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There is a quiet confidence running through A Long Time Coming, the debut album from Dutch-born, Valencia-based singer-songwriter Nina Mae Harper. It is the sound of an artist who has spent years gathering stories, emotions and experiences before finally committing them to record. The title could not be more fitting. This is an album shaped by distance, heartbreak, self-discovery and the complicated realities of adult life, delivered through a rich blend of folk, Americana, country and blues. Photo Credit: Alex Baker Harper occupies a musical territory somewhere between the classic storytelling traditions of folk music and the emotional honesty of modern Americana. Originally from the Netherlands, she spent more than a decade in Scotland before settling in Valencia in 2018, and those geographical and cultural journeys seem woven into every note of this record. Her songwriting is rooted in the kind of lived experience that cannot be manufactured. These are not songs about youthful fantasies or fleeting romances. They are songs about what happens after the fairytale, when life becomes more complicated and the questions become harder. From the opening moments, A Long Time Coming establishes its tone: reflective, intimate and deeply human. Harper's voice is the album's greatest strength. It carries a natural warmth and authenticity that immediately draws the listener into her world. There is no vocal grandstanding here, no unnecessary embellishment. Instead, she sings with the kind of emotional restraint that often proves far more powerful. Every phrase feels lived-in, every lyric earned. The album's central themes revolve around love in its many forms — romantic love, lost love, enduring love and self-love. Harper has described her music as chronicling the realities of modern adult relationships, and that focus gives the record an emotional depth that many contemporary singer-songwriters struggle to achieve. These songs understand that relationships are rarely simple and that personal growth often arrives through pain rather than triumph. Photo Credit: Alex Baker The title track, "A Long Time Coming", serves as the emotional heart of the album. Previously released as a single, it captures Harper at her most compelling. Beginning as a mournful reflection on heartbreak, the song gradually unfolds into something far more uplifting. Rather than dwelling in sorrow, it becomes an anthem of acceptance and healing. The arrangement grows steadily, allowing folk-rock textures and soaring harmonies to transform grief into liberation. It is a masterclass in emotional pacing and demonstrates Harper's gift for turning personal experiences into universally relatable stories. One of the album's most impressive qualities is its patience. In an age dominated by instant gratification and short attention spans, Harper allows her songs to breathe. Melodies develop gradually, lyrics reveal themselves over repeated listens and arrangements favour subtlety over spectacle. This approach rewards listeners willing to spend time with the record. Much like the relationships and life experiences it explores, A Long Time Coming reveals its true character slowly. Musically, the album draws from a rich lineage of influences. Echoes of classic folk pioneers can be heard throughout, while traces of country, blues and Americana provide additional texture. Harper herself cites artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Lucinda Williams and Imelda May among her inspirations, and those influences are evident without ever feeling derivative. The production strikes a careful balance between polish and authenticity. Acoustic guitars form the backbone of many arrangements, while tasteful additions of electric guitar, subtle percussion and atmospheric instrumentation help create a rich sonic landscape. Nothing feels overproduced. Every musical choice serves the songs rather than distracting from them. This restraint allows Harper's storytelling to remain front and centre throughout. What makes A Long Time Coming particularly refreshing is its mature perspective. Much of contemporary popular music focuses on the extremes of emotional experience, but Harper is more interested in the spaces in between. She writes about uncertainty, resilience, self-doubt and the search for meaning with remarkable honesty. There is wisdom in these songs, but never cynicism. Even when confronting heartbreak or disappointment, Harper maintains a sense of hope that keeps the album from becoming overly melancholic. The influence of Valencia itself also seems to hover in the background. While the album remains firmly rooted in Anglo-American folk traditions, there is a warmth and openness that reflects Harper's adopted Mediterranean home. It feels like the work of an artist who has travelled widely, absorbed different cultures and emerged with a broader understanding of both herself and the world around her. By the time the album reaches its conclusion, what lingers is not any single song but the cumulative emotional impact of the entire journey. A Long Time Coming feels less like a collection of tracks and more like a carefully crafted narrative arc. It charts a course from heartbreak towards healing, from uncertainty towards acceptance, and from looking backwards towards moving forward. In an era where many albums are designed for playlists rather than deep listening, Nina Mae Harper has delivered something increasingly rare: a record that demands to be experienced as a complete work. It is thoughtful, beautifully written and emotionally resonant from beginning to end. A Long Time Coming may be Nina Mae Harper's debut album, but it carries the assurance and emotional depth of an artist who has spent years honing her craft. The