Madrid is about to lose its grip. From October 2–4, the Auditorio Miguel Ríos in Rivas-Vaciamadrid will erupt into Pirata Madrid 2025 — three nights where guitars scream, basslines shake the ground, and lyrics spit fire straight into the crowd. The lineup reads like a declaration of disobedience: Pendulum turning beats into earthquakes, Toteking cutting rhymes with precision, Soziedad Alkoholika tearing down walls with pure fury, Talco blasting brass like a street parade gone feral, and the raw truth-telling of Lágrimas de Sangre, Los De Marras, and Sons of Aguirre & Scila shaking the capital awake. This isn’t about neat festival fun. Pirata Madrid is sweat, noise, and communion. It’s a protest you can dance to, a party that feels like a cause, a three-day release of everything you’ve been bottling up. Imagine tens of thousands moving as one — pogoing, shouting, arms in the air, beer in hand, voices shredding against the night sky. No velvet ropes, no corporate gloss, just the primal joy of losing yourself in sound and finding everyone else doing the same. Call it what you like, but Pirata Madrid is less a festival than a state of mind — one built on volume, urgency, and the unshakable need to feel alive together. The only rules are volume, velocity, and insanity. Bring earplugs if you want, but better yet, leave them at home and let the madness eat you alive. For more information and tickets: Pirata Madrid

Valencia, get ready. On November 7 & 8, La Rambleta transforms into the beating heart of Cridem pel Clima — the festival where music, rebellion, and climate justice collide. After 2024’s weather-wrecked cancellation, the seventh edition roars back with a lineup that screams both grit and beauty: Queralt Lahoz bringing her fiery new album 09:30 PM, Carlos Ares following up his acclaimed debut with La boca del lobo, Sandra Monfort twisting tradition into the future, garage-pop queens Tiburona, local heroes Tenda and Calivvla, the dazzling Nita Bonet, plus heavyweight selectors DJ Amable and Toxicosmos DJ. But Cridem pel Clima isn’t just about the music. It’s about shaking the city awake. All October, Valencia will host free events — talks, art, community actions — building to a weekend that’s as much manifesto as festival. This year, sustainability isn’t a buzzword, it’s the backbone: from aiming for the A Greener Future certification to weaving in accessibility and inclusion with the help of Adonar. The message is clear: music can’t save the planet alone, but it can spark the fight. Cridem pel Clima is where the party meets the protest. Tickets? A ridiculous steal — €25 for the whole weekend at www.cridempelclima.com . Last year’s passes are still valid.

Alicante’s port was a boiling cauldron on August 24th, the air thick with heat, cigarette smoke, and that restless Mediterranean charge that makes you feel like anything could happen. By the time James hit the stage at Noches de Mágicas, El Muelle was less a festival ground and more a pressure cooker ready to blow. Tim Booth slithered out like a man possessed, barefoot and sharp-eyed, arms twitching as if the music was pulling strings only he could feel. He looked less like a frontman and more like a spiritual agitator, pushing the crowd into places they didn’t know they could go. When they launched into “Zero”, it wasn’t an opener, it was a dare. From there, James gave no quarter. “Ring the Bells” hit like a street riot, guitars snarling while Andy Diagram’s trumpet screamed over the top like some kind of alarm. The audience—locals, expats, festival junkies—lost their collective mind, bodies pressed together in the heavy heat, strangers howling lyrics into each other’s faces. This wasn’t some slick nostalgia show. Sure, “Sit Down” arrived like a tidal wave, but it felt dangerous, like the whole place might crack open if one more person threw their arms in the air. And when “Sometimes” came, it was absolute bedlam—the band dropped out, and the entire port turned into one wild, drunken, glorious choir. Booth just stood there, wide-eyed and sweating, letting Alicante sing his song back at him like it belonged to the streets. The new songs cut deep too—“All the Colours of You” snarled with relevance, a reminder that James are still writing like the world’s on fire because, well, it is. By the end, as fireworks popped above the marina and the sea breeze finally rolled in, the whole night felt less like a gig and more like a fever dream—sweaty, raw, euphoric, and just on the edge of chaos. James didn’t just play Alicante. They owned it, bled into it, and left it gasping for more. A gritty, soul-shaking triumph from a band that refuses to age gracefully—and thank God for that. Check out the bands website for more: James

