Feature: 20 Artists We Can't Wait To See at Primavera Sound 2023 Madrid
PRIMAVERA SOUND IS COMING HOME — Well, kind of. Primavera Sound is one of the most attended music festivals in Europe, so it’s no wonder that in 2022 the festival — which originally began in Barcelona in 2001 — expanded to include legs in Los Angeles, Chile, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo. The festival continues to expand, adding a brand new stop to their 2023 schedule, this time in Madrid, Spain.
There, the festival will take place over the span of three days, from Thursday, June 8 to Saturday, June 10. While Primavera Sound began with a focus on indie rock, they have expanded their included genres, ensuring there will be something for everyone in Madrid. Headliners range from New Order and Halsey to Kendrick Lamar, as well as the likes of Skrillex, Rosalía, and Bad Gyal. Some main performers include Pink Panthress, Loyle Carner, and Death Grips.
Read below as we guide you through some of the artists we can’t wait to see hit the stage in June.
1. Rosalía
After her incredible performance at Coachella, we can’t help but watch with anticipation and curiosity at what Rosalía will bring to the Primavera Sound stage. With new musical collaborations with her long-time boyfriend Rauw Alejandro and fashion collaborations with Acne Studios, Rosalía set promises to wow long-time fans and win over any leftover detractors.
2. Kelela
After a seven-year hiatus, Kelela released her masterful sophomore album, Raven, in February. From the pure fun of “Contact” to the vulnerability of “Enough for Love,” it’ll be exciting to see the album take shape on stage.
3. NxWorries
A collaboration between rapper, producer, songwriter, and drummer Anderson .Paak and producer and songwriter Knxwledge, NxWorries is sure to bring energy to the stage. While fans are still waiting for the duo’s sophomore album, the smooth neo-soul and funk groove of their debut, Yes Lawd!, is enough for new listeners to fall in love with the group. And, given that Anderson .Paak has one of the most watched Tiny Desk performances, we can’t hold back our excitement.
4. Sudan Archives
Brittney Parks, known artistically as Sudan Archives, is a multi-hyphenate talent. A songwriter, singer, and violinist, her sophomore album, Natural Brown Prom Queen, is winding and experimental, taking inspiration from a myriad of sources yet shining in its own light. We can’t wait to see her take command of the stage.
5. Rema
Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, has been on the map since his debut self-titled EP, Rema and his song “Dumebi.” But in 2023, he has definitely reached new heights of recognition, particularly with “Calm Down” and its following version featuring Selena Gomez. With his latest release, Rave & Roses, it’s clear that Rema is just getting started.
6. Isabella Lovestory
Isabella Lovestory is the hyper-Perreo artist we’ve all been looking for. With hits such as “Latina,” “Kitten Heel,” and “Golosa” the Honduran artist brings the energy, the attitude, y el perreo.
7. Julia Jacklin
Australian indie-pop singer Julia Jacklin has soft rock-indie smoothness paired with lyricism that’s angular, direct, and cutting. Her last album, Pre-Pleasure, includes songs such as “Love, Try Not To Let Go” and “Ignore Tenderness.” Shortly after her performance, she’ll be kicking off a US tour. We are excited to get a peek into what's to come.
8. Gabriels
Composed of Jacob Lusk, Ryan Hope, and Ari Balouzian, Gabriels is a particularly exciting set. The LA-based trio opened for a handful of shows in Harry Styles’ Love On Tour. With swelling, dramatic instrumentation of Bloodline and the brassy funk of their latest project, Angels & Queens Part 1, we’re in for a treat to see Gabriels on stage.
9. Darkside
A Rhode Island created, New York–based duo made up of Nicolás Jaar and Dave Harrington, it’s difficult to put Darkside’s work, Psychic and Spiral, into a genre. They are a mishmash of haunting electronica and psychedelic rock — as intriguing as their music is strange.
10. Tems
Few rising artists are as exciting as Tems. She has the talent, the charisma, and the look. The Nigerian artist first found herself in the spotlight in 2020 after being featured on Wizkid’s “Essence.” At this point, we’re hard-pressed to even use the word “rising,” but it’s clear Tems can go even further. Her debut EP, If Orange Was a Place, is all groove and emotion, a short and mesmerizing debut that draws you in.
11. Yves Tumor
Yves Tumor has definitely established their niche. Their latest album, Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds), is their fifth full-length release. And yet they are continuously compelling, the album a testament to their ever-growing artistic berth. After an electrifying Coachella performance, we are sure they’ll bring the right energy to the Primavera stage.
12. Los Hacheros
This Brooklyn-based group gives me hope that the Latin American folkloric music resurgence is on its way (a girl can dream). In very New York fashion, their music takes clear inspiration from various Latin American genres such as son montuno, guaracha, salsa, and Bomba. With a forthcoming album this year, we can’t wait to see what’s to come both on and off the stage.
13. Channel Tres
Most known for his hits “Topdown” and “Controller,” Channel Tres is upbeat, syncopated fun. It's no surprise the South LA native brings a fresh new sparkle to house music that compels you to move your body. His recent release, Real Cultural Shit, is in the same groovy vein of his past work. As he says on his song “6am,” as long as he’s there, then “we’re not leaving.”
14. Tokischa
This Dominican artist first hit the scene in 2018 with her song “Pícala.” Since then, she has worked with Rosalía and Madonna. Recently, she hit 1.3 billion streams on Spotify, spreading Dembow and Latin trap beats and explicit lyrics to audiences everywhere. Truly an international success with star quality, she will unleash her larger-than-life personality on stage.
15. Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers blew us all away with her debut album, Heard It in a Past Life, in 2019. Then, she did it again with her sophomore album, Surrender, last summer. Her music is emotive, all-encompassing, and (as Pharell said) uniquely hers. Primavera Sound Madrid will be her second stop in her Summer of ’23 Tour.
16. St. Vincent
St. Vincent is no stranger to shapeshifting. If we define her music by her latest project, she is a ’70s dream, all psychedelic, funk, and rock. Daddy’s Home is a particularly vulnerable project, as it centers on her father’s real-life return from prison. She is a truly seasoned artist, performer, and guitarist with a brilliant track record. We are anticipating seeing her with her guitar, as she brings her jazzy beats to Madrid.
17. Villano Antillano
This Puerto Rican rapper shot to the top of all our Spotify charts with her incredible performance on the infamous Bzrp Music Sessions. Her session is still on the Top 5 of Bizarrap’s Spotify listens. Their lyrics not only display their razor-sharp wit and talent but also advocate for the LGBTQ community.
18. Jockstrap
The British duo, composed of Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye, combines Skye’s electronic production and Ellery’s crystalline vocals to bring us genre-defining, experimental hits. With songs such as “Concrete Over Water” and “Neon,” we are anticipating a mesmerizing show with many peaks and valleys.
19. Pusha T
Much has been said about Pusha T’s performance skills, but mainly he’s known for dynamic, fast-paced performances that animates his crowds. His last album, It’s Almost Dry, garnered much critical acclaim and fan support. After his ice-cold performance at Coachella, we hope he brings the same breeze, ease, and electric energy to Madrid.
20. Nia Archives
A producer and DJ from England, Nia Archives recently released her second solo EP, Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall. With fun samples of Brazilian sounds combined with melodic jazzy vocals, she’s crafted the perfect EP for the summer. With her famous Boiler Room set under her belt, we imagine she will deliver the same verve to Primavera Sound.
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