J. Vega arrives with serious intent on “Una Americanada,” a track bursting with character, attitude and the kind of offbeat charm that instantly marks out an artist with his own lane. Released as the first preview of forthcoming debut LP NED!, this is a swaggering, cinematic and highly enjoyable statement that suggests the album could be something special. Produced by the ever-reliable Paco Loco, the single taps into a rich vein of guitar-driven alternative rock, carrying echoes of The Velvet Underground while sounding fresh, playful and distinctly personal. There is grit in the sound, but also intelligence and style — a balance many chase and few achieve this naturally. At its heart, “Una Americanada” feels like a road movie condensed into three minutes of music. The image of tearing down secondary highways in a battered 1996 Peugeot 205, collecting ghosts and icons of American culture along the way, gives the track a vivid cinematic energy. It is packed with movement, humour and a sense of restless curiosity. J. Vega’s references to Robert Crumb, Bob Dylan and the inescapable presence of the modern mobile phone are especially sharp. They create a clever collision between mythic Americana and contemporary frustration, between the romance of the open road and the noise of modern life. It is witty without being gimmicky, thoughtful without becoming heavy-handed. Musically, the band sounds locked in and alive. With Rafa Camisón on drums, Paco Loco on bass and guitar, Julien Elsie on guitar and J. Vega leading on vocals and guitar, the track has real chemistry. The playing is loose in all the right ways, giving the song movement and edge while keeping everything tight enough to hit hard. The guitars are a major strength — jangling, raw and melodic, they carry the track with confidence. There is a garage-rock pulse underneath it all, but also enough polish to make it instantly accessible. It sounds like a band playing in the room rather than a machine-built production, which gives the single warmth and authenticity. Vocally, J. Vega brings personality in abundance. There is an understated cool to the delivery, a sense that he knows exactly how strange and entertaining this journey is without needing to oversell it. That restraint makes the storytelling land even better. The accompanying video by Felipe Almendros adds another layer to the song’s universe, helping turn the track into a full visual and musical experience rather than a simple standalone release. Most importantly, “Una Americanada” is fun — smart, stylish fun with genuine substance underneath. In a landscape crowded with forgettable singles, J. Vega has delivered something memorable, full of references, riffs and replay value. If this is the opening move before NED! arrives in October, then expectations should be high. With “Una Americanada,” J. Vega has produced a road-trip anthem for outsiders, dreamers and anyone still chasing romance in the static of modern life. Punchy, clever and packed with charm, it is a brilliant first taste of what is to come. For more information: J. Vega

Some releases arrive quietly and still manage to brighten everything around them. That is exactly the effect of RIKAS and their new EP Bedroom Tapes, a warm, stylish and effortlessly enjoyable collection that feels like the perfect soundtrack for open roads, late afternoons and moments when life simply feels lighter. The band have always had a gift for melody and atmosphere, but Bedroom Tapes sharpens those strengths into something especially inviting. Across six tracks, RIKAS blend indie-pop ease, subtle groove and polished musicianship into a record that sounds fresh, relaxed and full of personality. It never forces itself on the listener — it wins you over naturally. Opening with “Raindance,” the EP immediately sets the tone with rhythm, movement and feel-good momentum. There is a breezy confidence to the track, the kind of song that seems built to lift moods within seconds. It is smooth, catchy and full of understated charm. Then comes “Tequila Shots,” a title that perfectly suits the track’s playful spirit. Loose, colourful and instantly likeable, it carries a carefree energy while still sounding musically tight and smartly constructed. RIKAS know how to make fun sound sophisticated. One of the standout moments is “Mr. Anxiety,” where the band bring a little more emotional weight beneath the polished surface. It is proof that behind the sunshine lies substance, and that RIKAS can explore deeper moods without losing their melodic touch. The brief but effective “Gazebo” acts like an interlude, adding texture and pacing to the EP, before leading into the excellent “Mexico City.” This track feels destined to become a fan favourite — rich in atmosphere, cinematic in feel and packed with the wanderlust energy that makes you want to move, travel and chase something