Sónar: Day Two Report

Thursday night got a little out of hand, as Thursdays do, so the crew reassembled a little rattled yesterday morning ready to be healed by the tranquil vibes of Fira Montjuic.

After repeating tales of various 5AM arguments about footwork, we got our act together and headed to Sonar +D for a In The Studio Masterclass with Richard Russell of XL Recordings. Running through everything from the early rave era to his creative connection with Gil Scott Heron. One particularly poignant moment was Russell recounting how he persuaded Heron to make I’m New Here, his first record in 16 years, and his last. He spoke about Gil’s unhurried attitude towards the process, saying he’d be just as happy at home watching basketball, but Gil knew he was a part of Russell’s dream and he wanted to make that dream come true. An honest and refreshing conversation.

Once we’d returned to the green, the bombastic riff of Redinho‘s Playing With Fire blared out from the SonarVillage stage as the Numbers cohort was joined by two backing singers and that sugary chorus has never sounded sweeter. Teengirl Fantasy then put on a suitably hypnotic and hyperactive set at the Red Bull Music Academy SonarDome.

Kiasmos then took to the Hall for a set where they fully abandoned the often precise presentation that can come with neoclassical electronic music. The duo bounded around the stage, resembling a cross between Avicii and a pair of clued-up sixth form music teachers, fully embracing the glassy, floor-facing crescendos of their compositions.

As day became night we found ourselves bundling into the gargantuan surroundings of ByNight. After A$AP Rocky brought his tripped-out jiggy rap to the masses, HudMo‘s illuminated new live show proved that Ryderz should – and probably will – define this summer. As we explored the imposing but incredible complex of live performances and DJs the complete Sonar experience materialised. Unique spaces used to present the most exciting sounds on the planet. Admittedly, leaving to the sounds of Skrillex singing “Olė! Olė, olė olė!” wasn’t exactly a taste of a sonic future we’d envisaged, but the fans were locked and the room looked incredible.

FKA twigs, Flying Lotus and Holly Herndon await. The future is now. Olė.