result is a sophisticated and moving collection that places her firmly among the most promising voices emerging from the contemporary Americana and folk scene. It is an album about finding peace with the past while embracing whatever comes next — and in doing so, it marks the arrival of an artist whose time has undoubtedly come. A Long Time Coming is a beautifully realised debut that combines elegant songwriting, heartfelt performances and mature storytelling into one of the most rewarding Americana releases of the year. We recently caught up with Nina for a coffee and this is what she had to say about the album: “I’ve been in bands for 30 years and I have always been the singer and played guitar, but I have also always written songs for the bands I have been involved with. But they were never my projects and they were never my bands. It was always democracy and I like to be the boss! So I had a band here in Valencia for 7 years, but I wasn’t creatively satisfied with that band. I went to a song writing retreat in the UK two years ago and that gave me the confidence to go for it! So after that, it was later 2024, I decided to go and find a producer and create my artist name “Nina Mae Harper” and I went for it. I left my band and started a new band and it just fired me up. I contacted my producer Helder Borges Santos and asked if he wanted to help me on my album and he said yes and for the last 18 months we have been working together. Every month I would go to his studio and record songs. Some of the songs I wrote a while ago, for example the title song “A long time coming” I wrote three years ago and the rest are more recent. The concept of the album is all about leaving everything behind. By the time you are older you build up a lot of experiences. Travelling, moving countries, children, realactions, losses….. There is a lot of emotional baggage and trauma involved, periods of mental health issues, all of these things have given me a lot of positive inspiration to write songs about. The entire album is very personal to me. I keep on joking to my band – “This is my purge! The next album will be happy!” This album really feels to me like stepping into a new chapter, I have written everything, I have done everything and I feel like I am at a point in my life where I can start afresh.“ For more information: Nina Mae Harper Photographs: Philamonjaro

Valencia is preparing for one of the most spectacular nights of the summer as electronic music legend Jean-Michel Jarre brings his groundbreaking live show to FAR Festival on 8 July. With ticket availability now extremely limited, music fans are being urged to act fast if they want to witness one of the most influential figures in electronic music history live on stage. Taking place at Marina Norte, the stunning waterfront venue that has become the beating heart of FAR València, Jarre's appearance is shaping up to be one of the standout events of the entire festival. The French composer, producer and multimedia innovator has spent more than five decades redefining what a concert can be, turning live performances into vast audiovisual experiences that blur the boundaries between music, technology and art. For generations of electronic music fans, Jean-Michel Jarre is more than a musician. He is a pioneer. Long before the rise of EDM, techno and synth-pop, Jarre was creating futuristic soundscapes that inspired countless artists who followed. Albums such as Oxygène, Équinoxe and Magnetic Fields helped shape the future of electronic music, while his spectacular outdoor concerts attracted millions of people around the world and established new standards for live production. That reputation for innovation remains intact today. Every Jarre performance is designed as an immersive experience, combining cutting-edge visuals, state-of-the-art lighting and cinematic sound to create something far beyond a traditional concert. FAR Festival promises exactly that, describing the show as a unique sensory journey where technology, emotion and music collide. The concert will now take place at Marina Norte, Valencia's spectacular seafront concert space, following a venue change earlier this year. The date remains unchanged, and the waterfront setting only adds to the sense of occasion for what promises to be a truly unforgettable summer evening beneath the Mediterranean sky. Jarre's appearance also launches what is shaping up to be a huge edition of FAR València, a festival that continues to establish itself as one of the city's premier summer music events. Running throughout July, the festival brings international stars and iconic artists to Valencia's coastline, with Jarre leading an impressive programme that spans multiple genres and generations. For anyone who has ever marvelled at the cinematic sweep of Oxygène, danced to the futuristic pulse of Équinoxe or simply wanted to experience one of music's true visionaries in action, this is an event not to be missed. The warning signs are already there: tickets are rapidly disappearing and this one is edging ever closer to a complete sell-out. If you want to be part of what could be one of Valencia's defining concerts of 2026, now is the time to secure your place. On 8 July, Marina Norte won't just host a concert. It will host a journey into the future — guided by one of the men who helped invent it. For tickets and more information: FAR Festival