new. What makes Bedroom Tapes especially strong is how natural everything feels. Nothing is overdone. The production is clean and modern, the hooks arrive with ease, and the band’s chemistry shines through every moment. It is a reminder that confidence in music often comes from restraint rather than excess. There is also an international cool to RIKAS that gives them broad appeal. They move comfortably between indie-pop sophistication, soft funk grooves and summer-ready accessibility, creating a sound that could sit equally well on festival stages, road-trip playlists or repeat spins at home. Most importantly, this EP is simply enjoyable. In a world full of overcomplicated releases trying too hard to impress, Bedroom Tapes succeeds by doing something smarter — making listeners feel good while still delivering quality songwriting and style. With Bedroom Tapes, RIKAS have delivered a polished, uplifting and deeply likeable record. Smooth grooves, sharp melodies and effortless charm make this an EP that deserves serious attention. Sometimes the coolest records are the ones that make it all sound easy — and RIKAS do exactly that here. Have a listen here: RIKAS

EDIE is not easing into her next chapter — she is kicking the door wide open. With her bold new single “Garden of Edie,” the Boorloo/Perth artist delivers a sleek, stylish and unapologetically confident statement that signals an exciting evolution in both sound and attitude. If previous releases hinted at change, this track confirms it in flashing neon lights. Moving further away from her earlier pop-rock and indie foundations, EDIE fully embraces a sharper electronic-pop identity here, and the results are seriously impressive. “Garden of Edie” is dark, glossy and instantly infectious — the kind of song built for late nights, bright lights and losing yourself on the dancefloor. From the opening moments, the track pulses with intent. Brooding synth textures swirl around driving beats, while the production feels polished without losing edge. There is a tension running through the song that keeps it exciting, balancing seduction with danger and glamour with bite. It sounds modern, confident and completely in step with where bold alt-pop is heading right now. What makes the single hit even harder is EDIE herself. She sounds fully in command, delivering the track with charisma, attitude and that all-important sense of identity. There is confidence in every line, but also a self-awareness that keeps the performance compelling rather than hollow. This is empowerment with personality. Lyrically, “Garden of Edie” explores temptation, indulgence and the thrill of letting go, wrapping themes of selfishness and liberation into something playful and potent. It feels like a celebration of freedom without pretending freedom is always tidy. That tension gives the track real character. The hook lands exactly where it should — catchy enough to stay with you, sharp enough to cut through the endless churn of disposable pop. EDIE clearly understands melody, and together with producer Calvin Bennet, she has crafted something that feels commercially strong while still retaining individuality. There is also a visual world around this release that adds to its impact. The Y2K-inspired music video, drenched in nightlife energy, handheld camera flashes and after-dark chaos, perfectly matches the track’s atmosphere. It feels like a natural extension of the song’s mood: messy, glamorous and gloriously free. The nomination for Electronic Song of the Year at the 2026 WAM Awards feels entirely justified. “Garden of Edie” has the confidence, quality and instant replay value of an artist finding her lane and accelerating fast. Most importantly, this does not feel like someone chasing trends. It feels like an artist taking control of her own narrative and discovering exactly how powerful she can sound. With “Garden of Edie,” EDIE has delivered more than just a strong single — she has delivered a statement of intent. Fierce, addictive and full of personality, it is the sound of an artist stepping into a bigger room and owning every inch of it. Check it out here: EDIE

