokischa
Saturday, 22:10. The Dominican artist has surged onto the global stage with a bold presence that places urban Latin rhythms at the center of attention. Her distinctive persona and energetic collaboration history have made her a standout figure, drawing a wide and diverse audience to her set.