From May 29th to June 2nd, Barcelona will host the 22nd edition of the Primavera Sound Festival. The annually celebrated event will go through electronic music with marked rock influences bands such as Justice to the experimental avant-garde sound of Arca, passing through the electrifying indie rock of Vampire Weekend, and the emotional music of Barry Can’t Swim.
Photo Credit: Christian Bertrand
The 2024 edition promises a memorable musical experience with an extensive lineup including top names such as Pulp, Lana del Rey, FKA Twigs, Deftones, Beth Gibbons, PJ Harvey, The National, SZA, and many more.
Ahead of the big celebration, we selected 10 essential artists you’d check out this year. Grab your tickets for the Primavera Sound Festival here.
1. Phoenix
The acclaimed French indie pop band will kick off Primavera Sound on May 29th with a free admission event. Known for their catchy tunes and onstage energy, Phoenix has been a dominant force on the music scene since their formation in 1999. With hits like ‘Lisztomania’ and ‘1901’, they promise to deliver an electrifying performance.
2. Vampire Weekend
The happy and noisy indie rock American band, formed at Columbia University in New York in 2006, recently released their new album ‘Only God Was Above Us,’ a treatise on inheritance, generational dissonance, and a human journey showing a more serious, profound, and humanistic side of them. Of course, we look forward to sing some of their anthems such as ‘A-Punk’ and ‘Diane Young’, promising an energetic show full of vitality.
3. Mount Kimbie
The British electronic music duo is known for their innovative fusion of genres such as ambient, dubstep, hip hop, and lo-fi pop. Now they are back with the release of their latest album ‘The Sunset Violent’ which features post-rock dusted guitars, distortion, and melancholic vocals. Mount Kimbie has gained recognition for his avant-garde approach to electronic music, and their ability to create immersive soundscapes and captivating rhythms. We hope to enjoy some of their hits inlcuding ‘Before I Move Off’ and ‘Blue Train Lines.’
4. Disclosure
The British electronic music duo, formed by the Lawrence brothers, has been recognized for their irresistible house rhythms and collaborations with artists such as Sam Smith, Eliza Doolittle, Lorde, Gregory Porter, among others. With their ability to mix elements of garage, deep house, and dance-pop, Disclosure has taken dance floors worldwide by storm. With hits like ‘Latch’ and ‘Omen’, they promise an energetic and uplifting performance.
5. Róisín Murphy
Here we must stop and catch our breath as the following artistic proposal is a major one. Róisín Murphy, the iconic Irish singer, and songwriter is known for her unique style and unmistakable voice. With a career spanning various decades and an ability to constantly reinvent herself, the artist has left an indelible mark on electronic music and alternative pop. With songs like ‘Overpowered’ and ‘Incapable’, she will deliver a mix of electronic, dance, and pop that defies convention.
6. Peggy Gou
The talented South Korean DJ and producer has captivated the global electronic scene with her unique style and eclectic mix of house, techno, and disco beats. Peggy Gou is known for her ability to create hits that ignite the dance floor. Songs like ‘It Makes You Forget’, ‘(It Goes) like Nanana’, and ‘I Believe in Love Again feat. Lenny Kravitz’ has been acclaimed for their combination of house and disco elements, along with infectious lines. Peggy is pure glamour on the dancefloor making her one of the most requested artists from stages and festivals worldwide.
7. The Blessed Madonna
The renowned North American DJ and producer is known for her passion for dance music and ability to create sets full of energy and emotion. With a career spanning over a decade, The Blessed Madonna has left her mark on the electronic music scene with her genre-blending talent and ability to take audiences on a timeless musical journey. Including tracks such as ‘Mercy feat Jacob Lusk’ and ‘Marea (We’ve Lost Dancing) feat. Fred again…’ her sessions are full of hits and innovative remixes, promising a powerful dance experience.
8. Arca
The talented Venezuelan composer, producer, and artist, has been developing her music career with an avant-garde approach and experimental sound exploration. Arca does the impossible, beautiful and authentic, from experimental industrial bases, electronic with reggaeton, to noise, hyper pop, and neo-perreo. Challenging conventions of genre and style, in tracks such as ‘Prada’ and ‘KLK,’ she has gained international recognition for his bold creativity and innovation. Her live performances are described as full of intensity promising an unforgettable visual and sound experience.
9. Justice
The French electronic music duo, linked to Ed Banger Records, has been acclaimed for their ability to fuse elements of rock, disco, and electronica into a unique and powerful sound. Since his explosive debut in 2007 with the album “†” (Cross), Justice has been gracing worldwide stages with hits like ‘D.A.N.C.E.’ and ‘Genesis’. Recently they have released their highly-anticipated new studio album ‘HYPERDRAMA,’ promising a performance full of frenetic beats, hypnotic synths, and impressive visuals.
10. Barry Can’t Swim
Barry Dolan is the talented British composer and multi-instrumentalist behind the Barry Can’t Swim project. His music spans a wide range of styles, from indie rock to punk and folk, with introspective and emotional lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. With a blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, he has earned critical acclaim and a loyal fan base with songs like ‘El Layali’ and ‘Sunsleeper’. This time will be no exception and you can expect a special show with feel-good sensations.
Primavera Sound Festival will occur in Barcelona from May 29th to June 2nd, 2024. For more info and tickets click here.
