Playground magazine

One of Sónar's major merits has always been that the festival is accessible to an audience that isn't necessarily extremely knowledgeable (sometimes not even superficially) when it comes to the music on display at the event (especially during the daytime), allowing for possible new discoveries. This year's no different, and, as usual, there's something there for everyone. From the synthetic, house-infused sounds of Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs to the cosmic experiments of Ricardo Donoso, via the 100% Silk showcase (featuring Ital and Maria Minerva), and the new wave of British electronica (represented by, for instance, Maya Jane Coles and Blawan, who are both destined to become stars in the blink of an eye). And of course, there's room form upcoming domestic talents, such as El_Txef_A, who recently surfaced with his splendid first full-length, “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room”. So, if besides burning the soles of your shoes for three days and three nights, you're eager to discover new things at the event, this is your way to go.

Thursday, 14th June, SonarVillage by Estrella Damm 13:30

His first album, “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room”, and his performance at Sónar this year, seem to confirm what many already suspected: Aitor Etxebarria, alias El_Txef_A, is one of the best and most influential Spanish house producers. Which is news in Spain, although abroad - like in Germany, and the United States - they've known all along, as Etxebarria has been djing in those countries for years now. Prior to the LP, he already released singles on labels such as Hypercolour, Suol, Factor City, and Fiakum, his own imprint. He's coming to the Barcelona festival with a brand new show, tailor-made, with the intimate deep-house featured on his full-length. We can't wait.