Get ready to crank up the volume: Benito Kamelas roll into Rafelbunyol on Thursday, September 4 , for a cathartic rock-punk meltdown under the Valencian sky. Fresh from a blistering tour marked by venues across Teruel, Zaragoza, A Coruña and beyond, the veterans of raw, visceral Spanish rock bring their Justicia Poética vibes straight to the heart of local fiestas. Their 20-year legacy—anchored by classics like “He decidido,” “Loko,” and “Aquellas cosas que solíamos hacer”—has set packed dancefloors ablaze year after year. The date is no random stop—it coincides with Rafelbunyol’s festival circuit, landing the band square in the spotlight of a community ready to erupt in song, sweat, and emotion. Expect a set that crosses every threshold: sing-alongs turned anthems, riffs that rattle the soul, and a communal vibe that obliterates “festival” clichés. Benito Kamelas don’t just perform—they unify, whether it’s a crowd of fervent fans or anyone drawn by the pull of electric, unapologetic rock. For more information: Benito Kamelas

If your Friday night plans don’t include a trip to the Gramercy Theatre, you might want to reconsider. Fly By Midnight, the genre-bending duo known for weaving cinematic synth textures with rock-driven punch, hits the stage alongside the electrifying singer-songwriter Laur Elle. Think of it as a collision of storytelling and sonic firepower—a night where gritty guitars meet sleek, modern pop sensibilities. Fly By Midnight has been quietly perfecting the art of the anthemic hook, their songs laced with late-night cityscape energy, while Laur Elle’s emotive vocals promise to turn every verse into a confessional moment you can feel in your chest. It’s the kind of show where lights, sound, and sheer energy converge into one unforgettable city-night soundtrack. For fans chasing fresh sounds that live somewhere between alt-rock swagger and pop sophistication, this is your Friday ticket. Pack your curiosity and leave your phone in your pocket long enough to get lost in the groove—this is music meant to hit you in real time, not through a screen. For more information and tickets: Fly By Midnight