The countdown has officially begun. In just one month, the gates of the Jardines de Viveros will open once again and Conciertos de Viveros, Valencia's most iconic summer concert series, will return to fill the city with music, memories and unforgettable nights beneath the stars. For generations of Valencians, Conciertos de Viveros has been far more than a concert programme. It is one of the defining traditions of summer in the city. Every July, as the Gran Fira de València takes over the streets, the beautiful Jardines de Viveros become the beating heart of the city's live music scene, welcoming legendary artists, international stars, chart-topping performers and exciting new talent to one of Spain's most unique outdoor venues. And with just one month remaining until the first notes ring out across the gardens, anticipation is growing rapidly. Running from 2 July to 25 July, Conciertos de Viveros 2026 will once again deliver an extraordinary programme featuring rock legends, pop icons, Latin superstars, reggae pioneers, singer-songwriters, electronic innovators and heavy metal heroes. Few summer concert series in Spain can boast such variety, and even fewer can match the magical setting. The opening night immediately reminds us why Conciertos de Viveros remains such a special event. On 2 July, Spanish pop-rock legends Duncan Dhu bring their celebrated DD40 Tour to Valencia, revisiting a catalogue that helped define an era of Spanish music. The following evening welcomes Javi Medina, Gonzalo Alhambra and Jalezz, kicking off a packed opening weekend. The first weekend continues with the irresistible Latin rhythms of Septeto Acarey on 4 July and the acclaimed Canary Islands singer-songwriter Valeria Castro on 5 July before global Latin-pop sensation Danny Ocean arrives on 6 July. Then comes one of the most anticipated nights of the entire festival. Deep Purple. Few bands have shaped rock music more profoundly. Creators of Smoke on the Water and pioneers of hard rock, their appearance on 7 July represents a rare opportunity to witness genuine rock royalty in one of Valencia's most intimate outdoor settings. The momentum continues when alternative-rock icons Garbage perform on 8 July, followed by a huge summer party courtesy of Juan Magán on 9 July. The middle section of the festival showcases exactly why Conciertos de Viveros has become so beloved. There is always something for everyone. On 11 July, rising stars Ultraligera, Conociendo Rusia and Sr. Aliaga share the stage, while Tony Hadley arrives on 12 July with a set packed full of timeless 1980s classics. Then comes a remarkable run of international stars. Ana Torroja performs on 14 July, reggae legends UB40 featuring Ali Campbell arrive on 15 July, and on 16 Julyaudiences will welcome The Jacksons, bringing one of the most celebrated catalogues in popular music history to Valencia. The final stretch is equally impressive. The globally recognised DJ-priest Padre Guilherme performs on 17 July, while Granada's genre-defying La Plazuelatake over on 18 July. After a brief pause, the closing week delivers a spectacular finale. Latin hitmakers Gente de Zona perform on 23 July, Spanish metal giants WarCry and Ópera Magna shake the gardens on 24 July, before Colombian superstar Silvestre Dangond closes Conciertos de Viveros on 25 July. But beyond the lineup, what truly makes Conciertos de Viveros special is the atmosphere. Few concert experiences can match standing beneath the trees of the Jardines de Viveros on a warm Valencian evening. The sun begins to set. The city buzzes with Gran Fira celebrations. Friends gather with cold beers. The stage lights flicker into life. Then the music begins. For tickets and more information: Conciertos de Viveros

.In just a few weeks, tens of thousands of music fans will descend on Valencia for two days of reggaeton, pop, urban music, dancefloor anthems and unapologetic good times as BIGSOUND 2026 returns for what promises to be its biggest edition yet. Taking place on June 26 and 27, the festival has become one of Spain's most important urban music events, attracting huge crowds, major artists and an atmosphere that feels more like a city-wide celebration than a conventional festival. This year's edition arrives with an extra layer of intrigue. After several successful years at the City of Arts and Sciences, BIGSOUND has moved to Parc Central in Torrent, giving organisers significantly more space to expand the experience. The new site offers more stages, more food areas, additional green spaces, improved transport links and increased capacity, all while maintaining the energy that has helped make BIGSOUND one of the hottest tickets of the Spanish festival season. And then there's the lineup. Good luck finding a stronger urban-pop bill anywhere in Spain this summer! Friday, June 26: The Party Starts Here Opening night is stacked from top to bottom. Leading the charge is Spanish superstar David Bisbal, whose catalogue of massive hits and arena-sized choruses guarantees one of the biggest singalongs of the entire weekend. Joining him is Mallorca's own Rels B, arguably one of the most influential names in Spanish urban music and an artist capable of drawing festival-sized crowds on his own. Ana Mena arrives fresh from another remarkable year at the top of Spanish pop, while Lia Kali brings her unique blend of reggae, urban sounds and soulful songwriting. Friday also features performances from Despistaos, Marc Seguí, Yami Safdie, Dollar Selmouni, Hens, Metrika DJ Set, Chema Rivas, Juanjo García, King Africa and Mayo. In other words, Friday is already a festival on its own. Saturday, June 27: Maximum Impact Then comes Saturday. And somehow the lineup gets even bigger. Headlining the second day is the unstoppable Lola Índigo, whose spectacular live shows have elevated her into one of the most important performers in Spanish music. Alongside her is the always unpredictable and endlessly fascinating Nathy Peluso, bringing her CLUB GRASA DJ Set to BIGSOUND for what could be one of the most talked-about performances of the weekend. Joining them are dancefloor king Juan Magán, indie-pop icon Rigoberta Bandini and one of Spain's most exciting alternative