Primavera Sound 2024 Brought Variety (And Some Rain)

Written by Laura Cameron | Photos courtesy of Laura Cameron & Primavera Sound Press

Full festival gallery here

Primavera Sound returned to Barcelona for its 22nd year. Some acts were also live streamed over the weekend on Amazon Prime and Twitch. Here are my highlights from the weekend.

The Music

Primavera Sound prides itself on a gender balanced lineup. It’s also the only festival in the world to receive a Queer Destination Committed Certification. 

Thursday

The Steve Albini Stage/Shellac Listening Party – Primavera Sound dedicated a stage to the late Steve Albini. The producer suddenly passed away a few weeks before the festival. His band Shellac played Primavera Sound almost every year. Along with a renamed stage, Primavera Sound also had a listening party and their latest record ‘To All Trains’ was played. A fitting tribute. 

Photo by Gisela Jane, Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department.

 LAMBCHOP – Aka Kurt Wagner playing his songs on piano. With assistance from Andrew Broder. LAMBCHOP reminded me of another American songwriter, Bill Callahan.  One unique thing of Primavera Sound is they have an Indoor venue on site. The Audiotori, a seated intimate theater which can hold 3,084 people.

LAMBCHOP photo by Clara Orozco Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

Beth Gibbons - She played the outdoor Cupa Stage to a rapturous audience. Hearing tracks from her new album ‘Lives Outgrown’ such as ‘Floating on A Moment” and “Lost Changes” live with her excellent band – amazing. She has one of the most unique voices in the world. She also played one Portishead song –‘Roads.’

Beth Gibbons photo by Clara Orozco Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

Pulp –  The Britpop legends return to headline Primavera Sound to a rapturous crowd. To dance to ‘Disco 2000’ and to hear one of the best songs of the 90s ‘Common People’ live.  A touching moment during their set dedicating their song ‘Something’s Changed’ to Steve Albini. Pulp are touring North America starting in September.

Pulp photo by Eric Pamies Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

Friday 

With Lana Del Rey headlining later that evening, anticipation was high. The line was the longest I’ve seen it at the entrance when I arrived at 4:30pm. People ran to the main stage as soon as the gates opened. I was at the main stage for most of the day, also looking forward to Lana.

Silica Gel – Indie Rock from Korea. My biggest discovery of the festival. I was walking by taking photos and was drawn into their sound.  

Silka Gel photo by Christian Bertand Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

Troye Sivan – Debuting his tour supporting his album ‘Something to Give Each Other.’ My favorite set of the day. Troye discussed his love of Barcelona spending time here while making the album. It was a pop masterclass – costume changes, choreography, and great energy – everyone was dancing. Playing songs from his latest album ‘Something to Give Each Other’ and his previous album, ‘Bloom.’ He also did solo renditions of some of his duets with other artists. Such as ‘1999’ (Charli XCX) and ‘Supernaturally’ (Ariana Grande.) He co-headlines a tour with Charli XCX in North America later this year. Highly Recommend.

 Troye Silvan photo by Christian Bertand Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

Then, it was Lana Del Rey. Her first visit to Spain since 2019.

Despite coming on stage 30 minutes late, she gave a wonderous production with excellent singers and dancers. It was magical with the crowd all together singing “Ride” “Born to Die” and “Video Games.”

Lana Del Rey photo by Sharon Lopez Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

Saturday

Lankum – One of my favorite sets of the festival. The sound was excellent - just five musicians playing traditional songs, covers, and their own material. it was only their second time playing Barcelona and they will be returning in November. They will be releasing a live album “Live in Dublin”, out June 21st.

Lankum photo by Sergio Albert. Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

PJ Harvey - As her set began, it started to rain and did not let up the entire set. However, it fit the atmosphere of so many songs she’s written over the years helping us all through the rain and storms. She thanked us for staying in the rain and watching her and her brilliant band. She also dedicated ‘The Desperate Kingdom Of Love’ to Steve Albini.

Mitski - Her minimalist set with beautiful choreography. Only added by the weather – the rain that continued off and on as well as the dry lightning in the sky. A set to remember. Playing songs from thought her career as well as supporting her new album, ‘The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We.’

Mitski photo by Sharon Lopez. Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

Romy - Needed to warm up after standing in the rain for a few hours. So, headed to the Amazon Music Stage for Romy’s set. Her set supporting her solo record ‘Mid-Air’ turned the outdoor stage into a giant club. Part DJ set part her songs from ‘Mid Air’ premiering a new song live, ‘Always Forever’, which was released a few days before. 

Romy photo by Clara Orozco Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

ATARASHII GAKKO! - I ended my festival with ATARASHII GAKKO! at the Cupa Stage. To an enthusiastic audience. This was their first time in Spain and the start of their UK/EU tour. They also debuted a new song, ‘Fly High.’ 

Atarashii Gakko! Photo by Clara Orozco Courtesy of the Primavera Sound Press Department

The Vibes

Along with all the excellent music, there’s something for everyone. From electronic sets, and DJ’s with stages such as Boiler Room, Barcelona Sona Estrella Damm, The Warehouse x DICE, Aperol Island of Joy, and the Play Hard Stage by Maybelline New York. New this year, was the Red Sound Studio an intimate in the round space for 100 or so people. As well as some secret sets such as Militarie Gun. The line was always long and hope to see it return next year. There was also a tattoo studio on site that was new this year.

The Food

Along with the packed music schedule, there was also a wide variety of food options from vendors all over the city. Compared to United States festival prices, food and drinks were reasonable. 

I already can’t wait to return next year! With an excellent variety of music, food, and beautiful weather (in general.) You meet people from all over the world just as passionate about music as you are. There’s nothing like it.