As I entered Sonar by Day I was immediately attracted to the heavy bass-driven dub coming from the Sonar Village. Hackney’s very own Bass Clef was already at work utilizing his usual array of instruments - whistles, cowbells, trombones – to give dubstep a different dimension. Indeed it was refreshing to see some big-name dubstep artists included in this year’s line-up. My one major qualm with Sonar is that for such an enormous electronica festival, it seems to lack the variety of genres that should be expected of it. Choosing to follow a more techno/house path, it ignores several big-name genres not least break-beat and drum & bass.

At least today there was the chance to listen to some quality UK hip-hop. Obviously this was a thought shared by many. The Sonar Dome was heaving as large numbers entered the tent soon to be occupied by the distinct sound of GoldieLocks. After waiting the wrong side of half an hour for her to make an appearance however, it started becoming increasingly clear that we were getting a no-show and disappointment started filtering through to the audience.

Next stop was the indoor arena - Sonar Hall – and a chance to see the recently much-hyped Micachu and the Shapes. As I crossed Sonar Village to get to my destination,the legend in the turban, Omar Souleyman, was combining his traditional Syrian pop sound with string instruments and mantric percussion to provide one of the unarguable rarities of the festival. Another rarity was a crazily-shaved youth in a Mohawk, who was lying face-down on the ground as his chuckling mates unsuccessfully tried to revive him by pouring water and beer at him from all angles. Considering it was still only Friday afternoon, it did make you worry for the boy’s well-being come the end of the weekend. Maybe someone should have warned him to pace himself! Then again maybe I'm just missing the point of going to a festival.

Sonar Hall was rammed too and 21-year-old Mica Levi and her Shapes didn’t disappoint. Having already composed for the London Philharmonic Orchestra and debuted on Matthew Herbert’s label, Sonar must surely have been a breeze for the talented Briton. Her battering drums, high-energy vocals and experimental-pop sound certainly proved a huge success with the Sonar public.

By late afternoon people were heading out of the day festival and prepping themselves for another nine hours of evening madness. With the likes of Grace Jones, Mary Anne Hobbs and Richie Hawtin still to come one couldn’t help but feel that the day was only just beginning.