voices, Rusowsky. The supporting lineup includes Barry B, Lucho RK, Maldita Nerea, Samuraï, Chimeno, Lara Taylor, Mario Los Códigos and Selecta. That's not a festival lineup. That's a playlist come to life. Part of BIGSOUND's appeal is that it has become much more than a series of concerts. The festival blends music with gastronomy, art installations, street culture, food villages and immersive experiences that keep the atmosphere alive long after the sun goes down. Doors open in the late afternoon, but the energy continues deep into the night, creating two marathon days of music, dancing and summer escapism. And then there is Valencia itself. Few cities are better suited to hosting a festival of this scale. The Mediterranean sunshine, vibrant nightlife, beaches, restaurants and endless summer atmosphere make BIGSOUND feel like the perfect excuse for a long weekend by the sea. For many attendees, the festival has become an annual pilgrimage. For newcomers, it is about to become a very pleasant addiction. For tickets and more information: Bigsound

The Countdown Is On: Del Poble Fest Is Ready to Take Over Tavernes de la Valldigna The summer festival season is about to hit the Valencian coast at full speed. The wristbands are being delivered. The playlists are on repeat. The food trucks are preparing for battle. And in just a few days, thousands of music fans will descend on Tavernes de la Valldigna for the second edition of Del Poble Fest. Taking place on June 19 and 20, the festival returns bigger, bolder and with a lineup packed with some of Spain's biggest names. What makes Del Poble Fest stand out is its combination of music, gastronomy and Mediterranean atmosphere. Set in the stunning surroundings of Tavernes de la Valldigna, between mountains, orange groves and some of the Valencian Community's most beautiful beaches, it feels like the perfect place to kick off the summer. The organisers have expanded the site for 2026, promising a larger capacity, improved facilities and an even bigger experience while retaining the friendly spirit that made the inaugural edition such a success. And then there's the music. This year's lineup reads like a greatest hits collection of contemporary Spanish pop and rock. Leading the charge is the unstoppable Malú, one of Spain's most successful and beloved performers. With a catalogue packed with massive hits and a reputation for emotionally charged live performances, her appearance alone would be enough to draw huge crowds. Joining her are the kings and queens of Spanish pop glamour, Fangoria. Expect dazzling visuals, synth-pop anthems and enough singalong moments to power an entire festival. Few acts know how to turn a concert into a celebration quite like Alaska and company. For lovers of pure rock and roll, Loquillo brings decades of attitude, charisma and timeless songs. A genuine legend of Spanish music, his presence adds serious weight to the festival lineup. The younger generation is equally well represented. Álvaro de Luna continues his remarkable rise with a string of radio-friendly anthems and festival favourites, while Beret arrives armed with the emotionally charged songs that have made him one of the country's biggest streaming stars. Fans of feel-good pop-rock will be flocking to see Taburete, whose infectious blend of catchy melodies and crowd-pleasing choruses has made them one of Spain's most popular live acts. Meanwhile, David Otero brings decades of songwriting experience and a catalogue filled with songs that audiences know by heart. The party continues with Lérica, whose mix of Latin rhythms, pop hooks and festival-ready energy is perfectly suited to a warm June night in Tavernes. Local flavour arrives courtesy of Pavlenha, while comedy and music collide in the increasingly popular phenomenon that is Jajajers. And the organisers haven't stopped there. Recent additions include acclaimed singer-songwriters Yoly Saa and Luis Fercán, alongside Lemot and Xeco Rojo, further strengthening a lineup that already looked stacked from top to bottom. The festival will also feature the nostalgic dance spectacle 2000 FEST, ensuring there is something for every generation of music fan. One of the most exciting aspects of Del Poble Fest remains its commitment to emerging talent. Through the #DelPobleAlEscenari initiative, hundreds of artists submitted applications for the chance to perform at the festival, with public voting attracting more than 10,000 votes. In an era when many festivals focus solely on established names, Del Poble Fest continues to create opportunities for the next generation of Valencian musicians. Beyond the stages, festival-goers can expect a strong gastronomic offering thanks to Gastro League, whose collection of food trucks and street-food concepts will keep energy levels high throughout the weekend. Because let's be honest: a great festival needs great food almost as much as great music. The numbers are impressive. More than 25,000 square metres of festival space. Two stages. VIP areas. Food villages. Music running deep into the night. Gates opening in the afternoon and celebrations continuing until the early hours. But the real attraction is harder to quantify. It's that feeling of standing in a crowd as the sun disappears behind the mountains. The first notes of a favourite song drifting across the festival grounds. Friends gathering around food stalls. Cold drinks in hand. Summer finally beginning. And with the countdown now firmly underway, Tavernes de la Valldigna is preparing for one of the biggest weekends of the Valencian summer. The stage is set. For tickets and more information: Del Poble Fest

