Review: Sónar Hong Kong 2019

Sónar Thrills Festivalgoers with a Sensational Showcase of Electronic Music Performances and Creative Technology Experiences

The legendary Barcelona-based festival returns to electrify Hong Kong Science Park with an eclectic array of trailblazing live acts, mesmerising DJ sets and spectacular audio-visual shows

Taking place in Hong Kong for the third year running, legendary Barcelona-based electronic music festival Sónar served up a day to remember for the thousands of fans who made the journey to Hong Kong Science Park on Saturday April 13. Featuring more than 35 top international, regional and local live acts and DJs across five unique indoor and outdoor stages, as well as a cutting-edge programme of creative technology experiences, the 15-hour festival thrilled crowds from start to finish with a deeply diverse selection of memorable performances and immersive attractions.

Featuring a supremely eclectic lineup that spanned the full spectrum of electronic music, from hypnotic downtempo rhythms and hip-hop beats to driving house and techno, Sónar once again delivered an infectious day-into-night party vibe that kept festivalgoers dancing until the end.

Musical highlights on the outdoor SonarVillage stage included a mesmerising DJ set from Ninja Tune legend Bonobo, an irresistible live show from genre-bending jazz- funk maestro Thundercat and a sultry sunset performance by British future-pop duo AlunaGeorge. At the indoor SonarClub stage, fans were treated to pulsating sets by influential Berlin DJ/producer Anja Schneider, Canadian electronic maverick Art Department and Spanish house master John Talabot, who brought the curtain down on the festival with a spellbinding two-hour set.

In addition to the music, Sónar also featured an extensive creative technology programme that allowed festivalgoers to explore a wide array of innovative tech- driven attractions. These included engaging talks by creative luminaries, hands-on workshops, groundbreaking prototypes, interactive new media arts installations, immersive VR experiences and spectacular audio-visual performances.

Please see below for some of the best images from Sónar Hong Kong 2019:

Ninja Tune legend Bonobo wows the SonarVillage crowd with a mesmerising DJ set eclectic electronica

Jazz-funk maestro Thundercat serves up one of the most memorable performances of the festival with an irresistible live set at SonarVillage

British future-pop duo AlunaGeorge turn up the heat with a sultry, synth-drenched performance at SonarVillage

Korean DJ/rapper Park Hye Jin blends minimal house, techno, psychedelic darkwave and hip- hop to hypnotic effect at SonarVillage

Spanish house trailblazer John Talabot brings the festival to a spectacular close with a masterful DJ set at SonarClub

Anja Schneider, founder of iconic Berlin labels Sous Music and Mobilee, turns up the beats with a scintillating set at SonarClub

Brixton’s Gaika conjures up a darkly magnetic blend of gothic dancehall and industrial eletronica at SonarClub

Acclaimed Canadian hip-hop producer Ryan Hemsworth shares the SonarLab stage with infectious Japanese rap duo Yurafuwa Gang

Cutting-edge creative tech and experimental prototypes give festivalgoers a glimpse into the future at MarketLab

Sónar fans interact with one of the festival’s intriguing new media arts installations

A spectacular audio-visual performance dazzles the spellbound audience

Audience members listen intently during an insight-filled talk

Sónar workshop attendees get hands-on with creative technology

Festivalgoers explore fantastical virtual worlds using state-of-the-art VR equipment

About Sónar festival Since its launch in Barcelona in 1994, Sónar festival has established itself at the cutting edge of the global electronic music landscape and gained respect among fans and critics worldwide for its eclectic lineups, high-quality production and unwavering support for electronic artists both new and established. Beyond the music, Sónar plays a vital role in promoting creative technology via the Sónar+D programme, providing a unique platform for exchanging ideas and exploring the spaces where creativity and technology meet in a fun and inspirational environment.

Official channels: sonarhongkong.com