Get ready to party! Sónar kicks off its 25th anniversary celebrations in Reykjavik on the 16th and 17th of March. It takes place at four stages located inside Harpa Concert Hall, with a capacity of 3500 guests per night. Sónar is a series of annual worldwide avant-garde electronic music festivals, presenting the newest innovative trends. Sónar aims to be more than just a music festival, adding installations and video art projections next to performances to their program. The festival program is filled with cutting edge acts and tantalizing audiovisual productions. With the focus on digital culture, the festival has the ambition to be a meeting point for different creative disciplines.
Previous editions
Sónar was organised in Reykjavík for the first time in 2013. Artists who’ve performed at Sónar Reykjavík include: Major Lazer, Skrillex, Fatboy Slim, James Blake, Jamie xx, De La Soul, Paul Kalkbrenner, Moderat, Squarepusher, Nina Kraviz, SBTRKT, Bonobo, Trentemøller, James Holden, Modeselektor, Oneothrix Point Never, FM Belfast, Mugison, Sin Fang, Samaris, GusGus, Kiasmos and Ólafur Arnalds. People from all over the world fly to Iceland to experience performances by these great artists!
The best acts
This year the program is filled with world-famous acts as well as new talent. Be sure to check out Ben Frost, who mixes post-classical electronic music, minimalism and metal! For electronic dream-pop, attend Vök’s concert. They produce the perfect combination of atmospheric sounds and dreamy vocals. You might know Högni from Hjaltalín or Gus Gus. He’s one of the best-known Icelandic singers and artists, and his solo project is a rhythmic avant-garde production combined with choral arrangements. If you’re in the mood for hip-hop, check out Reykjavíkurdætur. This 10-member, all-female hip-hop group is recognized for their empowering lyrics and impressive stage-performance. Or go to new kids on the block JóiPé & Króli, a talented young duo that has earned their spot in the Icelandic hip-hop scene. Electronic music composer Bjarki got known by the public because of Russian DJ Nina Kraviz, who started releasing his tracks on her label. He produces dance music and IDM, but also has a knack for ambient tracks. Legendary techno group Underworld closes the festival on Saturday night.
Northern lights
The festival takes place during the northern lights season, and in recent years, many visitors have been able to spot them during the festival days. And you don’t even have to miss any acts! Located close to the unlit ocean waters, you can see them through the windows of Harpa Concert Hall if the conditions are right!
Visit the website of Sónar Reykjavík for information about tickets, more acts and updates about time schedules!