From June 18 to June 20, the Pinar del Grau in Castelló will be transformed into a three-day celebration of punk, rock, hardcore, alternative music and glorious rebellion as Concerts del Pinar returns for its sixth edition. What started as an independent grassroots event has grown into one of the most important punk-rock festivals on the Mediterranean coast, attracting thousands of music fans who prefer guitars over gimmicks and mosh pits over VIP lounges. And this year's lineup is arguably one of the strongest yet. Thursday, June 18: The Local Heroes Take Over The festival opens with a free-entry night dedicated to homegrown talent, shining a spotlight on the thriving Castellón music scene. Expect explosive performances from: Bandits Lady Mambo Annacrusa Sintron Prospecto y Lavativa It's the perfect way to kick off the weekend, proving that some of the most exciting music is being created right on the festival's doorstep. Friday, June 19: Punk Legends and Absolute Mayhem Friday is where things start getting serious. Leading the charge are the mighty Narco, celebrating three decades of genre-defying chaos. Few bands have blended metal, punk, hip-hop and social commentary quite like the Andalusian veterans, and their live shows remain legendary. Expect circle pits, singalongs and complete carnage. Joining them are: O'Funk'illo The Casualties Niña Coyote eta Chico Tornado The Casualties bring decades of New York street-punk attitude to Castelló, while O'Funk'illo's trademark funk-metal madness guarantees one of the weekend's wildest parties. Meanwhile, Basque duo Niña Coyote eta Chico Tornado will unleash their thunderous wall of fuzz-drenched riffs and desert-rock grooves. Saturday, June 20: The Big Finish By Saturday the festival reaches full speed. Headlining the final day are Spanish punk institution Non Servium, one of the most respected and uncompromising bands in the scene. Their return to Concerts del Pinar is one of the most anticipated performances of the entire weekend and promises a huge crowd response. Sharing the bill are: Bala Parquesvr Deaf Devils Galician duo Bala continue to establish themselves as one of Spain's most devastating live acts, combining grunge, hardcore and stoner-rock influences into a relentless sonic assault. Parquesvr arrive armed with their uniquely twisted take on post-punk and alternative rock, while Deaf Devils will provide yet another blast of underground energy to close the festival in style. Part of what makes Concerts del Pinar special is its setting. While many festivals are held in anonymous concrete fields, Concerts del Pinar takes place beneath the towering pine trees of the Grau de Castelló, just moments from the Mediterranean. The combination of sea air, shaded woodland and roaring guitars creates an atmosphere unlike any other festival in Spain. There are no unnecessary frills. Just bands, beer, friends and a crowd that genuinely loves live music. After attracting more than 4,000 attendees last year, the festival returns bigger, louder and more confident than ever. As the countdown enters its final days, one thing is certain. The pine forest is about to become the loudest place in Castellón. For tickets and more information: Concerts Del Pinar

Let's be honest - 2026 has been exhausting. The news cycle is relentless. The algorithms are winning. Everyone seems permanently angry, permanently distracted or permanently tired. If ever there was a moment for punk rock to remind us why it exists, this is it.Enter Sandré... Emerging from Barcelona's underground scene in 2018, the quartet have spent the last few years quietly becoming one of Spain's most exciting and unpredictable alternative bands. Now they return with their third album, Paciencia Infinita, a record that arrives like a clenched fist wrapped around a party invitation. It is loud. It is angry. It is funny. It is vulnerable. And it might just be one of the most essential Spanish punk albums of the year. At its heart, Paciencia Infinita is a survival manual disguised as a punk record. Sandré understand something that many bands forget: punk isn't simply about rebellion. It's about endurance. It's about finding ways to keep moving forward when everything around you feels broken. The title itself feels less like an album name and more like a necessary life skill. But don't expect a straightforward blast of three-chord fury. This is a band determined to push against the walls of its own genre. While punk remains the beating heart of the record, Sandré constantly stretch its boundaries. Elements of alternative rock, garage, post-punk, krautrock and math rock seep into the songs, creating an album that feels adventurous without ever losing its visceral impact. The opening track, Empatía No, immediately establishes the blueprint. Expansive, rhythmically powerful and constructed almost like an intricate puzzle, it signals that Sandré are operating on a larger canvas than ever before. From there the album twists and turns through a fascinating collection of songs. Géminis Mal delivers the band's first genuine heartbreak anthem, proving that emotional devastation can hit just as hard as political frustration. Cabeça, featuring Miguelito García of Derby Motoreta's Burrito Kachimba and Cervatana, crackles with electricity and tension, sounding like it might burst apart at any second. Then there's Joia de Malviure, a furious 55-second pogo grenade that barely gives listeners enough time to recover before Golden arrives like a runaway locomotive tearing down the tracks. What makes Paciencia Infinita so compelling, however, isn't simply its intensity. It's the risks. Sandré constantly challenge themselves throughout the record, using structure and arrangement as storytelling tools rather than simply containers for songs. Discurso Motivacional jumps between shifting time signatures to create a bizarrely danceable satire of fragile masculinity and hyper-motivated crypto-bro culture. The