On August 19th, the Danforth Music Hall filled with excitement as Jesse & Joy brought their 2025 El Despecho tour to Toronto. The Huerta siblings, coming all the way from Mexico, stepped onto the stage with nothing more than two guitars and their voices - and that was more than enough. From the very first notes, the crowd, made up largely of the city’s Hispanic community, sang along with every word, turning the concert into a warm, collective celebration. Outside, the rain was falling steadily - the kind of weather that felt made for despecho. It added to the intimacy of the evening, as if the city itself was leaning into the mood of heartbreak, nostalgia, and comfort. It wasn’t Jesse & Joy's first time here. The duo last played the Danforth back in 2023 with their Clichés tour, but this time around, the atmosphere felt even more personal. Stripped down to an acoustic set, their harmonies blended beautifully with their voices in the room, creating moments that felt almost like a giant family sing-along. For anyone unfamiliar with their story, Jesse & Joy grew up in Mexico City as the children of a pastor. Music was always close by - Joy started singing in church while Jesse experimented with instruments and production. By their teenage years, they were writing songs together, and in 2005 they released their first single, “Espacio Sideral”. It quickly became a hit, paving the way for their debut album, Esta Es Mi Vida, in 2006. That record earned them the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist in 2007. Their international breakthrough came a few years later with ¿Con Quién Se Queda el Perro? (2011), which included the mega-hit “Corre” and brought home multiple Latin Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Toronto fans welcome them back with open arms, and the duo responded with a setlist that balanced nostalgia and joy. They kicked things off with “Espacio Sideral” and “Tanto” before leaning into the songs that best capture the spirit of despecho. In Spanish, despecho is a word that mixes heartbreak with a touch of spite or lingering resentment - the kind of love songs that make you cry, laugh, and heal all at once. And if anyone knows how to turn a heartache into music, it’s Jesse & Joy. Joy even poked fun at the idea that they must have terrible luck in love, given how many of their songs are rooted in heartbreak. But later in the night, the siblings opened up about their spouses, offering glimpses into the real relationships that fuel their songwriting. It reminded everyone that their music isn't just about sadness - it’s about resilience, connection, and the stories that shape us. One of the most touching examples of their songwriting process is “Llorar” ( “To Cry”), which actually began with Jesse’s daughter Hanna. As the story goes, she kept repeating the word llorar in a simple, innocent melody, sparking the idea for what would later become one of their most powerful ballads. Crafted alongside Joy and songwriter Mario Domm, the song grew into the anthem fans know today. We can’t leave out how warm these siblings are. The way they spoke to the crowd was gentle and playful, with just the right amount of humour. Joy laughed about falling to put on her fake eyelashes, while Jesse teased about his own failed attempt at hair extensions. Their stage presence felt cozy, almost like being invited into their living room. Joy’s constant cup of tea added to the vibe - the steam rising from the mug on the table behind her only deepened that sense of intimacy. With the rain outside and the warmth inside, it felt like Toronto’s Hispanic community had been invited in for a heartfelt sing-along. Fans kept shouting their love throughout the night, and Jesse & Joy never missed a chance to shout their love right back. At one point, a stuffed animal even flew across the crowd and landed at Joy’s feet, adding to the warmth and spontaneity of the evening. As the setlist neared its end, anticipation built for one of their most beloved ballads, “Dueles” (“You Hurt” / “You Ache”), a fan favourite with over 734 million streams on Spotify. For most of the concert, Jesse & Joy set their guitars, singing with ease. But when “Dueles” began, they stood up, and the crowd roared the lyrics so passionately it felt like the heartbreak itself was spilling out into the streets outside the Danforth. To close the night, they lifted the mood with the upbeat “3 A.M.” - a cheerful, energetic send-off that left everyone smiling and satisfied. As fans stepped out into the rainy Toronto night, there was no doubt they had just experienced something more than a concert. Jesse & Joy had given them an acoustic evening full of heart, humor, and despecho. Words and photos: Laura Agudelo

Gandia, August 2025. At the sultry intersection of sea breeze and sonic buzz, the Mediterranean's most magnetic gathering of indie and pop took root. The sixth edition of the Festival Mediterránea , staged in the verdant Parc Ausiàs March, turned Gandia into a vibrant stage—an eclectic celebration of music, culture, and communal joy. Thursday night soared with La La Love You, Siloé, Íñigo Quintero, Innmir, and Alberttinny—setting the tone with upbeat indie flair and electric youthfulness. Friday delivered a genre-spanning cascade: Dani Fernández, Fangoria, Carlos Sadness, Alcalá Norte, Sandra Monfort, Ale Acosta, Besmaya, and more, gathering the emotional weight of pop with avant-garde edge. Saturday crescendoed with Mikel Izal—solo and introspective—alongside Shinova’s grandeur, Crystal Fighters’ euphoric world-pop, Elyella’s DJ set, and a constellation of emerging artists including Joven Dolores, Esther, Hoonine, María de Juan, Malmö 040, and Merino. Gandia in August means heat, beaches, and the scent of sangria in the air. Between set changes, concert-goers meandered to the shoreline or sampled local delicacies, weaving a tapestry of laid-back festivity and live-wire energy. The breezy amphitheater of Parc Ausiàs March—shadowed and sunlit in turn—turned every guitar strum and vocal flourish into an heirloom moment. In short, Mediterránea Festival 2025 wasn’t just another summer gig. It was a sonic love letter to the Med , a living amphitheater where sound, scene, and sun coalesced into something more—a signature experience for fans and a cultural linchpin for the city. for more information on the 2026 edition: Mediterranea Festival

