Flawless execution, a prolific venue and a thoughtfully curated lineup all made for four days of unforgettable fan experiences and historic performances at Primavera Sound Barcelona 2024.
MUSIC
As it seems with many European festivals, Primavera Sound’s Barcelona edition typically features an eclectic mix of acts, including indie, rock, electronic, hip-hop, and more.
Past lineups have included renowned artists such as Radiohead, Björk, Arcade Fire, The Strokes, and many others.
The 2024 edition continued this tradition of showcasing both well-known and up-and-coming talent as well as a heavy contingent of Spanish artists of all levels and genres.
Like many others, I couldn’t resist checking out Dogstar, who not only are touring in support of the 2023 album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, but also famously features international movie icon Keanu Reeves holding down some very solid bass lines.
On Thursday, Amyl and The Sniffers delivered a raucous, high-energy set priming the crowd for Pulp and Vampire Weekend. Fronted by the always outspoken Amy Taylor, the band lifted the swelling crowd at the Santander stage, rounding out their set with “U Should Not Be Doing That,” which marked their first new music in three years.
The Last Dinner Party played to an energetic crowd, and it could be argued that the all female quintet are poised for an upgrade from the Cupra stage as fans packed the area.
Troye Sivan was a personal favorite discovery of the weekend. Admittedly not completely familiar with the Aussie phenom, I laid witness to his undeniable ability to captivate and titillate a crowd. His set features world-class dancers, suggestive imagery and outspoken dialogue, with all these components achieving their goal of uplifting everyone in the crowd. He embodies the moniker “showman” beautifully.
LANA MADNESS
Arguably the most influential and sought-after artist of the weekend was the always-theatrical Lana Del Rey and the day of her performance brought a phenomenon unlike anything I’ve seen in decades of attending and covering festivals.
For most festivals, even with the most iconic headliners, the mad scramble to the stage after gates open dies down after maybe thirty minutes, but Lana’s fans are indeed next level.
In the seven or so hour stretch from the time gates opened until Lana took the Estrella Damm stage, there was a very steady flow of fans coming through the turnstiles who then SPRINTED to get as close as possible for her set and mind you, this was not a short sprint in the expansive layout of Parc Del Forum.
PALETTE PLEASURES
One aspect I have admittedly come to realize that European festivals have it all over the U.S. is in their culinary offerings. Sorry America, but it’s just hard for chicken nuggets, burgers and traditional festival fare to hold a candle to authentic paella, grilled octopus and other ethnic delights and all the while being less expensive, mysteriously.
VENUE
Primavera Sound Barcelona takes place at Parc del Fòrum, a waterfront venue with the Mediterranean Sea as its stunning backdrop. Much of the majesty of the venue is spawned from its origin as the setting for the historic 2004 Olympic Games, but it’s such an iconic layout that you can’t help feeling like it was destined to host music festivals. The design of Parc del Fòrum is characterized by its contemporary architecture, open spaces, and sleek, angular structures. The park features expansive plazas, landscaped gardens, and promenades that provide a welcoming environment for fans to relax and enjoy the space even when not in front of a stage.
PRIMAVERA CELEBRATES ITS FANS
Primavera Sound is known for its vibrant atmosphere, where fans from different backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared love of music. In fact, it could be reasonably said that simply stating that the festival fosters an environment of inclusivity is simply not enough. It’s just SO MUCH more than that.
Perhaps more than any festival I’ve seen in recent years all over the globe, Primavera has found a formula that cultivates and nourishes inclusivity. Obviously, you could see patrons who’d arrived already knowing they were in a safe, welcoming environment for self-expression through expressive outfits and open displays of affection with each other.
But more than that, you could see fans who may have attended with apprehensions about being themselves truly blossom as the day wore on. Primavera takes “finding your tribe” to the next level.
If you find yourself looking for your next great “destination festival,” you can’t go wrong with Barcelona!
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© Christian Bertrand
© Christian Bertrand
