Sonar Barcelona

Yes it is that time of year again when pretty much half of Glasgow make the journey to Barcelona, Spain for Sonar - The International Festival of Dance Music and Art. It kicks off on the 14th June till the 16th. The Catalan capital plays host to the 19th edition of the music festival which really does break the normal festival mould. The artistic programme is divided between activities at Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night.


RA By Day - Sonar 2010 from Resident Advisor on Vimeo.


Sonar by Day is located right in the centre of Barcelona just off the famous Las Ramblas strip. This part of the festival has a real focus on showcases new talent and live shows/bands. Another perk of it is that you can enter and leave Sonar by Day easily with your wrist band meaning you can check out what's going on at the site but also leave to go for lunch or check out Barcelona etc.


Sonar Barcelona Plastikman 2 from Chatoune TV (Marc LE SIGNOR) on Vimeo.


Sonar by Night on the other hand is held on the outskirts of the city at a massive airport hanger. Here the focus is on dance music it starts at late evening and goes all the way through to the morning. With it being a city festival there is no camping and the rest of Barcelona gets involved with the party. There are lots and lots of club nights on during the event including showcases from record labels and clubs around the world including many from Glasgow this year including Numbers, Sub Culture, Sensu and Highlife. With all of the Off Sonar parties throughout Barcelona there is really always something amazing to do.


Will Saul / Aus Music & Hotflush at Axel Hotel, Off Sonar, Barcelona / 16.06.2011 from selective pressure + on Vimeo.


If you are looking for a festival that stands out above the rest and love you're dance music then Sonar is the place to be. Although if you are planning on going now it may be a little bit late because it all kicks off tomorrow! Check out the Sonar site for the lineup here.

Going Out - Palace Spring 2012

Palace is a collaborative programme of hip hop and electronic music over a one month period in Glasgow this Spring. It is taking place over a series of Glasgow venues in collaboration with a fine selection of promoters including The Arches, Mixed Bizness, Deadly Rhythm and Chambre 69. The overall aim is to  bring a range of inventive artists to the city, with a goal of representing the creative direction of the Glasgow scene.

They have really done well with a great collection of varied bookings for the duration of the programme. Such as Jimmy Edgar, Machinedrum, Holy Other, Lil B, Lil Silva and Brenmar plus many more. As well as featuring a plethora of homegrown Scottish talent such as Eclair Fifi, Dam Mantle, Boom Monk Ben and Sega Bodega.

This Friday Palace have collaborated with Mixed Bizness to bring Brenmar, Dubbel Dutch, Mixed Bizness resident Boom Monk Ben and Sega Bodega at La Cheetah Club. If you are looking for percussion heavy bass music, UK House, Juke, Hip Hop and even R n B this is the party for you.

Check out the Palace Facebook page for all other upcoming events, there is quite a few to choose from, one that I am particularly interested in is the Tri Angle records showcase. The Palace Spring 2012 programme is a truly refreshing idea that not only brings exciting electronic talent to Glasgow but also celebrates Glasgow's rich and diverse electronic music, arts and dance culture. Hats off to them.