result is as funny as it is unsettling. Pijama de Fusta deliberately collapses in on itself halfway through, dissolving into an endless fade-out that perfectly captures the exhaustion and slow erosion imposed by modern life. Meanwhile, El Pou abandons conventional song structure altogether to explore darker emotional territory. Perhaps most clever of all is Siempre Más, where psychedelic punk verses crash into deceptively sweet pop melodies. The contrast functions as a brilliant metaphor for one of the album's central themes: how easily negative experiences outweigh positive ones in our minds. Despite all the frustration coursing through these songs, Paciencia Infinita is not a pessimistic record. Far from it. Yes, the album tackles routine, anxiety, heartbreak, darkness and conflict. But beneath the noise lies something far more hopeful. Again and again, Sandré return to the idea that resistance is a collective act. That survival depends on friendship. That rebellion can be joyful. The album's emotional centre arrives through this simple but powerful message: when the world becomes unbearable, we need each other. That spirit reaches its peak on Excel de Normas, where Sandré join forces with fellow Barcelona mischief-makers Chaqueta de Chándal. The collaboration feels like a celebration of community, creativity and refusing to follow the rules simply because someone says you should.And perhaps that's the real triumph of Paciencia Infinita. For all its anger, it never loses sight of fun. In an era when so much music feels calculated, optimised and designed for passive consumption, Sandré have delivered something refreshingly human. A record full of imperfections, ideas, risks and personality. A record that demands to be played loudly. Very loudly. As the band prepares to take the album on the road with appearances at Tano! Fest, Madrid's Block Party, Festival Pingüí, Canela Party and beyond, one thing is becoming increasingly clear. Sandré are no longer simply one of Barcelona's best-kept secrets. With Paciencia Infinita, they have delivered a statement of intent. And if Sandré have anything to say about it, our patience might just be infinite after all. For more information: Sandré

When Acantha Lang made her Valencia debut in the summer of 2024, it quickly became clear that this was not going to be just another concert. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, there was a spark in the room. By the end of the night, the audience had been completely won over. Now, after almost two years away, the London-based, New Orleans-born soul sensation is finally returning to Valencia. On Sunday, June 7, Acantha Lang brings her powerhouse live show back to 16 Toneladas for what promises to be one of the city's essential soul concerts of the year. For those lucky enough to witness her first Valencia appearance, the memories remain vivid. Bright-eyed, charismatic and overflowing with energy, Lang possesses that increasingly rare quality that cannot be taught. She doesn't simply perform to an audience; she connects with them. Throughout her debut show she seemed to reach across the stage and pull every person in the room directly into her orbit. There was warmth, humour, passion and above all an extraordinary voice that effortlessly moved between tenderness and explosive power. Backed by a superb band, the evening became a celebration of everything great soul music should be — uplifting, emotional, honest and impossible to stand still to. It is little surprise that anticipation for her return has been steadily building ever since. Born in New Orleans and now based in London, Lang draws deeply from the rich traditions of Southern soul while adding contemporary influences that make her sound fresh and exciting. Her music carries echoes of legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples and Ann Peebles, yet she never feels trapped by nostalgia. Instead, she brings those influences into the modern era with confidence, authenticity and a distinctive voice that is entirely her own. Her acclaimed debut album Beautiful Dreams established her as one of the most exciting new names in soul music. Packed with heartfelt songwriting, infectious grooves and emotionally charged performances, the record earned praise from critics and audiences alike, helping to cement her growing reputation on both sides of the Atlantic. Alongside songs from Beautiful Dreams, Lang is expected to preview material from her highly anticipated second album. For many concertgoers, this will be the first opportunity to hear the next chapter of her musical journey performed live. As her four-date Spanish tour reaches its conclusion, Valencia will host the final stop of the journey. If her unforgettable debut performance is any indication, audiences should expect an evening packed with powerful vocals, deep grooves, infectious energy and enough soul to fill every corner of the venue. For tickets and more information: 16 Toneladas

