Music

Sónar Stockholm 2015: Bright Lights, Cold City

Scandianvia-Standard-Grammaphone-MusicThe Sónar Stockholm team message after two days of great music was: “We’re really interested in doing this again next year!” All I have to say is: “Yes, please do!” Sonar Stockholm is far from what you’d expect if you’d already been to Sonar Barcelona; I guess that’s what makes it special. Well-organized and ideally located at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre, Sónar Stockholm brought some light and warmth to this cold Swedish winter. London-based, internationally-renowned artists Jamie XX and SBRTKT attracted fans from all around the world.

Among the highlights, the title of “Best Show of the Festival” definitely goes to British standout producer Kindness, joined on stage by Robyn for the song “Who Do You Love.”

Sonar3 Stockholm | Scandinavia Standard
 

Equally intriguing was Ryan Hemsworth, the Canadian producer who has released an EP called Alone for the First Time. Check it out – it definitely hasn’t had enough attention. The record is full of oblique, impressionist, gorgeous pop-songs like “Too Long Here.”

After Sónar Reykjavík and Stockholm, the Scandinavia festival series continue next month in Copenhagen including, amongst others, Metronomy, Daniel Avery, Trentemøller and Jon Hopkins. Sónar Barcelona returns in June for its 22nd edition. It will be followed by Tokyo in the autumn and culminates in South America in December, with festivals planned in Santiago, Bogota and Buenos Aires.

Sonar Stockholm | Scandinavia Standard

Sonar4 Stockholm | Scandinavia Standard

Sonar5 Stockholm | Scandinavia Standard

 
And since truth comes out of the mouths of fans, let’s read what they think:

“Friday was magical, I both cried and smiled. Kindness was the best gig I have ever been to.” – Sandra P.

“A great and intimate festival with amazing artists. I look forward to the other Sónars.” – Karin M.

Sonar6 Stockholm | Scandinavia Standard

Sonar7 Stockholm | Scandinavia Standard
 

Copyright © Pauline Suzor, All Rights Reserved
Copyright © Annika Berglund, All Rights Reserved

Find out more about Sónar and book tickets here.

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