Sónar by Day and Sónar+D offer a unique experience of electronic music, creativity and technology, as well as being a goldmine for gaining industry knowledge. Tackling issues that affect the electronic audio-visual art community and the constantly evolving digital economy, everything is cutting edge here. Top-level music performances will ease the learning curve and the day time schedule takes place over 3 days at the Fira complex in Plaza Espanya. The buzz this year is all about the Brian Eno session “Why we Play.”
The line-up for the night event includes a strong British contingent, led by New Order and Fatboy Slim and the ‘best of the rest’ from the world of electronic production, including artists trailblazing both traditional and emerging musical genres. Some new partnerships are on the billing this year, featuring organizations like the Warehouse Project and the Resident Advisor Showcases.
Amongst the legendary artists, one name stands out. Jean-Michel Jarre has played in Barcelona a few times, including the Olympic Stadium and the Liceu Theatre. This is his first time at Sónar, where he will be one of the headliners in SónarClub.
“I’m happy to start my world tour in Barcelona. The whole programme is very exciting this year… From Boys Noize to Ritchie Hawtin and Flume! So many great acts,” he says.
Apart from kicking off his “Electronica” World Tour, Jarre will also showcase a new thrilling visual art performance alongside his trademark futuristic orchestral sounds. Jarre is also doing something different… a collaboration with Edward Snowden called Exit.
Another French artist is no stranger to the event however – Sónar, Family favourite, Laurent Garnier. “I played at the first ever Sónar, which was quite small then and my hotel was near Sala Apolo, and it was quite chaotic,” he said, in an exclusive interview.
“After the first night it was about 7 o’clock in the morning and I went back to my room and there was like a couple having sex in there! I was like what the hell is this? So I got my stuff out of that room and got another one, fell asleep, and then the hotel had some kind of water problem. In my room everything, including myself, and apart from my bed got completely drenched in water. So I had to go down to the reception and say what the hell is going on at this hotel? And that was my first Sónar I remember that very well actually,” he quipped.
Garnier will close the SonarCar arena this year with a 7 hour set starting at midnight. That’s where you’ll find the nightlife team! For more information and last minute tickets, click on sonar.es
