Nobody knows what to expect from Primavera Sound in Madrid. Partly because it’s the first edition, partly because it follows the conclusion of a literally fiery Catalan chapter, with a total of 253,000 participants, 317 shows and a start of fire during the Skrillex performance. Not everything was missing. There is a number, however, that speaks for itself: 257. This is the total number of artists who are preparing to bring the energy of the spiritual parent of all European festivals to the Spanish capital. Among them, leading names such as Kendrick Lamar, Depeche Mode, Halsey, Rosalía, Calvin Harris, Blur, New Order, Four Tet, for which sold out stages are already expected.
Besides them, however, Primavera is much more. So, to get your bearings, discover something new and let yourself be amazed, here are 5 show recommendations not to be missed in the next few days of the Madrid event.
Alison Goldfrapp
Photo: Eric Pamies
If contemporary British synth-pop has a godmother it’s Alison Goldfrapp. Vocalist of the duo Goldfrapp, founded in 1999 with Will Gregory, Goldfrapp arrives on the stage of Primavera fresh from a solo album, The Love Invention, love letter to the rhythm of the ballrooms, ready to make even the most nailed in the audience unleash. In Barcelona, Goldfrapp succeeded in the enterprise. We have reason to believe that you too can reply in Madrid on 8 June.
PinkPantheress
Photo: Sharon Lopez
PinkPantheress is one of the GenZ shares of Primavera. Born in 2001, the climb to the charts of Vicky Beverly Walker, that’s her name, begins on the TikTok feed and continues with catchy singles, a bit for the bedroom, decidedly influenced by the alt-rock and pop of the 90s and early 2000s . It is no coincidence that Walker declares that she understood that she wanted to pursue an artistic career after seeing a performance by Paramore and their Hayley Williams. The PinkPantheress year opened with duets (Skrillex and Ice Spice) and new collaborations on the horizon. Spring for Walker could be proof of an early maturity. You will find her on June 8th.
Japanese Breakfast
Photo: Eric Pamies
Japanese Breakfast aka the band led by Michelle Zauner probably needs no introduction. At least not after already starting to pierce the veil of pop culture and establishing itself as “the one that speaks to the young and the old don’t know”. It is in this sense that her figure is mentioned in the recent – and hilarious – AppleTV + series, Shrinking, where Jason Segel is a psychologist who finds himself juggling the pains of his patients and those of his own family. The music of Japanese Breakfast is atmospheric, round, which speaks from another dimension. Eterea (it is no coincidence that one of the group’s studio works is entitled Soft sounds from another planet) but at the same time enthralling. Japanese Breakfast are one of the most interesting indie-pop realities of recent years and it’s good to keep your eyes on them.
Jockstraps
Photo: Sergio Albert
The Jockstraps have walked in a state of grace over the past year. Following the release of their debut album in 2022, I Love You Jennifer B (which arrives after a few EPs), the London duo formed by Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye seems to want to take the stage with orchestral pseudo-cacophonies, soft vocals and pounding electronic rhythms. And, apparently, they are making it: two visits to Italy in less than 12 months (first at C2C 2022, then at MI AMI 2023), a tour that will take them, after moving to Primavera, to touch other corners of the ‘Europe and the United States. So don’t call them rookies. Also because both Ellery and Skye come from important works (for example Ellery is also part of Black Country, New Road, also present at Primavera, and has already collaborated with Jamie XX and others), but, above all, because the crowd sets her on fire at dot. Save them for June 10th.
Christine and the Queens
Photo: Pierre-Ange Carlotti
Christine and the Queens is not new to Primavera, and her return also marks the release, during the Madrid chapter, of her new studio work, announced for June 9, the date on which the French artist will perform on stage of the Ciutad del Rock. The di lei is a pop with well developed vocal muscles that speaks of desire and that desire communicates in every aspect of the performance. Christine and the Queens (also known as Redcar or Chris) cites David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust, Kate Bush, Björk, Philip Glass, Michael Jackson among her major influences. Only history will tell if he has managed to influence the way we see music as much as his icons. In the meantime, he offers enjoyable moments of entertainment whenever he is on stage
