Goodbye to 20th Century's Sonar? (More on Barcelona's Festival of Advanced Music)

How advanced is 'advanced music'?

Eight years ago three young guys from Barcelona very much into electronic music and multimedia arts organized an event they decided to call Sonar. It was about scanning intelligent life under the surface of mainstream music and visual arts. Through persistance and dedicated work, they have succeded bringing these sounds, images and interactions to an increasing audience.

This year "audience" has been equal to 75.000 people and "advanced music" has been assimilated in many cases by the mainstream standards and powered by the mainstream sponsors. Success or defeat? Scanner for the masses or rave for the cool dudes? Choose your place in the grayscale.

Sonar - Barcelona International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Arts, 13-16 June 2001, http://www.sonar.esQuim Gil <quim AT metamute.com>