Since its first edition in 1994, the Sónar Music Festival proved itself as one of the most relevant music festivals in Europe, becoming – during the last 20 years – one of the most important cultural events in the world. In 2013, the festival created a parallel event, called Sónar+D, aiming to create a new cultural hub that could gather creatives from different worlds: music, arts, technology, science and many more, allowing thousands of participants to get a closer look to cutting edge developments and new theories that would shortly become revolutionary.
This year, for the first time ever, the Sónar+D will be held during the same days of the Sónar Music Festival, from the 17th to the 20th of July, in Barcelona. The kermesse, which involves guest and creatives from all over the world, will host talks, lectures, exhibitions, workshops, and installations. More than 2.000 companies will be involved, and a total of 5.000 guests and experts, coming from 60 different countries.
Two important partnership are taking place during the 7th Sónar+D. The first one is called the Sónar+D by SEAT Auditorium, a space developed to host special intensive masterclasses; the second one is the Startup Hub, in partnership with 4YFN, which aims to give to 21 startups tools, know-how and a direct connection with investors, giving them the means to develop their ideas.
A lot of renowned names are listed among the guests and the lecturers. Robert del Naja from Massive Attack will be opening the Sónar+D with a lecture the first day, along with Andrew Melchior, who worked with the Massive Attack but also with Björke and David Bowie. Marshmallow Laser Feast e Jessica Brillhart will work on interactive installations, with a unique use of space and sound. Two Spanish creative teams will be attending: CANADA, the minds behind groundbreaking music videos for artist such as Rosalia and Tame Impala; Nomada Studio, videogame developers that created the award-winning GRIS. Videogames will also be the main focus of Unity’s attendance: the creative team developed a graphic engine that’s changing AR and VR videogames. Artificial intelligence and new technologies involving mass media will be the center of the activities involving Holly Herndon, Mat Dryhurst, Jules LaPlace, Daito Manabe e Yukiyasu Kamitani, and also prestigious media such as The Guardian and BBC Global News.
All of this and a lot more will be taking place in Barcelona: the complete program with all the names and the activities is available on www.sonarplusd.com
Article by Riccardo Primavera.
