Primavera Sound 2023
Last weekend, the ZERO.NINE team went down to Barcelona to cover Europe's largest music festival. With an impeccable line-up, amazing productions and great infrastructure, Primavera has never been better! Find out more about our favourite acts and which new bands we discovered.
Words Elvira Herrería Photography Alex Connor
Photo by Alex Connor
Thursday.
I don't know if it happens to everyone, but I get a little nervous when I have a whole festival ahead of me. I was immediately greeted by JC and Alex, who welcomed me with open arms, an ice-cold beer and two magnificent cameras.
While the guys raved about the explosive energy of Turnstile's performance, we found ourselves irresistibly drawn to the mesmerizing beats emanating from the Pull and Bear Stage, where Rhyw was entrancing the crowd. The music was mind-blowing—hard-hitting, forceful, and completely original. We were so enthralled that we lost track of time, only realizing in a panic that we had to rush to catch New Order at the Damn stage.
Turnstile photo Alex Connor
Turnstile photo JC Verona
Rhyw photo by Alex Connor
Although New Order didn't quite reach the dizzying heights of energy we had come to expect from them, their 40th-anniversary celebration of "Blue Monday" was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for all the die-hard New Wave fans in attendance. They delivered hit after hit, staying true to their iconic sound and leaving an emotional imprint on our hearts.
Our plan was to catch Goldfrapp later in the evening, but Magia Bruta once again proved to be a captivating distraction along the way. Aperol spritz in hand, we found ourselves caught between tears and sheer romanticism. Alex eventually pulled me away from the enchantment, craving the dance floor over melancholic musings. But oh, how I yearned to linger with those mystical melodies a little while longer.
Goldfrapp took the stage by storm, delivering a show brimming with dance-inducing rhythms and boundless energy. Their performance was unstoppable, leaving the crowd electrified and begging for more.
Brute Magic photo by Alex Connor
Goldfrapp photo by Alex Connor
By this point, hunger had gotten the best of us, and we stumbled upon a group of “Game of Thrones” lookalikes at the food trucks. They enticed us with a massive burrito, though it meant trekking another thousand steps to the Damm Stage where Blur awaited us. The fast-paced nature of the festival reminded us that one must always stay focused and avoid getting too lost in the distractions. It's akin to an athletic feat, a long-distance race that demands preparation and stamina.
We managed to reach Blur just in time, and their quintessentially Brit sound permeated the air, igniting a frenzy of dancing and passionate moments shared under the stars. Some festival-goers sprawled on the ground—whether from excessive indulgence or the combination of running around.
New Order photo by Alex Connor
Blur photo by Alex Connor
Friday arrived, and we braced ourselves for a stacked lineup. The afternoon kicked off with Los Hacheros, who brought the power of salsa music to life in a classic yet reinvented style. Influenced by the golden era of '50s salsa and the vibrant New York scene of the '70s, their performance started as an experiment and quickly evolved into an accessible dance extravaganza. It was an unexpected start that turned the atmosphere into a non-stop celebration of rhythm and infectious energy. Truly, they are geniuses of their craft.
Los Hacheros photo JC Verona
Depeche Mode took us on a journey that felt like an ode to life and death itself. Their nearly two-hour set surpassed all expectations, deviating from the fast-food music often associated with festivals. With renewed vigor and an exploration of electronic beats, they delivered an unforgettable performance that left us craving more. Three encores and a standing ovation were testimony to the impact they had on the crowd.
Depeche Mode photo by Alex Connor
Depeche Mode photo by Alex Connor
Depeche Mode photo by Alex Connor
Depeche Mode photo by JC Verona
Nation of Language photo by Alex Connor
What to listen to after that and who is up to it? Next on our radar was Nation of Language, whose impeccable sound resonated deeply within our souls. Their music enveloped us with its richness and grandeur, and their stage presence was equally captivating. The group played hits like "On Division St, “Weak in Your Light”, “September Again” to name a few... Is it really noticeable that ZERO.NINE are big fans?”
We made a brief stop to see the end of Bad Religion’s show which has a legion of dedicated followers, who danced in the style of the 90s, jumping and elbowing. Mosh pit vibes.
It was time to sit down for a bit as our legs wouldn't give out anymore and we had to close the party with John Talabot, a classic that I end up seeing every year because it's infallible for dancing. I was retiring for today, but there were still thousands of people who decide to close the doors at dawn. I smiled as I leave them behind dancing frantically.
