Founded in Barcelona, Sónar is one of the most respected events for electronic music and digital arts. Journalist Ricard Nobles and musicians/visual artists Enric Palau and Sergio Caballero started the festival in 1994, which grew from a 6,000-person gathering into a 100,000-plus party. The events last three days and nights.
Similar events haven taken place around the world, but they often suffer from an insular taste in music. Sónar is distinct in its eclectic lineups, going beyond the world of electronic dance and drawing on the wide range of artists influenced by technology. Many are underground darlings, but the organizers are not opposed to mixing in mainstream acts as well. Past examples include LCD Soundsystem, Skrillex, The Roots and even the legendary Jean-Michel Jarre.
Some festivals make well-meaning attempts to bridge the gap between these two worlds, but that usually means the superstar act headlines while underground artists are relegated to a side stage. Sónar by Night largely avoids this, hosting shows across several venues that range from clubs to symphonic halls. While the sun is still out, attendees can learn about the intersection of art and technology at Sónar by Day, a series of multimedia workshops, lectures and activities with participants including artists, musical equipment manufacturers, software developers and record labels.
The success of the festival let it branch out all over the world, first in London in 2002, as well as in Chicago, Bogota, Seoul, Cape Town and more. This year, Reykjavik, Iceland, has the honor of hosting Sónar, Feb. 16–18. Staying true to its eclectic taste, confirmed headliners for the event include Fatboy Slim, Moderat, Ben Klock and even legendary hip-hop group De La Soul. The festival continues its long-standing partnership with Red Bull Music Academy to curate a special lineup including Oddisee, AAIIEENN, Vatican Shadow and Pan Daijing.
Read This Next
This Internship Has You Cuddling Cows
Trends
Apr 24, 2024#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 24, 2024Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa Announces Nashville Nights Songwriter’s Series
Aloha, Nashville! Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa recently announced the launch of its Nashville Nights songwriter’s series featuring artists from Music City. Once a month for the next six months, guests can experience an evening of live music with the inaugural show scheduled for April 27 and featuring Gracee Shriver and Noel Bisesti.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
North America
Apr 23, 2024Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection Debuts Highland Golf and Wine Classic
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection announced its first-ever Highland Golf and Wine Classic in Virginia. The three-day celebration of golf, wine and culinary experiences takes place May 25–27.
Food & Drink
Apr 23, 2024Myrtle Beach is Launching an Official Destination Beer
Looking for the perfect beach beer? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has you covered. Last month, the destination partnered with Grand Strand Brewing Company to release the official beer of Myrtle Beach, dubbed Beach Easy.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Slideshow
Apr 23, 20247 Must-See Sites in Curaçao
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Curaçao.
ShareThis