For anyone who lived through Valencia’s great concert years, the name Arena Auditorium still carries weight, memories and serious emotion. Now, one of the most iconic venues in the city’s modern musical history is set to be celebrated in style when Auditorio Roig Arena hosts a huge tribute night on 13 June. This promises to be far more than a nostalgic look back. It is a full-scale celebration of a venue that helped place Valencia firmly on the national and international live music map during the 1980s and 1990s — and a reminder of just how rich the city’s cultural legacy truly is. Heading the bill are Immaculate Fools, the beloved British band whose emotional, melodic sound made them favourites with generations of fans. Their appearance alone gives the event real stature and brings back the international flavour that Arena Auditorium was famous for. Joining them are two key names from Valencia’s own musical story, Comité Cisne and Glamour, reuniting on the same stage for a clash of local legends. Their presence adds authenticity, pride and a direct link to the era that made Arena such an important cultural force. Then comes the party factor. Los Inhumanos will deliver their special “30 Hombres Solos” show, ensuring the night also captures the humour, madness and celebratory energy that always formed part of the venue’s identity. Adding a fresh modern twist are Neon Collective, reinterpreting the classic sounds of bands such as U2, Simple Minds, Depeche Mode, The Smiths and The Cure, proving that the music associated with Arena still resonates loudly today. And no proper Valencia night would be complete without DJs. José Coll and Luis Bonias will be on hand to keep the atmosphere flowing and ensure the spirit of those unforgettable late nights lives on. Between 1983 and 1999, Arena Auditorium — along with its upstairs sister room Garage — became one of the most important live venues in Spain. If a major rock or pop act toured Europe, there was every chance they would pass through Valencia. The list of artists who played there reads like a hall of fame: Ramones, Nick Cave, Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, The Pretenders and many more. Spanish icons also made history there, with legendary performances by Radio Futura, Loquillo y los Trogloditas, Seguridad Social and Alaska y Dinarama. Arena was not just a venue — it was where people discovered bands, made friends, fell in love, danced until sunrise and felt connected to something bigger. It gave Valencia prestige, identity and nights people still talk about decades later. Now that legacy moves into the present at Roig Arena, the city’s new landmark venue. With a concert capacity of up to 20,000 people, cutting-edge facilities and a bold vision for entertainment in Valencia, it is the ideal place to honour a room that once defined the city’s nightlife and concert culture. There is a fitting symmetry to it: one era’s legendary venue celebrated inside the city’s next great venue. This tribute is not only for those who were there first time around. It is also for younger music fans who have heard the stories, worn the T-shirts and inherited the songs. It is a chance to understand why Arena Auditorium still means so much — and to create a new memory of their own. Expect reunions, singalongs, stories beginning with “I saw them there in ’88…”, and a crowd full of people ready to celebrate one of Valencia’s proudest musical chapters. On 13 June, the walls may be different, but the spirit returns. Arena Auditorium lives again — louder, prouder and ready for one more unforgettable night. For tickets and more information: Homenaje Arena Auditorium

Valencia’s favourite daytime live music series is back this Saturday 16 May, and once again La Pèrgola looks set to deliver the perfect mix of sunshine, sound and seaside atmosphere. Nestled in the iconic surroundings of La Marina de València, with the Mediterranean air rolling in and the city’s music lovers gathering from midday, this latest edition promises another standout chapter in one of the coolest weekly traditions around. With the spirit of Surforama running through the bill, this weekend’s line-up is tailor-made for anyone who likes their live music loud, wild and full of personality. Headlining the session are the unstoppable Wau y Los Arrrghs!!!, one of the most explosive and entertaining garage rock bands to emerge from Spain. Known for their ferocious energy, irreverent style and chaotic stage presence, they are the kind of act that turns casual crowds into sweating believers within minutes. Expect razor-sharp riffs, primal rhythms and enough attitude to shake the pillars of the venue. Wau y Los Arrrghs!!! have built a cult reputation for good reason — they don’t just play gigs, they create scenes. And in the intimate but buzzing atmosphere of La Pèrgola, this one could be something special. Joining them are Tumba Swing, bringing their own irresistible twist of rhythm, movement and vintage cool. Their sound is made for dancing, blending retro flavour with modern punch in a way that perfectly suits the daytime setting. With one band bringing garage grit and the other bringing swing-soaked groove, it is a double bill built to keep the crowd moving from first drink to final encore. And that is part of what makes La Pèrgola so unique. While most concerts wait for darkness, this beloved Valencia institution has mastered the art of the lunchtime gig. There is something unbeatable about hearing top live bands under the open sky, drink in hand, surrounded by a crowd who know exactly how to enjoy themselves. It