The beards have become legendary. The sunglasses iconic. The guitars instantly recognisable. And the music? As irresistible today as it was when it first exploded out of Texas over half a century ago. This summer, Valencia gets a rare chance to witness one of the last true giants of classic rock when ZZ Top arrive at FAR València on July 22 for what promises to be one of the standout concerts of the entire season. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Marina Norte, with the Mediterranean Sea only metres away and the city skyline glowing in the summer heat, the stage is perfectly set for a night of blues, boogie and rock and roll history. For younger music fans, ZZ Top might be best known for their iconic MTV videos, spinning hot rods and impossibly cool image. But to understand their significance, you need to go back to the beginning. Formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969, ZZ Top emerged from the American blues tradition, taking inspiration from artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker before injecting their own distinctly Texan swagger. The band's breakthrough came during the 1970s with albums such as Tres Hombres and Fandango!, records that helped define the sound of Southern blues-rock. Songs like La Grange, Tush and Jesus Just Left Chicago became staples of American rock radio and established the trio as one of the most formidable live bands in the world. Then came the 1980s. While many of their contemporaries struggled to adapt to a changing music landscape, ZZ Top embraced technology without abandoning their roots. The albums Eliminator and Afterburner transformed the band into global superstars. Tracks such as Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin', Legs and Sleeping Bag became international hits, introducing an entirely new generation to the band's unique blend of blues, rock and humour. Part of ZZ Top's enduring appeal lies in their simplicity. While many bands rely on elaborate staging, pyrotechnics and visual gimmicks, ZZ Top's formula has always been remarkably straightforward: great songs, incredible musicianship and grooves so deep they could swallow a small car. Expect all of that in Valencia. Fans attending FAR València can look forward to a career-spanning set packed with classics. From the swampy blues of Waitin' for the Bus and Just Got Paid to arena-sized anthems like Sharp Dressed Man and Legs, the catalogue is stacked with songs that have become part of rock and roll folklore. Even more impressive is the band's longevity. The late Dusty Hill, who passed away in 2021, was replaced by longtime collaborator Elwood Francis, ensuring the band could continue while honouring Hill's wish that the music should go on. Guitarist Billy Gibbons remains one of the most distinctive players in rock history, effortlessly blending blues, rock, country and boogie into a style that is uniquely his own. At a time when many classic rock acts have become nostalgia exercises, ZZ Top continue to perform with genuine purpose and energy. Reviews from recent tours consistently praise the band's ability to deliver powerful, authentic performances that connect with audiences of all ages. And what a venue to experience them in. FAR València has quickly established itself as one of the region's premier summer concert series, bringing world-class artists to the city's stunning marina district. There is something uniquely Valencian about watching legendary musicians perform beneath the open sky while warm Mediterranean breezes drift across the waterfront. It is a far cry from the smoky Texas bars where ZZ Top first built their reputation, yet somehow it feels entirely appropriate. When the lights go down at Marina Norte on July 22 and the opening riff finally cuts through the summer air, Valencia won't just be hosting another concert. It will be hosting a piece of rock and roll history.The beards are coming!! For tickets and more information: FAR Valencia

This Sunday at 12:30pm, El Café in Carcaixent once again throws open its doors for another of the intimate lunchtime concerts that have helped establish the venue as one of the region's most beloved musical meeting points. This time the spotlight falls on Souleá Project, a fascinating trio that blurs the boundaries between soul and flamenco, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly contemporary. And what a setting to experience it in. El Café has quietly become one of the coolest grassroots venues in the Valencian Community. Tucked away in Carcaixent, a town that continues to punch well above its weight musically, the venue has earned a reputation for championing quality live music, creating a welcoming atmosphere and bringing together artists and audiences who genuinely love the experience of live performance. Carcaixent itself has become something of a hidden musical hub. While many eyes remain fixed on Valencia city, venues like El Café continue to prove that some of the most authentic and rewarding cultural experiences are happening just beyond the city limits. On Sunday, Souleá Project arrives with a proposition that sounds irresistible. The trio combines the warmth and emotional depth of soul music with the raw power, passion and visceral intensity of flamenco. It is a meeting of two traditions built on feeling, expression and human connection. The result is a performance that promises elegance, rhythm, fire and no shortage of goosebumps. What makes Souleá Project particularly compelling is their stage presence. Their performances are charged with magnetism, each musician bringing a unique element to the experience. Together they create something that feels bigger than the sum of its parts — a conversation between genres, cultures and emotions that unfolds in real time. And let's be honest, Sunday lunchtime concerts just hit differently. The weather forecast looks ideal. The first cold beers will be flowing before the opening notes ring out. Friends will gather around tables, conversations will drift through the room and for a couple of hours life will slow down exactly as it should. Then comes the traditional reward. Paella. Because in this corner of Valencia, the music is only half the story. Once the final applause fades, the afternoon continues around the table as musicians, regulars and newcomers come together for food, conversation and the kind of community spirit that has become synonymous with El Café. It is a formula that works every single time. Great music. Great people. Great food. This Sunday, Souleá Project provides the soundtrack. El Café provides the atmosphere. The sunshine will do the rest!!

