A Unique Convergence of Music, Nature, and Innovation
Paral·lel Festival merges electronic music with a stunning natural setting for a unique experience. TMN reporters will cover the event from 7,874 feet, offering a rare view of this innovative fusion of sound and nature.
Imagine an electronic music festival perched atop a mountain, where the pulsating beats merge seamlessly with the serene beauty of nature. That is exactly what is going to happen this weekend at the Port del Comte in the Lleida province of Catalunya, where a ski slope will be transformed into a vibrant musical haven for the 7th edition of the Paral·lel Festival, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pirineus.
Our intrepid TMN reporters, Aina Piñeiro and Alex Rodríguez, are gearing up to capture this extraordinary event. Equipped with backpacks, sleeping bags, lanterns, and, of course, their cameras and microphones, they will be reporting from 7,874 feet above sea level. This high-altitude locale, typically a snowy retreat in the winter, will this weekend become a dynamic music venue. Just imagine the scene: electronic beats echoing through the crisp mountain air, with Anthony Linell and other top artists gracing the stage.
The Paral·lel Festival is renowned for its intimate ambiance and limited capacity, fostering a close-knit community and allowing for an immersive musical experience. Over the course of three days, from Friday, August 9th to Sunday, August 11th, attendees will embark on a sonic journey through experimental, ambient, and techno music. The festival’s single stage reflects its commitment to curating unique and innovative musical experiences. This year’s lineup features notable artists such as Voices From The Lake, Marco Shuttle, and Aaron J, alongside a series of workshops in the Paral·lel Plus+ segment dedicated to experimentation and learning.
Paral·lel Plus+: Breathe and Learn to Ignite Creativity
Paral·lel Plus+ is a series of professional workshops and creative sessions designed to immerse participants in the intricacies of electronic music. These workshops offer an invaluable opportunity for collaboration and networking among professionals while also introducing new devices and equipment to budding producers and enthusiasts.
"Earth's Electromagnetic Field and Electronic Music" delves into the fascinating relationship between the Earth’s electromagnetic field and electronic music. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, constructing devices like coils and antennas to capture electromagnetic frequencies, which will then be converted into audible sound signals. This exploration of natural phenomena through music is led by Diego de León, co-founder of Befacosynth, and Patricia Usero, a celebrated sound artist.
The renowned Barcelona school Microfusa will offer a workshop in Techno Production. In this interactive and collaborative session, participants will create a techno track from scratch under the guidance of Joton, a celebrated DJ and producer known for his dark, futuristic techno style. Utilizing Arturia’s state-of-the-art synthesizers, drum machines, and software, attendees will design rhythms, melodies, and effects, culminating in a complete track that will receive expert feedback. Joton’s extensive experience in the underground electronic scene, combined with his educational dedication, ensures an enriching experience for all involved.
Boundaries-pushing Artists, Unique Soundscapes
The essence of the Paral·lel Festival lies in its curated lineup, which features artists renowned for pushing the boundaries of sound and experience. This year's roster includes a diverse array of performers, each contributing their unique soundscapes to the festival’s singular stage. Among them is Aaron J, founder of the New York-based label Sure Thing, whose sets blend complex dialogues between sound and emotion to create moments of both delicate bliss and propulsive energy. Anthony Linell, head of Stockholm’s Northern Electronics label, offers a caustic rhythmic precision that strips techno to its core, captivating audiences with his intuitive and intense performances.
The festival also showcases Dorisburg, known for his dreamy, melancholic melodies and hypnotic drum tracks; Shoal from Utrecht, whose evolving sets offer a unique journey through hypnotic rhythms; and Cobahn, the Korean-born DJ who blends deep, spiritual techno with avant-garde elements. Rising star Kia weaves narratives through her sets, while Berlin-based Marco Shuttle adds a visual dimension to his atmospheric productions. Nathalia, founder of Experiment Intrinsic, explores ambient soundscapes, and Nuvola blends soothing frequencies with live-processed acoustic sources. PLO Man's leftfield electronics and hypnotic techno, Refracted’s experimental drone music, and Sunju Hargun’s psychedelic techno further enrich the lineup. Rounding out the festival are Berlin-based Telva, enigmatic Russian artist Toki Fuko, and the entrancing ambient techno of Voices From The Lake, the collaboration between Donato Dozzy and Neel. Woody92, a multi-faceted Dutch artist, brings a fresh take on leftfield electronics and hypnotic techno.
Pictures below: Telva, Sunju Hargun, Anthony Linell and Kia.
A Festival Beyond the Ordinary
Paral·lel Festival transcends the typical music event, offering a comprehensive experience that seamlessly blends sound, nature, and creativity. With its curated lineup and cutting-edge workshops, the festival presents a rare chance to delve into the depths of electronic music within an intimate, natural environment. As it celebrates its 7th edition, Paral·lel Festival remains a premier destination for those seeking a deep connection between music, nature, and community. Tickets for the Paral·lel Festival are available at the following link.
What makes this year's festival particularly exceptional is the vantage point from which TMN reporters Aina Piñeiro (who has recently interviewed Anthony Fantano at the Primavera Pro Festival in Barcelona) and Alex Rodríguez, will be covering the event. Reporting from the summit of the mountain at 7,874 feet, their coverage will capture the unique juxtaposition of pulsating beats against the serene, high-altitude backdrop. This perspective not only adds a dramatic dimension to their reports but also offers a firsthand look at the festival’s unparalleled fusion of music and nature, providing an immersive view of an experience that will resonate long after the last note has faded.