is casual without lacking energy, stylish without trying too hard, and always full of atmosphere. The location only adds to the appeal. Set in La Marina, La Pèrgola remains one of the city’s most attractive live music spaces — sea breeze, sunshine, urban edge and the sense that Valencia is showing off one of its best sides. Few venues capture the city’s modern creative spirit quite like this one. As if the music was not enough, this week also comes with a special bonus. Artist Leviathan Company has created an exclusive concert poster for the event, and fans have the chance to take home one of four limited-edition artworks. A genuine collector’s piece for a gig that already feels destined to be memorable. Winners will receive the poster in person on the day of the concert, making it the perfect keepsake from what promises to be a brilliant afternoon. So if you are looking for distorted guitars, dancing feet, sea-air vibes and one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a Saturday in Valencia, you know where to be. La Pèrgola does it again this 16 May — loud bands, great setting, lunchtime magic and maybe even some art for your wall. For tickets and more information: La Pérgola

Blues, sunshine and community spirit make Músiques i Art al Botànic a standout success in Cullera Some events feel special before the first note is even played. Músiques i Art al Botànic had exactly that atmosphere, and by the end of the day it had delivered one of the most charming, stylish and memorable cultural gatherings Cullera has seen this spring. Bringing together live blues, photography, food and nature, the event proved that great music does not need darkness and midnight starts — sometimes it sounds even better under blue skies. Set within the stunning surroundings of Botànic Cullera – Parc per la Natura, the location was a huge part of the magic. Surrounded by greenery, open space and the peaceful beauty of the natural environment, the venue offered a refreshing backdrop that instantly set the tone. From the moment visitors arrived, there was a sense of calm excitement in the air. This was a place to relax, explore and enjoy culture at a gentler pace. One of the first highlights of the day came with the opening of the photography exhibition “Philamonjaro – My Journey With the Blues.” Featuring thirty framed black and white images, the collection captured the soul, grit and humanity of blues music through the lens of someone who clearly loves and understands the genre. The exhibition was more than a visual sideshow — it became a central part of the experience. Images of local talent and touring legends gave the event depth and personality, telling stories through faces, instruments and moments frozen in time. Visitors moved through the space with genuine interest, taking time to absorb the atmosphere and craftsmanship of the work. It was intimate, thoughtful and beautifully curated. Then came the live music, and Danny Boy & Pablo Sanpa Blues Band rose to the occasion with style. Their set brought raw energy, groove and authenticity to the gardens, filling the afternoon with smoky rhythms, sharp musicianship and the timeless emotional pull of the blues. The band played with confidence and chemistry, locking into a rich, rolling sound that felt effortless yet full of bite. Expressive guitar lines, soulful vocals and tight rhythms kept the crowd engaged throughout, whether listeners were devoted blues fans or simply there to soak up the day. There was class in the performance, but also warmth — the kind of set that welcomes everyone in. The crowd added hugely to the success of the day. Families, music lovers, photographers, locals and visitors all blended together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. People swayed by the stage, chatted over drinks, admired the exhibition and embraced the social spirit of the occasion. It never felt rushed or overly formal — just a community enjoying itself in the best possible way. And then, as if the day needed one more perfect ingredient, came the paella gathering. Few things bring people together quite like paella, and the post-concert meal gave the event a true Mediterranean finish. Friends old and new gathered around tables, sharing food, conversation and the glow of a day well spent. That combination of music, art and gastronomy is what made Músiques i Art al Botànic stand out. It was not just a concert, not just an exhibition and not just a lunch in the sun. It was a full experience — one built around culture, connection and enjoying life outdoors. Cullera has many beautiful assets, but this event showed how powerful it can be when those assets are brought together with imagination. In a gorgeous setting, with a quality band, a captivating photography exhibition, a warm crowd and paella to close, Músiques i Art al Botànic was an absolute triumph.

