Electronics for open minds

Is there life beyond Sónar? The Modern Sound Culture series, which has just premiered at Sala Apolo, wants to make it clear that electronic music is an art form with a life of its own, that Barcelona is one of its capitals, and that it wants to respond to an increasingly demanding audience that asks for innovation. With a monthly event, for now until May, MSC aims to become a finely tuned radar for bands with the most daring live shows on the international scene, until now uncommon in Barcelona, and that moves away from the traditional image of electronic music, with a stage that enthrones a revered DJ. We are talking about a cycle of refined, highly elaborate and very precise electronic music that opts for the concert format, with a live band staging. These are short-duration events, with friendly weekday hours and a program that combines emerging groups, such as Stavroz, with a more ethnic and "rascally" electronic sound, and more established ones, such as the Danish WhoMadeWho.

"The Sónar is a festival where many artists gather for three days. We do not want to be a festival, but a series of concerts that aims to introduce the concept of modern music and culture and build loyalty among the Barcelona audience, both those who like to dance more and those who listen attentively, giving a touch of quality and a different point of the electronic music that is known. We believe it is perfectly compatible with what Sónar represents," explains Gerard Bauza, one of the promoters of this new project. But apart from the format, more similar to rock concerts than DJ sessions, this series aims to offer an alternative musical selection to the electronic music that fills the dance floors, for example, of the Sala Apolo itself with the Nitsa Astin sessions on weekends.

"The electronic music fan has always been demanding and very knowledgeable about the register in which they move. Refined electronic music is sensitive material, and not suitable for all ears. Then there are the people who flock to festivals like Sónar, but we already know that most are more interested in other things than the music itself, or only assimilate and enjoy the most basic part of this music. In contrast, someone who listens to Nils Frahm, Fort Romeau or Jon Hopkins at home, for example, knows much more about what they are doing," says critic Albert Fernández, who sees a future for proposals like the MSC that provide "other ingredients that give more meaning and make the live presentation of electronic sets more attractive."

In Catalonia, perhaps due to the influence of the omnipresent Sónar and Primavera Sound, electronic music is increasingly rooted and its consumption is approaching that of other European countries, well above the rest of Spain. The organizers of Modern Sound Culture believe that now is a good time to bet on these new formats "because there is more musical culture and an audience that demands experimental sounds mixed with quality dance." The MSC will also be a declaration of love for the latest manifestations of sound art. "I believe that electronic music has never been as potent and powerful as it is now. Anyone who complains that it is now more boring than fifteen years ago is completely wrong," says Gerard Bauza.

For music journalist and host of Radio 4's Preferències program, José María Carrasco, this is a natural process of the public acquiring more musical culture, which leads them to be more demanding and ask for more innovative and creative music. "The live format in electronic music is more common in the rest of Europe, and opening ourselves to this style is also accepting formats already accepted and successful in other markets. Very professional shows will arrive, and that will help the word-of-mouth work, and a lot," he points out. However, he warns organizers to "bet but with a trial vision." "The fact that this type of cycle works in Germany or France is no guarantee of success in our country. Perhaps it will have to be adapted during the year," he concludes.

For now, the first to land have been Stavroz and the Danish trio WhoMadeWho, who perform this Thursday, April 5, and who are already well-known for their ability to deliver fun live shows and especially to make dance floors tremble. They have opened for bands like LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip, and Soulwax. Afterwards, it will be the turn of the Frenchman Rone. The Modern Sound Culture's commitment to popularizing the genre is also evident in the affordable ticket prices, which range from 15 to 25 euros. Additionally, the cycle promotes the presence of local artists who will participate in a casting where a jury will choose which of them performs before the headliners. Artists applying to be opening acts must be part of a band and have a good live performance. Electronic music, of course.