Teens Media Network Dances to the Rhythms of Primavera Sound
From May 29th to June 1st, the Primavera Sound music festival captivated Barcelona, Spain, marking one of the most anticipated events of the year. Celebrating its 22nd edition, the festival welcomed over 250,000 attendees across its five-day duration, boasting a diverse lineup featuring renowned artists like Lana Del Rey, Mitski, Charli XCX, and Arca.
Teens Media Network (TMN) embarked on covering this significant event with a team of passionate young reporters from within, including the creative talents of Pol Rodriguez and Alex Lopez, alongside mentor photographer Mireia Salvía and myself. Supported by a dedicated group of youths handling tasks in social media management, editing, and production, we formed a dynamic team of over 20 individuals from Barcelona, committed to sharing the story of Primavera Sound from a youthful perspective, unfiltered and authentic.
Video created by Pol Rodríguez for Teens Media Network.
The Primavera Sound Experience
With over 260 performances at the Parc del Forum and additional concerts spread across various venues in the city, Primavera Sound's impact extended far beyond the festival grounds. The organization estimates a staggering economic impact exceeding 200 million euros on Barcelona. Beyond the musical extravaganza, the festival also hosted an industry section at the Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona (CCCB), the Primavera Pro, where TMN had the honor of showcasing our project while our young reporters captured compelling moments and performances.
The Opening Day
The festival kicked off with an open-door policy, inviting everyone to experience its vibrant atmosphere. Seizing this opportunity, TMN brought in more reporters, as press pass accreditations were not required. It was an exhilarating experience as we witnessed performances by French sensation Phoenix, the Spanish avant-garde band Stella Maris, Australia's Tropical Fuck Storm, American rockers Rat Boys, and Catalan talent Maria Jaume. Our young reporters engaged festival-goers in interviews, capturing the excitement and energy of the day. "We hope we can come every day," exclaimed Estel Margalef, a thrilled TMN young photographer from Lleida. "I promise next year we will ask for more press passes," I assured her.
TMN young reporters during the Primavera Sound Opening Day. Photo by Pol Rodriguez.
TMN Coverage
TMN focused its coverage on the youthful essence of the festival, interviewing first-time attendees and capturing their unique experiences. We encountered a delightful 16-year-old girl from Brazil who traveled with her family solely to see Lana Del Rey, her smile radiating with excitement. Our reporters also had the pleasure of conversing with a group of teenage girls from Valencia, determined to experience Mitski's performance. Their casual response, "Parents pay for it," highlighted the diverse journeys that brought attendees to the festival. TMN's coverage, predominantly on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, received overwhelming positive feedback, with interviews garnering over 10k views and hundreds of likes. Our young reporters embraced 21st-century storytelling, delivering fresh perspectives with authenticity and immediacy.
The Significance of Covering Events for a Teen Audience
Undoubtedly, covering Primavera Sound was a thrilling experience for TMN. It showcased the talent and dedication of our team while reaffirming our commitment to amplifying youth voices. Meeting Marta Pallarès, head of press at Primavera Sound, was a moment of gratitude, acknowledging the festival's trust in our youth storytellers.
TMN Team, Pol Rodríguez, Alex López, Mireia Salvía and Pablo Herrera wit Marta Pallarès, Head of Press at Primavera Sound.
This coverage not only empowered us to fulfill our vision of providing a platform for youth expression but also solidified our presence in Barcelona and Europe. We're here to stay, eager to continue telling stories that matter to young people in insightful and meaningful ways. Returning to Barcelona after a decade in New York, I'm thrilled to lead a group of passionate individuals shaping TMN's European journey. It was an unforgettable experience, and we can't wait to do it all again next year—bigger and better.
