From May 29 to June 2, Barcelona was home to the 22 Primavera Sound, a festival transforming the city into a musical paradise. With the urban landscape on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, fans reveled in the talents of artists such as SZA, Lana Del Rey, Mitski, Charli XCX, and more.
Headliners on the first day included Pulp, Vampire Weekend, and Justice, followed closely by Peggy Gou, Deftones, and Beth Gibbons, who was granted the “Can’t Do It Without You Award” from Primavera Sound Barcelona.
Other awardees include Pulp, Charli XCX, Bikini Kill, Yo La Tengo, and PJ Harvey, who’s been associated with the festival for over twenty years. These artists were selected for the award based on their musical prowess and connection to the festival and its ideals.
On the second day, Barcelona welcomed Lana Del Rey, The National, and Disclosure to the stage as headliners. Other fan favorites in attendance were Troye Sivan, Omar Apollo, Arca, Faye Webster, Ethel Cain, and The Last Dinner Party, who recently announced an upcoming European tour.
Sivan’s set was nothing short of electric. His dance moves and style enhanced the performance, whether wearing cheeky chaps or a conical bra. One fan tweeted a clip of Sivan singing “Rush,” which took the world by storm when it was released last July.
Troye performing Rush at Primavera Sound Barcelona ⚡️ #STGEOTour
pic.twitter.com/NAFmVNfDdG— Troye Sivan Updates (@UpdatedTS) May 31, 2024
It’s apparent that Sivan has this pop star thing down pat, and fans will be able to enjoy his stage presence stateside this fall. Sivan and Charli XCX begin the “SWEAT” tour this September.
Del Rey’s performance was also outstanding, including visually striking choreography, iconic hits, and newer favorites such as “A&W.” One fan tweeted a clip of Del Rey performing the song, and her glamorous style is on full display. Her rhinestone-studded boots and immaculate bouffant hairstyle amplify her star power.
Del Rey has been busy performing in festivals worldwide and preparing for her fall album release. She revealed that Lasso will be a country album and can be expected in September.
Charli XCX (who released Brat on June 7) headlined the festival’s third day. She was joined by SZA, PJ Harvey, and Mitski. While the weather wasn’t entirely cooperative, none of these artists, nor the rest of the lineup, such as Romy, Dorian Electra, and Bikini Kill, were rained out.
SZA’s vocal talents wowed the audience, notably as she performed her hit single “Saturn.” One fan tweeted a video in admiration of the set.
SZA performing “Saturn” at Primavera Sound in Barcelona pic.twitter.com/HMgbzYGmug
— ؘ (@szaiconic) June 2, 2024
In addition to showcasing musical skills, Primavera Sound displayed visual art to engage festival-goers. One artist, Jofre Oliveras, crafted a mirror to bring attention to the crisis in Gaza.
The thought-provoking sculpture brings the crisis closer to home by displaying photos of the wreckage in Gaza with photos of Barcelona landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia, edited to appear equally devastated. QR codes near the piece and around the festival grounds allowed attendees to donate to Gazan residents. Ultimately, support for 300 families was raised.
As always, art for a good cause is enormously inspiring, and this choice distinguishes the festival in a highly positive light.
