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Sonar Festival and history

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The Sonar Festival in Barcelona is one of the world’s most renowned electronic music and advanced arts festivals. Since its inception in 1994, it has become a global reference for cutting-edge music, digital culture, and creative technology.

What Sonar Stands For

Sonar is dedicated to:

  • Electronic & Experimental Music (featuring techno, house, IDM, ambient, and more).
  • Digital Arts & Innovation (showcasing audiovisual installations, VR, AI-driven performances, and new media art).
  • The Intersection of Music & Technology (hosting talks, workshops, and conferences under Sonar+D, its creative-tech offshoot).

The festival bridges underground and mainstream electronic scenes, attracting both emerging artists and global superstars (e.g., Aphex Twin, Björk, Kraftwerk, Daft Punk (early performances), and contemporary acts like Arca and Floating Points).

Other Locations & Reasons for Expansion

While Barcelona remains its flagship location, Sonar has expanded internationally to:

  1. Sonar Istanbul (Turkey) – Brings the festival’s ethos to a crossroads of Europe and Asia, tapping into Istanbul’s vibrant underground electronic scene.
  2. Sonar Buenos Aires (Argentina) – Expands into Latin America, reflecting the region’s booming electronic music culture.
  3. Sonar Bogotá (Colombia) – Further solidifies its presence in South America, connecting with Colombia’s thriving festival scene.
  4. Sonar Reykjavik (Iceland) – A smaller, boutique edition capitalizing on Iceland’s experimental music and art scene.
  5. Sonar Lisboa (Portugal) – Taps into Lisbon’s growing reputation as a European hub for electronic music and digital nomads.

Why Multiple Locations?

  • Cultural Exchange – Sonar acts as a global platform, connecting different electronic music scenes.
  • Brand Growth – Expands its influence beyond Barcelona while maintaining its core identity.
  • Accessibility – Allows international audiences to experience Sonar without traveling to Spain.

Sonar’s Barcelona edition remains the most iconic, typically held in June across two main venues:

  • Sonar by Day (Fira Montjuïc) – For conferences, workshops, and daytime performances.
  • Sonar by Night (Fira Gran Via) – Large-scale nighttime shows with top-tier DJs and live acts.

Would you like recommendations for artists or specifics about Sonar+D’s tech focus?