With over 75 performances, DJ sets and other activities spread across three days and five stages, Sónar by Day (and Sónar+D) is bigger than ever before this year. If you’re feeling a little lost, we’ve put together a guide to help you find what you’re after.
Sónar Classics
If you're looking for that signature Sónar by Day moment
This year’s “you had to be there” moment is genre-defying performer Sevdaliza’s show on Thursday evening. Beforehand, don’t miss two rising local artists who could be the next big thing: pablopablo and Judeline connect pop and r&b with flamenco and Spanish tradition. And finally, get down to Folamour’s irresistible mix of house and disco, as the French artist debuts at Sónar by Day two years after lighting up Sónar by Night.
It’s been 6 years since Laurent Garnier last played Sónar, so this year we’ve given him three full hours to play with on Friday evening. If you weren’t excited already, you should be now.
On Saturday evening, strap in for a hard-hitting, high-energy back-to-back from electroclash trailblazer Kittin (formerly known as Miss Kittin) and David Vunk. And finally, get a dancefloor education from Detroit’s Stacey Hotwaxx Hale and Manchester’s DJ Paulette. Who better to close Sónar by Day 2024 than two of house music’s female pioneers?
Radical Performances
Unforgettable shows by unique artists
If chest-shaking bass, otherworldly vocals, and incredible stage design are your thing, don’t miss ‘aetherave’ pioneer Aïsha Devi. Catch the Spanish exclusive of her most powerful show to date, ‘Les Immortelles’, on Thursday evening. Afterwards, head to SonarHall to catch a physical, one-off performance from UK rapper, choreographer and dancer Blackhaine, before taking in a ‘Virtual Reality Opera’ at Stage+D courtesy of audiovisual pranksters Team Rolfes and Lil Mariko.
On Friday, tackle decolonisation in a brand-new multidisciplinary show from choreographer Kianí Del Valle with visuals by Hamill Industries and exclusive music created by Latin American super-producer Tayhana. Afterwards, dive into the pit with 'the most extreme live act at Sónar by Day', VMO a.k.a Violent Magic Orchestra, who connect black metal with high-BPM dance music at deafening volumes.
On Saturday, after catching Lee Gamble’s ‘Models’, featuring choreography by Candela Capitán, drop into Stage+D to immerse yourself in the hallucinatory universe of ASIANDOPEBOYS. ‘PHYSIS’ is a 6-hour, multidisciplinary show, featuring music, dance, visuals and over 17 different performers. No-one puts on a show like surreal Estonian trap artist TOMMY CASH; catch him earlier that day at SonarVillage by Estrella Damm.
Exhilarating Dance Music
To get your pulse racing
Real-life Zulu princess Toya Delazy brings ‘Afrorave’ - a rapidfire mix of rap, gqom and jungle - to SonarVillage by Estrella Damm on Thursday afternoon. Later on, don’t miss Skin On Skin’s rugged, club-ready mix of house and techno with drill and Memphis rap. And if you like relentless, hypnotic, and radical dance music, stick around at SonarPark by DICE for Brooklyn artist SHYBOI’s closing set.
Impossible-to-define Kenyan artist Kabeaushé’s electric live sets mash together hip hop, electronic music, and offbeat pop. Catch him on Friday before heading to see DJ Gigola and Slim Soledad, whose hypnotic sets connect trance and hardcore techno with pop hooks and baile funk.
Saturday’s full of hard and fast dance music. First up, horsegiirL gallops onto SonarVillage by Estrella Damm in a delirious blur of questionable jokes, eurodance, hardstyle, and happy hardcore. And Barcelona’s own TORO Collective will keep the BPMs high before Gabber Eleganza fills the stage with hakke dancers at SonarPark by DICE.
Experimental Audio
You won't believe what you're hearing
You’ve never heard anyone play drums the way Valentina Magaletti does. The innovative percussionist brings her ‘Lucha Libre’ show, with a specially designed stage by Theresa Baumgartner, to Complex+D on Thursday. Straight after, find out what maverick Japanese DJ ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U has loaded onto his USBs. Animé soundtracks? Harsh noise? Gabber edits? All of the above?
On Friday, ease into the day with fantastical Catalan artist Adelaida’s baroque vocal theatrics. Later that day, 90s techno veterans Surgeon & Speedy J fill SonarHall with wires, cables and synthesisers for an entirely improvised collaborative modular set. Braindance, indeed. Afterwards, wind down at Complex+D with genius pianist Kelly Moran, who uses disklavier technology to duet with herself.
On Saturday at SonarHall, Rob Clouth uses algorithms to create gorgeously intricate electronica and visuals live on stage. Afterwards at Complex+D, Nueen & Iceboy Violet premiere their forthcoming album on Hyperdub, an emotional mix of spoken word, glacial ambient, auto tuned vocals and icy drill beats. Back at SonarHall, absorb an ear-splitting set of abstract analogue sound by UK duo EMPTYSET.
And that’s just a selection of what’s on offer this year, with plenty more concerts and DJ sets, and a full programme of Sónar+D activities - from talks and forums to exhibitions and workshops - open to the general public from 3pm every day.
Experience the Frequency of Now at Sónar by Day this year with an individual ticket, Sonar by Day Pass, or any kind of SonarPass. Tickets available here.