This year’s line-up features the characteristic mix of old faces and rising stars. No Sónar festival would be complete without a visit from LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, the controversy courting (and oh-so-hot) M.I.A. or the musical whirlwind that is Aphex Twin. The only notable absences are the first lord and lady of Sónar: Richie Hawtin and Miss Kitten.

For a taster of the new faces, be sure not to miss Sónar by Day where the more obscure acts can often be found lurking. Toro Y Moi is the current darling of the broadsheets and will be bringing his sunshine disco funk. For Flying Lotus-influenced future sounds, check out Actress and Floating Points. And there’s turns from a new wave of hip hop stars who are taking things more introspective; check out Ghostpoet and DELS.

By night, Sonar’s programmers have done some cleverly strategic delegating; some of the best new music can be found on the guest stages. Glaswegian club-masters Numbers have curated a sure-fire party with the likes of Jackmaster and Jessie Ware. Night Slugs are London’s bass-heavy crush du jour and the label’s creators will be going back to back. And for a generous helping of the new wave of chart-friendly dubstep-influenced dance music, check out the Radio One stage where Toddla T, Katy B, Pearson Sound and Ms. Dynamite will all be in attendance.

Headliners look set to provide an injection of glamour and big-production. There’s Magnetic Man for the “reach for the lasers” moments, Janelle Monáe for high-energy pop and soul, and The Human League for some unashamedly 80s reminiscing.

June 16–18

CCCB. C/ Montalegre, 5 (Raval).

MACBA. Pl. Àngels, 1 (Raval).

FIRA GRAN VIA M2. L’Hospital de Llobregat.

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