Welcome back, it’s been just over a year since you were last here and that night you certainly made your mark on Valencia! How is the tour going so far? It’s going great, it’s been really fun! The festivals have been great to play to new people and then to come back to see friends and fans that we made last year, a lot of them came back, so this is a first-time touring that we have seen that where you start to build relationships with fans and they become your friends in some cases. It’s been really worthwhile. Whenever we check your socials, you seem to be touring almost non-stop. Am I right in thinking straight after this European tour you have another American tour coming up? Yes - we fly back on the 31 st and we have a show in the USA on the 1 st ! Is that the jetlag tour? LOL – YES! How do you find the energy to keep touring? Last time we spoke you told me that running is your big thing to keep fit and you really focus on the music, but where does that energy come from? I think it’s when you stop. When you have time to think, because if you have time to think about it you just cannot do it. So, I have this kind of reverse self-realization - where I don’t think about it. I mean, I really enjoy it and you take the down time when it comes, but everything becomes very compartmentalized. So, if I have an hour free, then take that hour as it comes and enjoy the downtime. So it’s not just a case of “Oh we are going to be on tour for two months” and then freaking out – if you are fine in the moment then it’s just that. I break things down into chunks, by the hour” because otherwise you are going to freak out! This is your first time playing in 16 Toneladas, are you looking forward to tonight? Hell yeah! Because last year was so much fun, the crowd was amazing - I wanted to and made sure to return to Valencia. Those are connections you look for, the ones that mean something. So , you are going back to the States on the 31 st , USA tour starts on the 1 st – when are you going back in the studio. I’ve been working in the studio this year and I have recorded songs, and I am working on it. Because I have been touring so much, in a way I feel it’s good to get back in the studio because you have a natural impulse to record and after touring, I always want to get back in ad record new material. So, to answer that, I guess in the fall I will be back recording. So, a new album in 2026? Of course! Yeah, absolutely. I have a question about your music videos – where do you get the inspiration for your videos? They are so Kitch and cool, totally over the top and very funny. Do you storyboard them yourself, do you have an art director ? For me, every song is a miniature screenplay and that’s just the way my brain thinks and I like to create a world from a song. A visual component to a song is the ultimate final expression, so you get to bring the most surreal or literal meaning of the song to life. I think that’s what makes being a musical in the modern age just amazing. You can create this complete creative thought, with the visual and mood of the song. Unfortunately, my brain thinks that way, you would think it’s a good thing but sometimes it’s hard to shut it off. So, it’s a fun experiment and I love it – I mean, I grew up in the heyday of 90’s music videos with the crazy budgets and I love very artistic film directors, I love fashion, so it couldn’t be a better medium for me.   This was 5 minutes with Kate and its now 5 minutes and 35 seconds! Dammit! We always go over! So, I also ask this – do you have a message for the fans? I know last year we touched on pizza toppings. So, this year’s message? Oh gosh, I cannot remember what I said last year, pizza always , but I would have to say “always follow your heart!” Want to know more? Check out: Kate Clover

By the time we hit Villena the heat was already an enemy. A dirty, suffocating wall of sun pressing down on the mountains, frying brains and burning throats. The streets throbbed with pilgrims in neon shorts and patched denim, all of them lurching toward the gates of Rabolagartija Festival like it was the last party before Armageddon. And maybe it was. Inside, it was chaos. The air thick with beer foam, herbs, and the kind of anarchic joy you only find when ska horns start cutting through the night and three thousand lunatics decide to jump in unison. El Drogas headlined Friday detonating into a pure sugar-rush madness, the kind of thing that makes you believe in community even when your boots are sinking in spilled cerveza. By the time Raiz took to the stage on Saturday, the place had become a dangerous carnival of rage and laughter, pogoing bodies hurling themselves at each other in some mad ritual sacrifice to the gods of rebellion. Somewhere around 3 a.m. I found myself lying in the dust, staring at the castle walls lit up in red, dub bass rattling my ribcage like an interrogation device. Strangers handed me warm beer, somebody draped a flag across my shoulders, and for a delirious moment I was convinced this wasn’t a festival at all but a revolutionary training camp disguised as one. The lines between performer and audience had collapsed—everybody was onstage, everybody was in the pit, everybody was in the same wild fever dream. Rabolagartija isn’t a festival. It’s Villena’s annual jailbreak. Two nights of sweat, dust, and defiance. No rules, no brakes, no apologies. And if you staggered out alive at dawn, ears ringing and heart thundering, you felt like you’d survived something more dangerous—and more necessary—than just music. For more information on what you have missed and how to get tickets for next year: Rabolagartija Words and photos: Rhyan Paul Its the bands that bring the entertainment, but its the fans who make the party happen!

The Waterboys are coming to Valencia , and the city’s in for a storm. When the announcement dropped that Mike Scott and his legendary crew would bring their soaring folk-rock alchemy to Roig Arena on 28th November 2025 , tickets vanished in a heartbeat. No surprise—this is the band that gave us - The Whole of the Moon, Fisherman’s Blues, and a back catalogue that straddles myth, poetry, and rock ’n’ roll swagger. But here’s the kicker: with November’s show completely sold out , the demand has spoken loud and clear. Fans who missed out get a second chance— a brand-new date on 5th December has just been added. Expect the arena to swell with voices chanting choruses, fiddles cutting through the air, and Scott commanding the stage like the Celtic shaman he’s always been. From ragged rock anthems to folk-drenched ballads, The Waterboys don’t just play concerts—they conjure experiences. Valencia now has two chances to witness the magic, and if history’s taught us anything, both nights will be unforgettable. Only a few tickets remain for the 5th December, grab yours now before it's too late! Information and tickets: The Waterboys

Toronto’s finest export of the moment, The Beaches, roll into Webster Hall on September 30 with the kind of momentum most bands only dream about. They’ve gone from hometown heroes to international contenders on the back of Blame My Ex — a record that turned heartbreak into one long, stadium-ready sing-along. Tracks like “Blame Brett” have already become generational anthems, equal parts snarl and sparkle. Now they’re armed with their new album, No Hard Feelings, and ready to push their sleek, guitar-driven pop-rock into even sharper territory. Expect Jordan Miller’s cutting vocals, Kylie Miller’s razor-wire riffs, Leandra Earl’s synth-laced textures, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel’s relentless drumming to turn Webster into a pressure cooker of sweat and catharsis. The Beaches are the kind of band that don’t just play a show — they claim a room. On this night, the East Village is theirs. For more information and tickets: Webster Hall

On September 6th, 2025 , the sleepy plains of Villarrobledo will once again erupt into a riot of riffs, rum, and rebellion as Pirata La Mancha drops anchor for another unforgettable night. Known for its unchained energy and eclectic lineup, this festival is no polite summer soirée—it’s a full-blown pirate invasion where rock, punk, ska, and mestizo sounds collide under the Manchegan sky. Expect sweat, guitars, and choruses screamed at the top of thousands of voices, with bands primed to tear up the stage and crowds ready to turn the fields into a sea of bouncing fists. If you’ve never lost your voice to an anthem or danced until dawn on dusty ground, Pirata La Mancha will school you in the art of beautiful chaos. Cheap beer, big hearts, and bigger sounds—the essence of Spain’s alternative scene distilled into one night of pure, unfiltered celebration. Mark it down: September 6th is not just another festival date—it’s a call to arms for every music outlaw across La Mancha and beyond. There are only a few remaining tickets - grab yours now: Pirata La Mancha