As partners of Sonar in 2012, we’re going to be bringing you all the latest news, updates and stories from all their planned events across the year.
2012 stands to be a big year for Sonar which originated in Barcelona, but which has now evolved into a global event spanning 4 continents. As usual the main event will be held in the heart of Barcelona, once more bringing you all the best in contemporary electronic music, art and video. On top of this, festivals are being staged in Sao Paulo, Tokyo, and – for the latest expedition – Cape Town.
For this new member of the family, Sonar have partnered with Design Indaba, a multidisciplinary event that has been bringing together leading figures in design, advertising, film, fashion, architecture, the visual arts and, of course, music, for over 15 years. Past collaborators have included Brian Eno, Chris Blackwell, Ferran Adrià, Jaime Hayón, Peter Saville and Hugh Masekela.
Sonar is a celebration of all things new and shiny, and doesn’t just focus on the music or film as the list of contributors suggests. Among those present this year will be the French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, the British studio UVA (creators of shows by Massive Attack, Jay Z, The Chemical Brothers and Battles), the Danish chef René Redzepi (owner of the best restaurant in the world, Foma), and digital duo Chris Milk and Aaron Koblin, who created the interactive music videos The Wilderness Downtown by Arcade Fire and The Johnny Cash Project.
The cinematic element of the festival features a number of eclectic films from Press Play Pause, a critique of the digital revolution featuring the likes of Sean Parker, Moby and Bill Drummond, to SYGNOK and the War for Radical Computer Music, which reveals the unusual philosophy of Danish musician and cultural agitator Goodiepal.
Don’t forget the music! This promises to live up to the inimitable reputation Sonar have created for themselves across their other events with the likes of Modeselektor, Byetone and Brodinkski being flown in to accompany a plethora of local talent including Killer Robot, Das Kapital, Fletcher and BLK JKS. Red Bull Music Academy has also selected more of the country’s outstanding artists: Thibo Tazz, Jullian Gomes, Culoe De Song, Terrence Pearce, Diggin4Dodge, Behr, Richard The Third and Rebel Clef.
This melting pot of potent sonic firepower, mixed with a heady blend of innovators across a kaleidoscope of disciplines promises to be a no brainer for anyone living within 1000 miles of Cape Town. Sadly that’s out of our reach here in London, so for anyone who makes it – let us know how it was!
A Taste Of Sonar hits Cape Town on March 2nd.
Words by Alex Goddard