Some concerts are performances. Others become shared memories the moment they begin. Last night at Roig Arena, Dani Martín delivered exactly that kind of occasion, transforming the Valencia venue into a roaring, emotional and unforgettable celebration of a career that has soundtracked generations. As part of his “25 pts años” tour, the Madrid star stepped onto the stage in front of more than 16,000 fans for the first of two sold-out nights, and from the opening moments it was clear this would be no ordinary retrospective. This was a victory lap packed with passion, nostalgia, gratitude and the timeless songs that have kept him at the heart of Spanish pop-rock for a quarter of a century. The setlist wasted no time hitting top gear. A thrilling opening run of El Canto del Loco classics including “Zapatillas,” “Volverá” and “Canciones” sent the crowd into instant overdrive. Thousands of voices sang every line back with full force, turning the arena into one huge choir. It was the kind of start that reminds you just how deeply these songs live in people’s lives. From there, Dani Martín moved effortlessly between eras, balancing the youthful fire of his band years with the emotional maturity of his solo catalogue. Tracks such as “Desaparece” and “Vuelve” brought introspection and melody, while returns to classics like “Besos,” “Tal como eres,” “Son sueños” and “Puede ser” kept the adrenaline pumping. That constant movement between past and present was one of the night’s biggest strengths. Rather than feeling like a nostalgia show, the concert felt alive, relevant and full of purpose. Dani Martín proved once again that he connects just as naturally with longtime fans who grew up with him as he does with younger audiences discovering these songs for the first time. Midway through the set came one of the most powerful stretches of the night, as the tempo dropped and emotion took centre stage. “Cero,” “Emocional” and “Qué bonita la vida” created a deeply moving atmosphere, with the audience hanging on every word. It was a reminder that beyond the hits and singalongs, Dani Martín’s real strength has always been honesty — the ability to turn vulnerability into songs that feel universal. The newer material also landed strongly. Selections from El último día de nuestras vidas including “Me vuelves puto loco,” “Carpe Diem,” “Novedades viernes” and “Burning Man” showed an artist still pushing forward creatively rather than living in the past. These tracks sat naturally alongside the classics, proof that his catalogue continues to grow rather than simply endure. Then came another wave of collective euphoria as “La madre de José,” “Volver a disfrutar,” “Una foto en blanco y negro” and “Ya nada volverá a ser como antes” sent the arena soaring once more. Every chorus felt bigger than the last, every lyric carried by thousands. The closing moments captured the full spirit of the night: celebration, reflection and connection. Solo favourites like “La suerte de mi vida” and “El último día de nuestras vidas” blended seamlessly with essential El Canto del Loco anthems “Peter Pan” and “Insoportable,” giving fans the perfect ending to a show rich in feeling and energy. Roig Arena once again proved itself a first-class stage for major events, but this night belonged entirely to Dani Martín. Warm, charismatic and completely in command, he showed why he remains one of Spain’s most loved live performers. Twenty-five years in, many artists look backwards. Dani Martín used this concert to do something better — honour the past while proving there is still plenty ahead. Valencia responded the only way it could: with total devotion. Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

Every now and then, you catch a new band at exactly the right moment — just before the wider world catches on. Last night at Hard Rock Cafe Valencia, that feeling was impossible to ignore as Moscow delivered a punchy, confident and hugely enjoyable performance that confirmed they are far more than just another emerging act. They are a band building momentum fast, and judging by the reaction inside the venue, they already have the loyal fanbase to match. From the moment the first notes rang out, the atmosphere in the room was electric. Fans packed in early, eager to get close to the stage, and the support in the crowd was immediate and genuine. There was no polite applause here — this was a room full of believers singing back lyrics, cheering every riff and giving the band the kind of energy every young act dreams of. That is exactly why Hard Rock Cafe Valencia deserves credit as a venue. Nights like this show the importance of giving new artists a proper platform. Today’s club bands are tomorrow’s headline names, and the stadium acts of the future have to start somewhere. Hard Rock Cafe continues to prove it understands that better than most, backing fresh talent and giving fans the chance to say, “I saw them before everyone else did.” The hospitality of Vitto the manager also deserves a mention, helping create a welcoming, professional atmosphere that made the whole night feel special from start to finish. Those details matter, especially for young bands trying to build something real. As for Moscow themselves, they looked hungry, focused and ready to seize the opportunity. Their own material hit hard, packed with rock swagger, driving riffs and strong vocals that carried real conviction. Tracks like Good Manners, Lonely Boy and Figure It Out showed a band with substance as well as style. There is a modern rock energy to their sound, but with enough grit and personality to stand apart from the pack. One of the standout qualities of the night was the chemistry between the members. Moscow moved like a unit, feeding off one another with the kind of synergy that cannot be faked. Tight musicianship, shared glances, instinctive timing — it all pointed to a band that has put in the work and genuinely enjoys being on stage together. There was also an appealing humbleness to them. Despite the obvious support in the room, there was no arrogance, no overplaying the moment. Instead, they let the songs do the talking. Yet as the set progressed, you could visibly see their confidence growing. Each track landed harder, each cheer lifted them further, and by the second half of the show they were commanding the room with real authority. The covers were another major talking point. Their take on Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” was a masterstroke — playful, loud, sharp and delivered with enough attitude to send the fans wild. The crowd response was instant chaos in the best possible way, with people shouting every word back at the stage. It was one of those moments where band and audience completely locked together. Then came a superb version of Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out,” handled with confidence and bite. It is a risky song to cover because everyone knows it so well, but Moscow made it their own and had the room bouncing once again. By the end of the night, one thing felt clear: Moscow are not standing still. They are growing in real time, building a following, sharpening their craft and learning how to own a stage. New bands like this are the lifeblood of live music. Some of today’s small-room acts become tomorrow’s arena names — and on the evidence of last night at Hard Rock Cafe Valencia, Moscow have every chance of being one of them. Words and Photos: Rhyan Paul

With the final wave of artists now confirmed, North Sea Jazz 2026 has completed one of the most ambitious and genre-blurring line-ups in its history — more than 150 performances spread across 17 stages over three packed days in Rotterdam Ahoy from July 10–12. And honestly? This thing looks absolutely colossal. Already stacked with names like John Legend, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, The Roots and Pat Metheny, the festival has now added another tidal wave of talent that stretches from cutting-edge jazz and soul to funk, Afrobeat, fusion, hip-hop and experimental sounds. Friday alone feels like its own major festival. Jazz visionary Robert Glasper joins the bill alongside the explosive grooves of Kokoroko, the boundary-pushing brilliance of Vijay Iyer with Wadada Leo Smith, plus powerhouse performances from The RH Factor and rising jazz sensation Cécile McLorin Salvant presenting Oh Snap. There’s also serious firepower coming from Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier and Eric Harland, while underground energy arrives via Gallowstreet, LA LOM and Y-OTIS. Then, as the night descends into full celebration mode, Questlove takes over the turntables for what promises to be one of the weekend’s defining late-night moments. Saturday raises the stakes even higher. Afro-fusion giant Burna Boy lands in Rotterdam alongside the hugely anticipated Bright Size Life Reimagined — a once-in-a-lifetime revisiting of Pat Metheny’s landmark 1976 debut, rebuilt for large ensemble with the Tyn Wybenga Brainteaser Orchestra. Elsewhere, Thundercat brings his cosmic funk universe to the festival, while jazz royalty arrives in the form of Christian McBride, Kenny Barron and Julian Lage sharing a stage together. Add in Joe Armon-Jones, Camila Meza, Tomoki Sanders and another special appearance from Cécile McLorin Salvant performing Book of Ayres, and Saturday becomes almost overwhelming in the best possible way. Then Sunday closes the festival with a final marathon of world-class music. Cécile McLorin Salvant returns twice — once with the legendary Metropole Orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley and again alongside pianist Sullivan Fortner. Elsewhere, Dee Dee Bridgewater brings We Exist, SHABAKA unleashes his spiritual jazz intensity, while Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane honour jazz history with MILES / COLTRANE - Legacy. And then comes the closing party. Under his DJ alias DJ Pee .Wee, Anderson. Paak will close the entire festival with a genre-smashing DJ set that feels like the perfect ending to a weekend built on musical freedom. For fifty years, North Sea Jazz has refused to stay inside one lane, and this anniversary edition may be the clearest example yet of why the festival remains one of the most important music events anywhere in the world. Jazz legends, future stars, hip-hop innovators, soul icons and fearless experimentalists all colliding under one roof for three days in Rotterdam. This isn’t just a festival line-up. It’s a musical universe. Tickets, weekend passes and VIP Birdland packages — including premium parking, exclusive lounge access, food experiences and unlimited drinks — are available now via North Sea Jazz Festival

The countdown to Deleste 2026 has already begun — but this festival refuses to wait until opening day. Before the gates swing open on 22 and 23 May at the Jardines de Viveros, Deleste is already spreading across Valencia with a run of smart, stylish and community-driven events designed to build atmosphere long before the first headline set. Welcome to #RutaDeleste — the parallel programme that transforms Deleste from a two-day festival into a full city-wide experience. In partnership with Cervezas Alhambra, this year’s route invites music lovers to slow down, listen deeper and savour the moments that make live culture matter. It is a build-up with brains, taste and serious personality. Rather than simply shouting louder, Deleste once again chooses depth over noise. This is a festival that understands anticipation can be just as exciting as arrival. And with a line-up of listening parties, acoustic pairings, talks, workshops and live performances in some of Valencia’s most interesting spaces, #RutaDeleste looks set to raise the temperature in all the right ways. The opening event lands on Friday 8 May at Discos Oldies, where Deleste’s much-loved Vuelta al Disco returns. This edition focuses on Screamadelica, the era-defining masterpiece by Primal Scream — the album that rewired the relationship between rock music and club culture forever. It is more than a listening party. It is a chance to pause, hear a classic properly and experience music collectively, without distraction. In an age of playlists and background noise, Deleste offers something far more valuable: attention. On Sunday 10 May, the route moves to Bar Babel for one of the most original experiences of this year’s programme. Local songwriter Ana Zomeño, one of Valencia’s most delicate and emotionally honest voices, will lead an intimate cata acústica that blends flavour and sound in one multisensory session. Three beers. Three bites. Three songs. It is a beautifully curated concept that celebrates nuance, pairing craft brewing, gastronomy and live music in a format designed for those who appreciate detail. Expect warmth, elegance and the kind of atmosphere money cannot buy. One of the centrepieces of this year’s route arrives on Saturday 16 May at Centro Cultural Nave 3 Ribes, where Matiné Deleste returns with a powerful programme dedicated to the women shaping music culture in Valencia. With free entry and a broad focus on equality, creativity and transformation, the event blends discussion, education and live performance in one forward-thinking morning session. The day begins with the talk “Mujeres que hablan de música”, featuring respected voices including Isa Monzó and María Martí, hosted by Rafa Cervera and Amadeu Sanchis, with moderation from Vanessa Riofrio. Next comes Ada Díez — illustrator, DJ and the driving force behind Hits With Tits and TruenoRayo — delivering a masterclass on illustration as a tool for visibility and empowerment. Closing the event musically is Laiaya, one of the most exciting emerging names around, an artist whose sensitivity and personality make her a perfect fit for Deleste’s progressive spirit. This is the kind of programming that sets Deleste apart: thoughtful, inclusive and rooted in genuine cultural value. The last stage of #RutaDeleste arrives on Sunday 17 May inside one of Valencia’s most beautiful settings — the Museo de Bellas Artes de València. As part of International Museum Day, Deleste joins the celebrations with a special live performance from Rumores in the stunning Patio del Embajador Vich. Live music surrounded by history, art and architecture, with complimentary beer for attendees? Few festivals understand atmosphere quite like Deleste. What makes Deleste special is not just the line-up waiting at Viveros. It is the way the festival seeps into the city beforehand, connecting venues, artists, ideas and audiences through carefully chosen moments that feel personal rather than promotional. While others count down with adverts, Deleste builds momentum through culture itself. By the time 22 May arrives, Valencia will already be in festival mode — tuned in, warmed up and ready. Deleste 2026 is coming fast. But thanks to #RutaDeleste, it has already begun. For tickets and more information: Deleste Festival

One of Valencia's wildest outdoor party seasons has to start somewhere. This year it starts with Sidecars. Of course it does. The Nits de Vivers — those legendary summer nights in the Jardines de Viveros that rewire your brain chemistry for the rest of the season — fire up on Thursday 28 May, and whoever decided to open with Sidecars deserves a raise. Not a polite round of applause. A raise. These people — this band from Madrid who've spent nearly two decades building one of the most devoted followings in Spanish rock through sheer bloody-minded persistence — are bringing album number seven to one of the most beautiful outdoor stages in the country. Sold out the Movistar Arena in 2024. Took the whole operation to Mexico and packed out the Lunario in CDMX. Seven albums in and still zero stadium-brain disease, zero supergroup posturing, zero self-congratulatory nonsense. Everest — the new record — isn't about reaching the summit. That would be too easy. Too motivational-poster. Too precisely the thing Sidecars would never do. It's about the climb itself: the effort, the constancy, the discipline of moving forward when the top is nowhere in sight. Twenty years of gigs from Galicia to Granada, salas grandes and salas pequeñas, rain-soaked festivals and dust-bowl stages — and this album sounds like all of it at once. The Jardines de Viveros will do the rest. Ancient trees, open sky, air that carries sound differently than any room with a ceiling. A crowd that shows up not just to hear music but to be somewhere — to inhabit, briefly, a version of their city that justifies everything else. It's the perfect stage to kick off a summer. It's the only stage that could do it justice. +Bajo 79 open from 22:00. Be there before that. This is not the top of the mountain. This is the first step. And with Sidecars, the first step always feels like flying. For tickets and more information: Nits De Vivers

Some gigs are remembered for flawless weather, others for flawless spirit. This performance by Abraham Rivas at El Café belonged firmly to the second category — a night where dark skies and steady rain only added to the sense that something special was happening. Those who made the effort to get there were rewarded with an evening full of heart, atmosphere and genuine musical connection. Despite the wet conditions outside, people arrived in numbers and with purpose, braving the rain to pack El Café to the rafters. The venue was bursting with energy long before the first note rang out. Coats were dripping, umbrellas were folded by the door, and every inch of the room carried the buzz of anticipation. It felt less like a regular gig and more like a gathering of people who knew they were in the right place. When Abraham Rivas took the stage, the room instantly settled into his world. His presence was calm but commanding, drawing the crowd in with the kind of authenticity that cannot be faked. There was warmth in the performance, honesty in every lyric and a natural connection with the audience that made the packed room feel strangely intimate. Musically, the night was rich and beautifully delivered. Songs flowed with elegance, balancing emotion and melody while never losing their edge. Rivas knows how to build a mood, how to let a line land, and how to keep listeners hanging on every moment. Whether delivering reflective passages or lifting the tempo, he kept the audience fully locked in. What truly made the night stand out, though, was the atmosphere. There was something electric in the air — that rare combination of crowd energy, artist confidence and shared appreciation. People sang along, swayed shoulder to shoulder, smiled at strangers and embraced the communal joy that only live music can create. El Café itself played a huge part. Packed wall to wall, it became the perfect setting: close, lively and full of character. The kind of room where every cheer feels louder, every chorus feels bigger and every song lands harder. By the end of the night, the rain outside almost felt symbolic. While the streets were soaked, inside El Café there was warmth, music and the unmistakable feeling of a gig that hit the mark completely. Abraham Rivas didn’t just play a show — he turned a rainy evening into a celebration. Those who braved the weather went home knowing they had witnessed one of those nights that remind you exactly why live music matters.