Sónar+D 2025 honed in on AI, both the essence and the fringes of art and expression, and the shape of what’s to come for the electronic music landscape.
The talks, performances, and installations felt less like a conference and more like stepping into a creative time machine. Held inside the Palau de Congressos at Fira Montjuïc, this year’s edition was all about exploring the intersection of AI, art, and society. This was the first time in years that I’ve been able to attend this part of the festival, and it was perfect way to network with likeminded individuals and pique my curiosity prior to a weekend full of dancing and musical immersion.
Photo Credit: Nerea Coll
The program focused on three big themes: how AI is reshaping creative work, what the future of the creative industries might look like, and the bigger cultural and societal shifts already underway. It was a space where scientists, artists, designers, and thinkers all shared ideas side by side across the Palau de Congressos.
The Project Area was a sprawling interactive exhibition, showcasing dozens of works that ranged from playful to mind-bending. Myself and other members of the press were treated to a tour of the area, which was a definite highlight of my first day.
The atmosphere leaned more experimental than polished, but that’s not to say that the performers and presenters weren’t at the top of their respective forms and fields. It felt like ideas were being tested in real time, with artists, scientists, and technologists sharing the same space and speaking the same language, at least most of the time. The talks and presentations covered a wide range of topics, but the common thread was a curiosity about what the near future might look like and what role humans still play in shaping it.
If you’re in the electronic music industry, or even remotely curious about the intersection of society and technology, I recommend you check out the 2026 edition of Sónar+D!
You can check out tickets for Sónar 2026 here.
For my full review of the festival, focusing on music and event production, check out my Official Sónar 2025 Guide here.
For my take on the 2025 editions 6 best sets, check out this article.
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