Saturday.
Proteins of Magic commanded the entrance of the festival, captivating attendees with a performance that exuded emotion, intensity, darkness, and yet a peculiar luminosity. Kelly, the enigmatic figure at the helm, proved to be a character worth knowing. We were fortunate enough to have a conversation with her, where she revealed that this would be her final show with this particular setup. It marked the end of an era and a personal transition, and her energy transmitted a sense of stepping into another reality. It was the perfect start to another night of interstellar exploration at a festival that seemed determined to test our endurance.
Protein of Magic photo JC Verona
Photo by Alex Connor
St Vincent with her unwavering commitment to artistry, took the Santander Stage by storm. Unfortunately, our attempts to speak with her were in vain, but her electrifying performance spoke volumes. Sporting an unusual blonde bob, she unleashed an energetic and sonically enthralling show that left the audience in awe.
The War On Drugs commanded such a captivating presence that we completely forgot to capture the moment with photos. Apologies for the oversight, but the music had a vice-like grip on us, immersing us in a sea of enthusiastic fans who refused to let us do anything but surrender to the music. They managed to revive the Amazon Stage, which had been somewhat overlooked until then.
LustSickPuppy were my crush of the night. While unfamiliar to us prior to the festival, their innovative mix of sounds without dissonance or stumbling blocks made it impossible to resist the urge to dance. Their aesthetic was equally impressive, adding a hypnotic touch to their performance at every level. We've made a mental note to follow their future endeavors closely.
In the Boiler Room, La Creole took the stage and unleashed an irresistible frenzy of dancing upon the audience. Accompanied by their own dance troupe, two captivating brunettes, they left no living being indifferent. It took some considerable effort to pull ourselves away, reluctantly leaving the hypnotic scene behind, in order to arrive on time for the grand finale of the night.
LustSickPuppy photo by Alex Connor
Rosalía photo by Alex Connor
What can I say about Rosalía that has not already been written, that she is a Goddess, a magnificent force with an unwavering love for art, her fans, and the camera. I'm sorry for her talented dance group, as the spotlight was solely focused on her. The wind seemed to play the role of a professional stylist, caressing her flowing long hair as the crowd soared alongside her throughout the entire performance. Although it must be acknowledged that the sound lacked the necessary strength from the beginning, she managed to make amends, albeit partially. It's worth noting that the Damn Stage fell short in terms of sound quality, echoing the earlier experience with New Order.
After Rosalía's breathtaking performance, we sought refuge in the Press Room to catch our breath. There, Alex astutely remarked on the festival's maturity and solidity after a decade of existence. The treatment of the press had improved, along with the overall comfort of the event. While last years festival had some issues with cleanliness of bathroom facilities, as well as sufficient and free access to water for patrons, this year saw a significant improvement. Exits were better organized, the restroom facilities were clean and accessible, and the food and drink options were top-notch. They even installed water fountains to ensure everyone, regardless of budget constraints, had access to sufficient hydration. This ongoing improvement of the festival's classic elements has elevated it to a level that will prove challenging to surpass.
As we bid farewell to this year's unforgettable edition, we already find ourselves eagerly anticipating what the next installment will bring. Until then, Primavera Sound, wishing bests of lucks in Madrid and see you soon!
Rosalía photo by Alex Connor
Rosalía photo by Alex Connor
About Elvira
Elvira Herrería Martínez has a degree in Medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid, a specialist in Psychiatry from the University of Alcalá de Henares and a Master's Degree in Longevity and Anti-Aging from the University of Barcelona. She regularly writes for the Spanish magazine, Retina, a large transversal editorial project at Prisa Media around technology, innovation and sustainability.
To see more of her work, follow her on Instagram
About Alex
Alex Connor is a talented still photographer based in Barcelona, but his reach extends far beyond. With an impressive portfolio, he has collaborated with renowned brands like Captain Morgan, Porsche, Saab, Nike, Wilde Sunglasses and many others. His expertise also shines in the realm of music festivals, where he captures captivating shots for the international press at various editions of Primavera Sound and Sonar Festival.
To see more of his work visit his website or follow him on Instagram
Alex Connor and Elvira Herrería photo by JC Verona
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