Sitting out in Almàssera like some giant steel-plated fortress dedicated to volume, Rock City has spent years serving as Valencia's unofficial temple of riffs, rebellion and ringing ears. While the city centre chases rooftop cocktails and sunset DJs, Rock City remains gloriously committed to the simple idea that live music should be loud enough to rearrange your internal organs. June's programme is exactly the kind of lineup that keeps the faithful returning week after week. First up, on June 6, comes Cobardes. The Spanish rock outfit arrive armed with emotional anthems, huge choruses and enough heart-on-sleeve songwriting to have half the audience singing along by the second song. It's the perfect way to launch a month that refuses to acknowledge the concept of moderation. A week later, things get considerably heavier. Fausto Taranto and Mügre take over the venue on June 13, bringing a glorious collision of progressive metal, Andalusian influences and experimental intensity. This is the sort of music that sounds like it was forged inside a volcano while someone read ancient poetry through a distortion pedal. Strange? Absolutely. Brilliant? Almost certainly. Then comes one of the most anticipated nights of the month. June 16 belongs to Crypta. The Brazilian death-metal powerhouse has become one of the most talked-about bands in extreme music, building an international reputation through relentless touring and a devastating live show. Their "Shades of Sorrow: Final Rites" tour arrives in Valencia carrying the full force of modern death metal — technical, aggressive and absolutely uncompromising. Rock City's walls have survived plenty over the years, but they may need counselling afterwards. As if that wasn't enough, Stayalive Fest returns for not one but two separate battle editions on June 19 and June 26, showcasing emerging bands fighting for glory, recognition and the chance to make a serious mark on the local scene. These events have become essential viewing for anyone who wants to discover tomorrow's headliners before everyone else catches on. Caught somewhere between nostalgia and chaos is Masters of NuMetal on June 20. For anyone who survived the late 1990s and early 2000s wearing oversized hoodies and chain wallets, this promises a glorious trip back to the era when every problem could be solved with downtuned guitars and aggressive bouncing. Expect massive riffs, guilty pleasures and enough energy to transport the audience straight back to the golden age of nu-metal. Then, on June 25, comes one of the month's most fascinating bookings. Former Bersuit Vergarabat frontman Gustavo Cordera arrives carrying decades of Latin rock history on his shoulders. Charismatic, unpredictable and utterly unique, Cordera has always existed somewhere between rock star, poet and wandering philosopher. His concerts are rarely just performances; they're experiences. Valencia gets a rare chance to witness one of Argentina's most distinctive musical voices in an intimate setting. What makes Rock City special isn't just the music. It's the atmosphere. The feeling of standing in a packed room as the lights drop and the amplifiers begin to hum. The familiar sight of black T-shirts gathering at the bar. The conversations about bands you've never heard of but suddenly need to investigate. The sense that everyone is there for exactly the same reason. Just artists, audiences and enough volume to make the outside world disappear for a few hours. As summer tightens its grip on Valencia and the festival season explodes across the region, Rock City continues to provide something increasingly rare: authenticity. June's lineup proves it once again. Whether you're chasing death metal, alternative rock, progressive experimentation, Latin legends or the next generation of underground talent, one thing is guaranteed. You'll leave with your ears ringing. And you'll probably be planning your next visit before you've even reached the car park. For tickets and more information: Rock City

Loco Club doesn't seem to have a programme so much as a personality disorder. One night it's synth-pop from the future. The next it's Americana from another continent. Then blues, indie rock, power pop, punk, jazz, cumbia and something you can't quite explain but absolutely need to see. And thank God for that! As Valencia slides into another sweltering June, with terraces overflowing and beach bars doing a roaring trade, one of the city's most beloved music institutions is celebrating its 25th anniversary by continuing to do what it does better than anyone else: putting extraordinary musicians in a room with great sound and letting the magic happen. More than two decades after opening its doors, Loco Club remains one of the most important live music venues in the city, hosting around 200 concerts a year and providing a vital stage for international touring acts, Spanish favourites and emerging local talent. June opens with a blast of nostalgia and rock and roll attitude. Fast Kids, Bordes Libres and Imprescindibles bring a soundtrack packed with big riffs, familiar melodies and enough energy to shake the dust off your dancing shoes. It's exactly the sort of old-school live music experience that Loco Club has always championed. Then things start getting wonderfully strange. On June 14, Los Angeles synth-pop outfit Nuovo Testamento arrive with their irresistible cocktail of dark italo-disco, coldwave aesthetics and infectious electronic hooks. Imagine a neon-lit nightclub somewhere between 1984 and 2084 and you're getting close. Their rise through the international alternative scene has been rapid, and Valencia gets a front-row seat. If your tastes lean more towards raw authenticity, June 19 belongs to Robert Finley. The Louisiana blues and soul veteran has one of those voices that sounds as though it has lived a dozen lifetimes. Expect deep grooves, southern soul and the kind of performance that reminds you why live music remains one of humanity's greatest inventions. The following night sees Spanish pop-rock legends La Granja roll into town with their "Sixty Forever" show. For many Valencian music fans, this one feels personal. Their songs helped soundtrack countless road trips, summer nights and teenage adventures, and hearing them in the intimate surroundings of Loco Club promises to be something special. Then comes one of the month's genuine highlights. Superchunk arrive on June 21. Yes, that Superchunk. The North Carolina indie-rock pioneers who helped define American underground music in the 1990s are bringing decades of anthems, distortion and joyful noise to Valencia. For indie fans, this is not merely a concert. It's a pilgrimage. And because Loco Club refuses to let any month end quietly, the final week veers off into entirely different territory. There are summer celebrations with Los Roper, quirky pop veterans Un Pingüino en Mi Ascensor and the irresistible Latin rhythms of Ilan Amores, whose contemporary take on cumbia should ensure June ends with plenty of dancing and very little dignity. You arrive planning to have one beer and watch a band you've vaguely heard of. Three hours later you're buying vinyl, arguing passionately with strangers about obscure records and wondering how you've somehow discovered your new favourite artist on a random Thursday night. Ask local music fans where to find genuine live music in Valencia and Loco Club is almost always part of the conversation. Alongside a handful of other independent venues, it remains one of the city's essential homes for alternative culture and grassroots music. In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms, playlists and corporate festivals, Loco Club remains gloriously human. For tickets and more information: Loco Club