Primavera’s first year in Madrid was a rollercoaster of Hip-Hop royalty, cancelled days, and intimate performances.

Festival season is upon us and one of this years most anticipated was Primavera Sound Madrid. With its debut in Madrid at Ciudad Del Rock, this years festival proved its ability in curating a diverse lineup that catered to a wide range of tastes. Although the festival encountered some initial challenges, including the cancellation of the first day due to rain and a reduced attendance compared to the Barcelona edition, it still showcased the power of live music to create intimate and magical moments.

Amidst the relatively sparse crowds, certain performances took on a special charm, evoking an intimate atmosphere that felt like a secret gig shared among friends. Picture this: The Moldy Peaches, performing their quirky tunes, with a modest crowd of 200-300 people swaying along. It was cute and wholesome, like a secret gig shared among friends. Meanwhile, other bands like The Voidz faced unexpected challenges, as the crowd's enthusiasm seemed to be lacking. Despite their readiness to ignite a mosh pit, the energy didn't quite resonate with the smaller audience. However, it's worth noting that all the artists who performed at the festival delivered exceptional performances.

With the Thursday unfortunately cancelled, Friday was our first true taste of the festival. Serendipitously, The Beths were the first act we saw, a band that graced the cover of our print magazine last year. Their infectious indie-pop melodies had us hooked from the first chord. Julia Jacklin followed, weaving her heart-wrenching vocals into a tapestry of emotion. Later, Japanese Breakfast enchanted us with their dreamy indie rock. Things were going quite smoothly until the sound gremlins decided to pay a visit during Baby Keem's set, momentarily cutting out the audio. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Baby Keem bounced back, and the crowd was treated to a fiery performance that left everyone even more excited for his cousin later that evening.

Depeche Mode, masters of techno-pop anthems, delivered a captivating performance. The electrifying presence of Dave Gahan, spinning like a top on stage, and the iconic imagery created through collaborations with Anton Corbijn, left an indelible mark on our retinas. And of course, the euphoria that washed over the crowd during ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ was a moment to behold. Primavera Madrid was privileged to witness the band's presentation of Memento Mori the first album by Dave Gahan and Martin L. Gore as a duo, a true testament to their enduring legacy.

As the night progressed, Kendrick Lamar took the stage, reminding us of the weight he carries as a benchmark of contemporary hip-hop. From his early albums like Good Kid, M.A.A.D City to the Pulitzer Prize-winning DAMN Lamar's verses encapsulate a point of view that transcends the ego-driven nature of the genre. His performance was a powerful reminder of the impact of his words. When he unleashed his flow, the entire crowd seemed to catch fire, swept up in the energy of his delivery.

Let's delve into the musical journey of Saturday, where a plethora of talented acts graced the stage. This day also proved to be considerably quieter than expected. Which resulted in another series of intimate shows. DOMi & JD BECK opened the day with their mesmerizing fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic beats. Their performance set the tone for what was to come—a day filled with diverse sounds and captivating melodies. As the day progressed, we were treated to the infectious energy of Crack Cloud, the raw power of Shellac, and the enigmatic presence of The Voidz.

Amidst this cornucopia of musical artistry, two shining stars emerged to claim their rightful place in the firmament: St. Vincent and Rosalía. St. Vincent, an avant-garde trailblazer known for her boundary-pushing artistry, held the audience captive with an electrifying display of her musical dexterity. And then, there was Rosalía. The Catalonian enchantress, whose ascent to global stardom defies all expectations, delivered a performance that left all in attendance gasping for breath. Her unparalleled vocal ability, combined with an infectious vivacity, whisked the audience away on an unforgettable odyssey. As the masses joined in harmonious unison, the sheer magnitude of Rosalía's impact on the musical sphere became undeniably apparent, forever imprinted in the annals of this day's reverie.

In its inaugural year in Madrid, Primavera Festival shone as a testament to artistic brilliance, even in the face of anticipated teething problems. While there were unfortunate cancellations and moments of subdued energy, the days that proceeded undeterred left an indelible imprint on the fortunate attendees. Amidst the festival's sprawling grounds, a vibrant tapestry unfolded, seamlessly weaving together a diverse array of genres, sounds, and cultural influences into a harmonious celebration.

Primavera Madrid 2023 presented a mix of emotions. The days that successfully materialized showcased the festival's ability to create unforgettable memories, etching them firmly in the hearts and minds of all who were present. From intimate performances to captivating moments, the festival proved its resilience and left an enduring impact. While challenges were encountered, the overall spirit and essence of Primavera persevered, reaffirming its standing as a beacon of artistic brilliance.