Sónar Festival CEO Addresses 2025 Boycott, Emphasizes Commitment to Artist Freedom and Community Engagement

Barcelona’s Sónar festival is set to commence this week, aiming to reaffirm its status as one of the premier electronic music festivals globally. The event, which runs from June 18 to June 20, 2026, will feature over 100 artists, including renowned acts like The Prodigy and Skepta, alongside emerging talents and underground favorites.

Major Changes for 2026

This year’s festival marks a significant shift in location. Traditionally held at two venues, Fira Montjuïc and Fira Gran Via, the entire event will now take place solely at Fira Gran Via due to ongoing construction at Fira Montjuïc. This change allows for daytime performances on redesigned outdoor stages and three indoor stages, including one capable of accommodating over 25,000 attendees. This will be the first year in Sónar’s history to feature continuous programming throughout the festival.

François Jozic, the new CEO of Sónar, took over the role in October 2025, following the departure of the festival’s founders, Enric Palau, Sergi Caballero, and Ricard Robles. Their exit came in the wake of a boycott against the 2025 event, which was largely driven by concerns over the festival’s ownership by Superstruct Entertainment and its ties to the investment firm KKR.

The Impact of Ownership Changes

Superstruct, founded in 2017 by James Barton, has a controlling interest in over 80 festivals across Europe and Australia. The company acquired Sónar in 2018, and its ownership transitioned to KKR in June 2024. This change sparked controversy, particularly regarding KKR’s alleged business interests in Israel, leading to a significant backlash. In May 2025, more than 70 artists signed an open letter demanding that Sónar distance itself from KKR’s investments and adopt ethical programming policies. As a result, over 30 artists withdrew from the 2025 lineup.

Jozic refuted claims that the founders’ departure was a direct result of the boycott, stating that their exit had been planned in advance. He explained that the founders had committed to staying with the festival for five years following its sale to Superstruct to ensure a smooth transition. This commitment was extended due to the pandemic, which caused Sónar to be canceled in 2020 and 2021.

Commitment to Evolution and Innovation

Jozic emphasized the importance of evolution in Sónar’s mission, which has been integral since its inception in 1994. He stated that the festival must not remain stagnant but should anticipate new trends in music and technology. This year, Sónar will also introduce Sonar +D, an interactive exhibition space showcasing digital creativity, art, and technology from global creators. Jozic noted that the festival has been at the forefront of discussions about AI and digital art for over a decade.

In addition to its artistic focus, Sónar 2026 will feature redesigned stages and a new venue called Sónar District, which will showcase various strains of electronic music, including tech house. The festival will also introduce Sónar Kids, a day dedicated to activities for children and parents, aimed at fostering a new generation of electronic music enthusiasts.

Addressing the Boycott and Artist Freedom

Jozic acknowledged the concerns raised during the boycott, particularly regarding the presence of investors with controversial ties. He expressed understanding for the initial reactions from fans and artists but argued that boycotting the festival does not address broader issues. He emphasized that Sónar’s mission is to promote culture and support artists, and he believes that any fight should be directed elsewhere.

Despite the challenges, Jozic noted that ticket sales for Sónar 2026 are strong, indicating a positive reception from both new and returning audiences. He reiterated that Sónar remains a safe space for artists to express themselves freely, highlighting that several performers had shown solidarity with various causes during past events.

Future Directions

As Sónar 2026 unfolds, Jozic is focused on maintaining the festival’s legacy while adapting to the evolving landscape of electronic music and technology. He aims to preserve the strong connection between the festival and its community, which has been a cornerstone of Sónar’s success over the years.

For more information about Sónar’s position on the boycott and related issues, visit the festival’s official FAQ section.

As reported by www.billboard.com.

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Published on 2026-06-18 21:47:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk