The countdown has begun. Two months from now, Valencia’s coastline will light up with sound, sweat, sunset skies and world-class live music as FAR València returns to Marina Norte for what looks set to be one of the most ambitious summer music events Spain has to offer. Running from 8 to 31 July 2026, the second edition expands into a near month-long concert cycle bringing international icons, cult heroes, pop legends and new-generation stars to the Mediterranean waterfront. This isn’t a traditional cram-everything-into-three-days festival. FAR does things differently. One artist, one night, one atmosphere at a time. It’s a format built for people who actually love music — where every concert gets room to breathe, every crowd gets its own identity, and every night feels like an event instead of a schedule sprint. With sea air, open skies and the Valencia skyline in the background, FAR is shaping up to be the soundtrack of the summer. Jean-Michel Jarre arrives as one of electronic music’s true pioneers, a visionary whose live shows have redefined what concerts can be. Expect lasers, atmosphere and futuristic grandeur. ZZ Top bring the beards, the riffs and decades of blues-rock swagger. Few bands carry this much cool so effortlessly. OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) will deliver synth-pop brilliance and timeless hits, while Rick Astley arrives not as a meme, but as a genuinely superb live performer with a catalogue people love more than ever. Luz Casal remains one of Spain’s most commanding voices, capable of elegance and power in equal measure. Rubén Blades, salsa titan and lyrical giant, brings class, rhythm and global stature. LP promises one of the most emotionally charged sets of the month, with that unmistakable voice built for huge choruses and open-air nights. Young Miko is one of the hottest names in Latin music right now, and her Valencia date already has fans buzzing internationally. Judeline, one of Spain’s most exciting rising stars, brings modern edge, style and serious artistic momentum. Depresión Sonora delivers post-punk angst for the wired generation, while Rodrigo Cuevas continues to explode conventions with one of the boldest and most unique live shows in Europe. Belle and Sebastian are a dream booking — beloved Glasgow romantics celebrating landmark albums and bringing literate beauty to the coast. Babasónicos arrive as Argentinian rock royalty. El Mató a un Policía Motorizado bring emotional indie intensity and cult devotion, while Xoel López offers warmth, songwriting and craft of the highest level. Need movement? FAR has that too. Elvis Crespo guarantees hips in motion and zero dignity left by the end of the night. MEUTE, the German techno brass phenomenon, will likely turn Marina Norte into a dancing carnival of percussion and chaos. Gipsy Kings bring flamenco-pop joy and songs made for warm nights and raised glasses. M-Clan bring road-tested Spanish rock power. Antoñito Molina offers charisma and singalong warmth. Marta Santos, El Zar, Silvana Estrada, Judith Hill and rinôçérôse round out a bill that somehow keeps finding new colours and textures. There’s something beautifully dangerous about a month of concerts by the sea. People will come for one show and end up buying tickets for four more. Friend groups will form in queues. Holiday romances will bloom over plastic cups and encore chants. Sunsets will melt into basslines. Taxi drivers will hear a thousand stories. FAR València is becoming more than an event. It’s becoming a seasonal ritual. And with two months to go, the anticipation is only getting louder. So clear your July calendar. Charge your phone. Book the nights you can’t miss. Leave space for the ones you didn’t expect. Because in sixty days, Valencia stops being a city and becomes a stage. For tickets and more information: FAR

There are festivals, and then there are festivals with soul. The kind where the air smells of salt and summer, guitars crack through the trees, strangers become family by sunset, and the chaos somehow feels healing. Concerts del Pinar is exactly that kind of beast — and this June, Castellón’s wildest musical gathering returns for its sixth edition ready to shake the needles off the pines and rattle the Mediterranean coastline. From 18 to 20 June 2026, the legendary Pinar del Grau de Castelló once again transforms into a sweat-soaked cathedral of riffs, rebellion, rhythm and glorious noise. Not in some anonymous field miles from civilisation. Not in a lifeless corporate arena. But in a living, breathing green lung by the sea — where pine shade meets sea breeze, where amplifiers compete with birdsong, and where every gig feels like it might turn into a riot or a revelation. This is not a festival built for influencers with ring lights and sponsored hats. This is for the believers. The ones who know music sounds better outdoors with dust on your shoes and beer on your shirt. The ones who understand that a festival should feel earned. And what a line-up they’re loading into the chamber. The 2026 edition promises another genre-smashing collision of attitude and adrenaline with names including Non Servium, Narco, O’Funk’illo, Bala, Parquesvr, The Casualties, Niña Coyote eta Chico Tornado, Deaf Devils, Bandits, Annacrusa, Lady Mamba and more. Punk, hardcore, groove metal, stoner thunder, street fury, funked-up madness — it’s all here, all snarling, all hungry. Expect circle pits under the trees. Expect arms in the air as the sun goes down behind the pines. Expect someone crowd-surfing in flip-flops. Expect the kind of euphoric exhaustion that only comes from screaming lyrics with strangers who suddenly feel like old friends. What makes Concerts del Pinar different is scale and spirit. It has grown year by year, but never lost its heartbeat. It remains proudly independent, fiercely local, and stubbornly human-sized. No endless treks between stages. No overpriced soullessness. Just two days and nights where music, sustainability and genuine experience remain the stars of the show. The organisers themselves describe it as a festival where quality music and the natural setting come first — and for once, the hype matches the truth. And then there’s the setting. The Pinar del Grau is one of those places that makes you wonder why more festivals aren’t held in forests by the sea. Pine canopies overhead. Mediterranean light slicing through branches. The smell of summer already beginning. You can feel your stress levels dropping before the first chord is struck. Then the bass kicks in and suddenly your soul is doing cartwheels. Food trucks will keep bodies fuelled, bars will keep stories flowing, and somewhere around midnight someone will declare this “the best festival in Spain” with complete sincerity and questionable balance. They might not even be wrong. This is the beauty of Concerts del Pinar: it still feels like a discovery, even in its sixth year. A secret too loud to stay secret. So pack light. Wear old trainers. Charge your phone but don’t stare at it. Bring sunscreen, stamina and an appetite for volume. Because this June, Castellón’s trees are about to tremble again. Concerts del Pinar isn’t just a festival. It’s a glorious annual outbreak of freedom. For tickets and more information: Concerts Del Pinar

One of the most atmospheric live venues in the Valencian Community is preparing for another special night of music as El Café de la Plaça in Carcaixent welcomes Abraham Rivas on Thursday 7 May at 20:30, for an intimate performance and rehearsal showcase of Hivern Perfecte. Set in the heart of Carcaixent, El Café has long held a reputation as far more than just a venue. It is one of those rare spaces where culture, conversation and live performance naturally collide. A beloved meeting point for locals, artists and music lovers alike, the venue has built a rich identity through years of supporting independent music, theatre, poetry and community events. With its warm character, old-world charm and close connection between performer and audience, El Café has become a true cultural cornerstone in the Ribera region. It is exactly the kind of setting where an artist like Abraham Rivas can thrive. Known for his thoughtful songwriting, understated charisma and emotionally resonant performances, Rivas has steadily carved out a name as one of the most sincere voices on the local scene. His music blends introspective lyricism with Mediterranean warmth, carrying echoes of folk, singer-songwriter traditions and contemporary Valencian creativity. Rather than chasing noise or spectacle, Abraham Rivas builds songs that speak quietly but stay with you long after the final chord. For this event he will be joined by Moisés Bautista, Tere Núñez and Silvia Martí, adding further texture and richness to the evening. Their presence promises a collaborative and organic performance, where harmonies, instrumentation and shared chemistry will be every bit as important as the songs themselves. The night is billed as an assagen — a rehearsal or preview performance — of Hivern Perfecte, giving audiences a rare chance to witness music in a more immediate and raw form. There is something uniquely exciting about these moments: songs still breathing, arrangements still evolving, artists still discovering where the night may lead. It offers a closeness and honesty that polished concerts sometimes cannot match. And there could be no better place for such an occasion than El Café. In an age of oversized venues and detached experiences, spaces like this remind people why live music matters. Here, every lyric lands differently. Every silence has weight. Every applause feels personal. Carcaixent has always had deep cultural roots, and events like this continue that tradition — championing homegrown talent and creating nights that feel authentic rather than manufactured. For fans of songwriting with soul, local culture and venues with real history in their walls, this promises to be a gem of an evening. On 7 May, El Café once again proves that the best music nights don’t need to be the biggest — just the most real.

Cullera is set for a vibrant cultural gathering this May as Músiques i Art al Botànic brings together live blues, visual art, food and nature for a one-of-a-kind daytime event in the beautiful surroundings of Botànic Cullera – Parc per la Natura. Taking place on 10 May, this open-air celebration promises a full day of music, creativity and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere from morning through to the afternoon. Blending live performance with artistic expression, the event offers a refreshing alternative to the usual late-night concert experience. Instead of dark clubs and midnight starts, this is all about sunshine, fresh air, great sounds and good company in one of Cullera’s most picturesque settings. Leading the musical side of the day are Danny Boy & Pablo Sanpa Blues Band, bringing raw energy, soul and timeless groove to the stage. Known for their passion for authentic blues sounds, the group are expected to deliver a set packed with smoky vocals, expressive guitar work and the kind of rhythm that gets feet moving from the very first note. Whether you’re a lifelong blues devotee or simply love great live music, this promises to be one of those performances that hits straight from the heart. But Músiques i Art al Botànic is far more than a concert. The event also features the opening of the photography exhibition “Philamonjaro – My Journey With the Blues”, adding a rich visual dimension to the day. Launching at 11:00, the exhibition looks set to offer an intimate and evocative glimpse into the spirit, people and culture surrounding blues music. Through the lens of Philamonjaro, visitors can expect images full of character, atmosphere and stories from the road. We caught up with Phil, a regular contributor to The Music Mole earlier this week: Opening Sunday May 10th I will be exhibiting thirty framed, black and white photos of blues artists. All photographed since I moved here to Valencia four and a half years ago. One part local area blues artists and one part touring blues artists from the states. Originally from Chicago, I have a long, journeyed love for the blues starting when I saw Muddy Waters perform at my high school when I was 14 years old. I always knew that blues music from the states was popular throughout Europe. Now that I'm experiencing firsthand, I have a deeper affection for the music. And I have a special appreciation for Spanish blues musicians. I feel like I am discovering a new layer of the blues. A sort of full circle for me. Blues in the land where guitar was invented. Regardless of the instrument, I find these musicians masters. In this collection I have included Danny Boy Sanchez, Maria Carbonell, John Primer, Billy Branch and other personal favorites. My intention is to expand this collection to 100 photos digging deeper into my archives from both here and in the states. Then mount subsequent versions of this exhibit around the area. Something tells me that I have only scratched the surface of local blues talent here. I find this an important visual story to tell. The venue itself only adds to the appeal. Botànic Cullera, surrounded by greenery and designed as a space connected to nature, provides the perfect backdrop for an event centred on creativity and community. It’s the ideal place to spend a spring Saturday soaking up music and art in a relaxed environment. Doors open at 10:00, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the grounds before the exhibition inauguration and the midday concert. Then, after the music, the good vibes continue with a paella gathering at 14:30, making this not just an event, but a full social experience. With live blues, a compelling photography showcase, daytime energy and a stunning natural location, Músiques i Art al Botànic looks set to be one of the most charming and original dates on the Cullera calendar this spring. Forget staying out late — this is how to do culture in the sunshine. For tickets and more information: Músiques i Art al Botànic

Saturday lunchtime in Valencia doesn’t get much better than this. Under blue skies at La Marina Norte, with the sea breeze rolling in and the city in full weekend mood, Els Concerts de La Pèrgola delivered another unforgettable chapter as Cien Galgos and Camellos turned a sunny afternoon into a glorious explosion of guitars, dancing, love and chaos. The event was a sell-out, and from the moment the gates opened it was clear everyone knew they were exactly where they needed to be. Friends with beers in hand, families, indie kids, old-school gig-goers and curious first-timers packed into one of Valencia’s most iconic live spaces for what has become the perfect ritual to kick-start a Saturday. Live music by the sea, sunshine overhead, and a crowd ready to lose themselves. Opening the day were Cien Galgos, and they wasted no time in getting pulses racing. Their set was sharp, loud, full of swagger and loaded with enough energy to drag the crowd instantly into party mode. What could have been a gentle warm-up quickly became a proper statement of intent. Heads were nodding, feet were moving, and the first big singalongs of the day were already erupting. They hit the stage like a band determined not to be overlooked — and they absolutely weren’t. Then came Camellos, and the whole place lifted another level. The Madrid outfit stormed onto the Pèrgola stage with the kind of ragged brilliance and irresistible attitude that has made them one of Spain’s most loved underground-to-mainstream success stories. Their set was fast, funny, feral and completely electric. Every riff landed, every chorus was hurled back by the crowd, and every sarcastic lyrical jab felt like gasoline on an already blazing atmosphere. Within minutes, mosh pits were spinning in the centre of the crowd. Nothing nasty, nothing aggressive — just pure release, laughter and the beautiful madness that only a great live band can create. Bodies bounced, strangers hugged, drinks flew skyward and the front rows became a joyful battlefield of dancing limbs and huge smiles. Yet the most unforgettable moment of the afternoon didn’t happen on stage. In a scene that stopped people in their tracks, a woman stepped forward, dropped to one knee, ring in hand, and proposed to her boyfriend right there in the middle of the crowd. Around them, friends unfurled posters, confetti burst into the air, and for a few magical seconds the entire Pèrgola seemed to hold its breath. Then he said yes. The roar that followed rivalled anything from the bands themselves. Cheers, tears, hugs and applause rippled through the packed crowd as hundreds of strangers celebrated a love story unfolding in real time. It was spontaneous, heartfelt and beautiful — the kind of moment you simply can’t script. In a venue built on community spirit, music and connection, it felt absolutely perfect. Camellos, to their credit, fed off every second of the atmosphere, delivering a set that was all killer and no filler. Their blend of garage rock bite, punky punch and clever humour was the soundtrack to one of those Valencia afternoons people will talk about all summer. And once again, Els Concerts de La Pèrgola proved why it remains one of the city’s finest live institutions. There are bigger venues and later nights, but few experiences match the charm of standing by the Mediterranean with a sold-out crowd, a great band on stage and the whole weekend stretching ahead. This was more than a concert. It was sunshine, noise, romance and community rolled into one perfect package. A sell-out crowd, mosh pits, marriage proposals and two superb bands — Valencia’s Saturday lunchtime has rarely looked this good. Words and photos: Rhyan Paul And a special gallery for the happy couple:

There’s something instantly magnetic about Laura Adeline’s new single ‘Acquainted’ — the kind of song that doesn’t demand your attention so much as gently pull you into its orbit. Soft, sensual and emotionally tangled in all the right ways, the Naarm/Melbourne artist delivers a beautifully understated gem that confirms she is one of Australia’s most exciting rising voices in contemporary R&B-pop. From the opening seconds, Acquainted feels like stepping into a late-night haze where memories blur and emotions hit harder than expected. The production is sleek yet spacious, built on subtle drum patterns, warm bass lines and shimmering guitar textures that drift like smoke through the mix. It’s minimalist without ever feeling empty, giving the song room to breathe while allowing every emotion to land with clarity. At the centre of it all is Laura Adeline’s voice — rich, intimate and effortlessly expressive. She sings with the kind of restraint that makes every phrase feel personal, every note loaded with meaning. There’s sweetness in her tone, but also frustration, longing and unresolved tension simmering just beneath the surface. It’s that emotional complexity that makes Acquainted so compelling. Lyrically, the track captures the messy aftershocks of connection and disconnection with startling honesty. Laura explores that familiar but rarely articulated space between wishing someone well and still being angry, wanting closure while knowing some stories never truly end. It’s relatable, human songwriting delivered without cliché — raw feelings wrapped in velvet. Musically, Acquainted draws from contemporary R&B, alt-pop and subtle funk influences, but never sounds derivative. Fans of Jorja Smith, Ravyn Lenae or Q will hear echoes in the atmosphere and elegance, yet Laura’s voice and perspective remain distinctly her own. She’s not chasing trends here — she’s refining her own lane. What makes the single especially impressive is its confidence in subtlety. In an era where many tracks fight to be loud and immediate, Acquainted wins by being patient, graceful and emotionally intelligent. It unfolds more with each listen, revealing fresh textures and sharper lyrical details every time. Having already earned support from Triple J, Triple J Unearthed and Apple Music, Laura Adeline clearly has momentum behind her — but Acquainted feels like more than another strong release. It feels like an artistic step forward. More stripped-back, more daring, more self-assured. This is music for midnight drives, reflective mornings and moments when your thoughts are louder than the room around you. Smooth, stylish and soulfully vulnerable, Acquainted is a track that lingers long after it ends. Laura Adeline hasn’t just released another single — she’s created a mood you’ll want to stay inside. Check it out here: Laura Adeline

Fans camped outside for two full nights just to be first in the queue — and by the time the doors finally opened at the Roig Arena, Valencia already knew this was going to be no ordinary concert. It was devotion in its purest form, a sea of sleeping bags, handmade signs, glitter, laughter and anticipation as thousands of loyal followers waited to welcome 5 Seconds of Summer for their long-awaited first ever show in the city. When the lights went down, all that passion exploded into one of the most flat-out entertaining pop-rock spectacles Valencia has seen in years. After three years away from Spain, Luke Hemmings, Ashton Irwin, Michael Clifford and Calum Hood arrived to a hero’s welcome from more than 6,500 fans, and they rewarded every second of that wait with a show bursting with heart, humour and hit after hit. This was not just a debut in Valencia — it was a coronation. In a brilliantly absurd and instantly iconic opening, the band appeared eating paella inside a limousine on stage, a cheeky nod to their host city and a perfect example of the playful spirit that ran through the night. The limousine itself became a centrepiece of the production, later transforming into Ashton Irwin’s elevated drum station as the show shifted gears from comedy to chaos. Opening punches “NOT OK” and “No1 Obsession” landed hard, immediately sending the arena into a frenzy. Then came “Teeth”, thunderous, snarling and screamed back word-for-word by a crowd that barely paused for breath all night. New material from Everyone’s A Star! slotted seamlessly into the set, with “Boyband” and “Telephone Busy” proving 5SOS are still evolving while keeping the hooks razor-sharp. What makes 5SOS special has always been their connection with fans, and this concert elevated that bond into something unforgettable. Between songs, the band delivered a hilarious PowerPoint presentation recapping their day in Valencia with self-aware humour and chaos energy. Later, the crowd voted live for a surprise song, turning the arena into part audience, part co-producer. One lucky fan was even invited into the madness to present the now-traditional “Boyband of the Year” award — naturally won by the band themselves to deafening cheers. Then came the emotional centre of the evening. “Bad Omens” and “Ghost of You” hit with genuine force, creating one of those rare concert moments where thousands sing together but the room somehow feels intimate. Phone lights swayed, voices cracked, tears flowed. It was a reminder that beneath the jokes and energy, 5SOS have always known how to hit the heart. From there, the band cleverly gave each member space to showcase songs from their solo projects, adding depth and personality before launching into a glorious nostalgia-fuelled run through their early years. “Amnesia,” “English Love Affair” and “Jet Black Heart” turned the Roig Arena into a time machine, sending fans back to the days when this band became the soundtrack to their youth. The euphoric peak arrived with “She Looks So Perfect.” Giant inflatable balls bounced across the crowd, voices hit fever pitch, and the entire arena became one giant jumping, singing celebration. It was pure pop chaos — and absolutely magnificent. Yet 5SOS saved one final emotional knockout. A video montage tracing key moments in their journey played before the band moved into the crowd itself for “Everyone’s A Star!” It was symbolic, sincere and beautifully judged — a statement that their story has always belonged as much to the fans as to the four men on stage. And then came “Youngblood.” Massive, explosive, undeniable. The perfect closer to a night that celebrated not just a band, but a relationship built over more than a decade. The Roig Arena once again proved itself a world-class venue, handling the scale, sound and spectacle with ease. But this night belonged to the fans who camped for two nights outside, to the voices that never stopped singing, and to a band who made their Valencia debut feel like the biggest homecoming imaginable. 5 Seconds of Summer didn’t just conquer Valencia — they made memories that will live there forever.

Ten years after the death of David Bowie, Valencia came together in spectacular style to celebrate the life, music and limitless legacy of one of popular culture’s greatest visionaries. The Auditorio Roig Arena was packed to the rafters for David Bowie – Homenaje, a sold-out night of emotion, glamour, electricity and pure reverence as some of the city’s most iconic musicians united to honour the Starman. From the moment the lights dropped, there was a feeling in the room that this was going to be far more than a tribute concert. This was a communal act of gratitude. A celebration of an artist who changed music, fashion, theatre and identity forever. Every seat was filled, every face turned toward the stage, every heart ready to be transported through Bowie’s extraordinary catalogue. Leading the charge was Pepe Mallent, legendary vocalist of Sunken Screens, whose presence brought instant class and soul to the evening. His interpretations carried warmth and elegance, proving why he remains one of Valencia’s most respected performers. Adolfo Barberá of Glamour brought swagger, sophistication and a sharp-edged pop energy that perfectly suited Bowie’s more stylish, decadent moments. His charisma lit up the arena. The pairing of Salva Ortiz, dummer of Presuntos Implicados and Honorio Barranco added power and depth, driving through the rockier side of Bowie’s catalogue with punch and passion. Their chemistry gave the songs a muscular new life. Peter Sebastian, known from Licence to Blow, delivered a commanding set of vocals and stagecraft, channelling the theatricality and soul that Bowie always carried beneath the glitter. Jorge Moreno of Falsa Pasión injected fire and drama into the performance, while Vicente Montesinos from Spy Planebrought texture and atmosphere, adding layers to songs already rich with mystery and emotion. Completing the remarkable line-up was José Luis Macías of Comité Cisne, whose appearance drew huge applause from the crowd. His voice and presence added a darker, art-rock intensity that felt tailor-made for Bowie’s world. And then there were the songs. The classics. Each one greeted like an old friend, yet carrying fresh emotional weight a decade after Bowie’s passing. When those unmistakable melodies rang out, the audience responded with goosebumps, cheers, tears and singalongs. There were moments of joy, moments of reflection, and moments where the entire arena seemed suspended in time. Adding another layer of artistry to the evening was the stunning live portrait painting by Jesús Arrúe, who created Bowie before the audience’s eyes as the music unfolded. Stroke by stroke, colour by colour, the icon reappeared in real time — a powerful visual centrepiece that perfectly matched the spirit of reinvention Bowie embodied throughout his life. Special guest artist Juan Luis Giménez also added extra prestige to a night already bursting with talent. The Roig Arena once again proved itself as one of Valencia’s premier live venues, providing the perfect setting for an event of this scale and emotional resonance. Crisp sound, grand visuals and an atmosphere charged with affection turned the night into something unforgettable. Ten years without Bowie? Perhaps in years, yes. But in spirit, in influence and in song, he was vividly alive in Valencia. This was not just a tribute. It was a reminder that true legends never leave. Words and Photos: Rhyan Paul

If Valencia needed proof that live music is alive, loud and thriving, the answer is once again Black Note Club. One of the city’s most beloved grassroots venues has unveiled a jam-packed May concert agenda, and it’s bursting with tributes, original bands, jam sessions, funk, jazz, blues, rock and late-night party energy. Located on Carrer de Polo y Peyrolón, Black Note has been flying the flag for real live music since 1993, building a reputation as one of Valencia’s true homes of authentic gig culture. With more than 6,000 concerts hosted, the venue has become a sanctuary for musicians, fans and anyone who prefers guitars, groove and sweat over soulless playlists. And this May, they are not slowing down. The month launches in style on 1 May with a huge double-header featuring a Depeche Mode + U2 tribute by Green Covers, followed by La Banda del Pop Fiesta Remember — a one-two punch of iconic anthems and dancefloor nostalgia guaranteed to start the month at full volume. Throughout May, Black Note continues doing what it does best: giving Valencia a reason to go out every weeknight and weekend. Their famous Jam Black sessions return on multiple Wednesdays, inviting musicians and music lovers alike into one of the city’s most vibrant open-stage environments. Meanwhile Hot Jazz Jam Sessions, Blues al Black, and JAT Jazz Flamenco Jam keep the club’s improvisational heartbeat pumping. Tribute lovers are spoiled too. Fans can dive into The Cure via The Drowning Men, revisit Andrés Calamaro y Los Rodríguez with El Salmón, celebrate Fito & Fitipaldis, M-Clan, and even relive the golden eras of 80s and 90s popwith nights like Rock The 80’s and No Me Toques Los 90. But it’s not all nostalgia. Black Note’s programming also champions fresh live acts and local talent, with names like RockAddiction, Second Coming + The Chalmers, Sunset Stereo, The Great Travelin’ Band, Néstor Rausell y Los Impostores, and many more filling the calendar with original energy and variety. That’s the secret of Black Note: one night you’re knee-deep in sweaty rock riffs, the next you’re swaying to jazz, then dancing to pop classics or discovering your next favourite local band. It’s unpredictable, inclusive and gloriously real. Even online communities continue to name Black Note as one of Valencia’s top recommendations for live music and jam sessions — a sign of the loyalty the venue has earned over decades. In an age where many cities lose small venues, Black Note keeps evolving, upgrading its sound and production while staying true to the spirit that made it special in the first place. Intimate room, passionate crowds, musicianship first. So if your May calendar looks empty, Black Note has already solved that problem. From funk to flamenco jams, tributes to originals, Black Note Club is once again the beating heart of Valencia nightlife this May. For tickets and more information: Black Note Club

There’s a fine line between “moody indie rock with something to say” and “moody indie rock that disappears into its own atmosphere.” On “it,” Plasma Driver land firmly—and impressively—on the right side of that divide. From the opening seconds, the track establishes a world rather than just a sound. There’s a low-slung tension in the instrumentation—guitars that feel more coiled than loud, rhythms that pulse like a slow-burning fuse—and it immediately places you in that shadowy territory occupied by bands like Interpol and Arctic Monkeys at their most introspective. But this isn’t imitation—it’s atmosphere used with intent. What elevates “it” beyond aesthetic is its concept. The track leans hard into existential territory—purpose, meaning, the absurdity of it all—but refuses to get bogged down in self-importance. Instead, it twists those big questions into something strangely playful. There’s a narrative undercurrent running through the song that feels almost cinematic, as if you’re watching a character wander through a surreal, indifferent universe where the answers never quite arrive… and that’s the point. Vocally, there’s a detached cool that works in the song’s favour. Rather than over-selling the emotion, the delivery keeps things slightly out of reach, reinforcing that sense of cosmic distance. It’s the sound of someone observing the chaos rather than drowning in it—and that restraint gives the track its edge. The production deserves serious credit too. Everything feels deliberate: space is used as an instrument, textures are layered without overcrowding, and there’s a clarity that lets the song breathe while still maintaining its dark, immersive pull. You can hear the influence of acts like Queens of the Stone Age in the weight and groove, but again, it’s filtered through Plasma Driver’s own lens. And then there’s the visual side. The accompanying video—built around a chaotic, almost absurd race observed by a detached, god-like presence—doesn’t just complement the track, it expands it. It reinforces the central idea: life as an endless loop of motion without clear meaning, played out for an audience that may or may not care. It’s bleak… but delivered with a wink. What’s most striking about “it” is how confidently it balances all these elements. It’s philosophical without being heavy-handed, dark without being oppressive, and playful without losing its bite. That’s not an easy mix to pull off. For a band still building momentum, this feels like a statement release. Not just in terms of sound, but identity. Plasma Driver aren’t just writing songs—they’re building a world, one where existential dread and dark humour sit comfortably side by side. And if this track is anything to go by, it’s a world worth stepping into. Listen here on Spotify: "it" check out the band here: Plasma Driver

There are gig lineups… and then there are months like this—when a venue stops programming concerts and starts stacking detonations. This May, Rock City isn’t just open for business—it’s running a full-blown, sweat-soaked marathon of riffs, rebellion, and volume. Set just outside the city and long established as one of Valencia’s most important live music rooms, Rock City has built its reputation on consistency and chaos in equal measure—over 900 artists have passed through its stage, from underground heroes to international heavyweights. And this May? It flexes that legacy hard. Things kick off on May 2 with Guasones, bringing that raw, road-worn Argentine rock energy that feels like it’s been dragged through dive bars and back again. Then, barely time to breathe before May 5 detonates into full hardcore warfare: Madball, Ignite, and More Than Pain. This isn’t a concert—it’s a test of endurance. Ignite alone have spent decades carving out a global following with melodic aggression that sticks in your bones . By May 8, the Stayalive Fest returns for its second edition—a collision point for alternative scenes, underground energy, and the kind of bands that don’t ask permission. The next night, May 9, flips the mood but not the intensity. La Gripe y Tú channel the spirit of Extremoduro with a set built for singing, shouting, and losing your voice somewhere around midnight. May 16 brings the gloriously unapologetic American Rock Star Tribute Fest—a full-throttle homage to giants like Rage Against The Machine, System Of A Down and Foo Fighters. Expect familiarity turned up to eleven. Then comes a curveball: May 19 sees The Aristocrats land in the room. No vocals, no gimmicks—just jaw-dropping musicianship from players who treat genres like optional suggestions. The last weekend doubles down. May 22 hosts Iberia Sumergida, tapping into the myth and melancholy of one of Spain’s most iconic bands. And May 23 closes things out with Dulce Castigo—a night built for leather jackets, raised fists, and choruses that refuse to die. What makes this month hit harder isn’t just the names—it’s the pacing. There’s no filler. Every few days, a different corner of rock culture kicks the door in: Latin rock grit, NYHC brutality, tribute spectacle, virtuoso precision. That’s always been the trick with Rock City. No matter the night, you’re stepping into a room designed for impact—standing floor, no frills, all focus on the stage and the sound. May 2026 at Rock City isn’t a schedule—it’s a gauntlet. If you live anywhere near Valencia and claim to care about live music, this is your month to prove it. Pick a night… or don’t. Just don’t pretend you didn’t know it was happening. For tickets and more information: Rock City

Some nights you walk into a venue. Other nights you walk into a warzone that just happens to have a bar. The Molotovs’ gig at 16 Toneladas on December 2nd was the latter—the kind of night where the air crackles, the sweat runs hot, and the floor feels like it’s vibrating with the heartbeat of some feral rock ’n’ roll deity that has just woken up after a 50-year nap and decided to reclaim the throne. Valencia didn’t just witness a concert; it got detonated by a band whose very name is a health warning! This was stop number whatever on their first-ever Spanish tour, and if the rest of the country has any structural integrity left after The Molotovs pass through, it’ll be a small miracle. They hit the stage like a gang of teenage insurgents who’d swallowed the entire British rock cannon—The Who, The Jam, The Libertines—then ignited it from the inside. The crowd, a buzzing stew of locals, expats, punks, nostalgics, and people who definitely didn’t expect to be baptized by fire on a Monday-ish night, was hooked from the first chord. Because here’s the thing: The Molotovs don’t play gigs. They attack them. For the uninitiated—those who haven’t already heard the whispers or the warnings—The Molotovs are a London outfit forged out of the strange cosmic accident of way-too-young musicians playing way-too-well for anyone to feel comfortable. Frontman Matthew, all razor-wire intensity and volcanic charisma, stalks the stage with the confidence of a man who knows he’s holding the detonator. Behind him, Noah and Issey hit the drums and bass like they’re trying to pound their way through the earth’s crust. They’ve opened for The Libertines, toured the UK like fugitives with guitars, and built a reputation as the young band proving rock isn’t dead, isn’t dying, and frankly is probably more dangerous than it has been since the 1970s. From the first note, the room snapped into place—like someone flipped the “riot” switch.“Wasting My Time”,“Popstar", “Come on Now” - Tracks delivered like uppercuts, hooks swung like bricks through windows. Mathew Cartlidge snarled into the mic like he was summoning the ghost of Joe Strummer and handing him a can of gasoline. Issey Cartlidge's bass rattled the ribcages of everyone within a 10-meter radius. Noah Riley's drumming was less “keeping time” and more “starting a street revolution.” Guitars buzzed. The amps growled. People danced like they were trying to exorcise their rent payments. Someone lost a shoe. Someone else found God. Someone else spilled half a beer but refused to break eye contact with the stage. It was that kind of night—unhinged, alive, sacred. The Molotovs didn’t leave Valencia with survivors—they left with believers. And just in time too, because the band dropped the final grenade of the night: Their first full-length album is coming in January 2026! If what they unleashed at 16 Toneladas is any indication, this debut is going to be the kind of record that doesn’t just enter the scene—it sets the scene on fire. A blast of post-punk grit, rock ’n’ roll swagger, high-octane youth energy, and unapologetic British attitude ready to tear into the new year like a pack of wolves. You could smell it in the sweat-soaked air: this was one of those shows people brag about in the future.“Yeah, I saw The Molotovs at 16 Toneladas before they blew up.”“They nearly took the roof off.”“My ears still ring when I think about it.” This wasn’t nostalgia.This wasn’t revivalism.This wasn’t throwback rock.This was The Molotovs—raw, reckless, and rising fast. A band on the edge of ignition.A crowd willing to burn for it.And a night Valencia will be talking about long after the plaster stops falling from the ceiling. If this was their first Spanish tour, Spain better hold onto something sturdy—because they’re definitely coming back, and the next time might not leave anything standing. For more information: The Molotovs Words and photos: Rhyan Paul