Melody's Echo Chamber

Barcelona: arguably the most picturesque city in Europe. Situated on the Mediterranean coast in the heart of the Catalonian region, it's a landmine of history and culture. In amongst the beautiful landscapes and symbolic architecture; much of it crafted by Antoni Gaudi; lies the wonderful Park Guell, while at the city's highest point resides the Olympic Stadium, redeveloped with an increased capacity for the 1992 event. Then, of course, there's always the world famous Nou Camp, home to arguably the greatest and most successful football club of this generation, which is where our week long journey begins. 

Arriving a day early before Primavera's festivities start enables us to take in the unique atmosphere as champions Barcelona narrowly defeat Real Valladolid by the odd goal. It also allows one final opportunity to contemplate this year's timetable where clashes aplenty are the order of most days. However, such a haven of choices marks a great festival, right? Right. 

This year's event marks the thirteenth edition of Primavera Sound and, with weekend tickets having sold out months ago, it would be fair to say it's one of the few whose reputation and audience is growing despite the current economic decline. Mainly situated across three venues; the Parc Del Forum, Parc De La Ciutadella and Sala Apolo; Primavera has developed from an initial three-day weekend into a full blown seven-day event. 

Continue reading: Primavera Sound 2013 - Live Review

It's May and festival season is upon us, which means it will soon be time for Primavera Sound 2013, arguably the pinnacle of Europe's increasingly popular schedule. Set in beautiful Barcelona and mainly based on the Parc Del Forum site at the heart of the Diagonal Mar area of the Sant Marti district, this year's event will be the thirteenth edition of a festival that first opened its doors in the summer of 2001.

As has been the norm in recent years, Primavera week kicks off with a series of fringe events starting on Monday 20th May. Sonic Boom's Spectrum headline the Sala Apolo venue, with the likes of Bo Ningen, Godflesh, Veronica Falls and Parquet Courts all playing there over the two nights. The main festival itself kicks off at the Parc Del Forum on Wednesday 22nd May, with The Vaccines and Delorean heading a bill that also includes hotly tipped US trio Guards and skatepunk duo The Bots. 

The main event itself gathers momentum the next evening for the following three days, where over 200 artists will perform across eight different stages until the early hours of Sunday morning. However, as in previous years, that isn't where the fun ends, as there'll be a series of free shows on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May in the Parc De La Ciutadella featuring the likes of Merchandise, The Babies and Mac De Marco, while Sunday evening's closing ceremony at the Sala Apolo will see performances from Deerhunter, Come and The Orchids among many others.

Continue reading: Primavera Sound Festival - 2013 Preview