Valencia Set to Sizzle: The Cat Empire & LowDown Brass Bring the Heat to Roig Arena Valencia, 22 September 2025 — Get ready, Valencia! The brand-new Roig Arena opens its doors with a sonic blast as Australia’s genre-bending party starters, The Cat Empire, roll into town—accompanied by the electrifying horns of LowDown Brass Band. Valencia’s multi-million‑euro Roig Arena, backed by Mercadona’s Juan Roig, launches this fall as the city's premier indoor stage—boasting up to 20,000 concert capacity and jaw-dropping LED tech both inside and out. And what better way to christen it than with two bands that reimagine live music? Returning after a crowd‑roaring global tour, The Cat Empire lands in Valencia as part of their Bird in Paradise Album Tour, launching last March. Hailed for melding Latin, flamenco, Cuban grooves, ska, funk, and Aussie rock, their tenth studio album channels contemporary flamenco and tropical vibes into a festival-ready groove. Expect a live show bursting with brass, improvisation, fiery rhythms, and that unmistakable communal spirit. Opening the night: LowDown Brass Band, a Chicago-based powerhouse known for their fiery fusion of street‑corner brass with hip‑hop, reggae, soul, and high‑voltage energy. Their festival credits include Montreal Jazz Fest and Cotai Jazz Fest—this will be their debut in Valencia, primed to ignite the crowd with horn-powered swagger. For tickets and more information: Cat Empire

Villena, Spain — August in southern Spain is unforgiving. The sun hits hard, the ground bakes, and the air stands still. But for four days, 10,000 fans gathered in the Polideportivo Municipal of Villena didn’t just endure the heat—they worshipped in it. Because Leyendas del Rock 2025 wasn’t just a music festival—it was a cathedral of noise, power, and brotherhood. Now in its 19th year, Leyendas has evolved from a regional celebration of Spanish rock into a full-blown European metal institution. And this year's lineup? Nuclear. A tight, genre-spanning roster that served metal in all its forms—from blackened ritual to symphonic bombast, folk trance to classic thrash. If you weren't there, you missed a ritual. If you were, you're still sweating black eyeliner and beer. Day one detonated with W.A.S.P., marking their return to Spanish soil with an anniversary performance of their debut album in its entirety. Frontman Blackie Lawless stalked the stage like a man possessed, flanked by pyrotechnics and the kind of chainsaw glam that only 1984 could birth. “I Wanna Be Somebody” hit like a slap to the soul. By the time “L.O.V.E. Machine” came crashing down, the crowd had surrendered completely. If Thursday belonged to fire, then Friday started in a trance. Heilung, in their first-ever Spanish performance, turned the stage into a pre-Christian battlefield. Chanting in forgotten tongues, banging ritual drums, and wearing bones like armor, they offered no “hits,” only pure sonic immersion. Think Game of Thrones meets Norse prophecy. By the end of their set, you weren’t sure whether to buy a t-shirt or join a warband. That night, Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation took the stage with otherworldly grace. Gothic yet grounded, commanding yet intimate, she led a masterclass in symphonic metal. Backed by cathedral-sized choruses and walls of light, the band hit every note with cinematic precision. “Faster,” “Stand My Ground,” and “Paradise (What About Us?)” turned the crowd into a sea of raised fists and tears. It was metal with wings. Saturday night brought Powerwolf, and they didn’t come to play—they came to convert. Cloaked in their trademark vampiric priest aesthetic, the German power metal outfit roared through a thunderous closing set. “Amen & Attack,” “Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” and the church-burning closer “We Drink Your Blood” felt like spiritual warfare—with beer. The entire venue was singing. Howling. Redeemed in the church of the riff. Leyendas isn’t just about what happens on the main stage. It’s about the sweaty camaraderie of shared pits and sunburned singalongs. The fans here don’t come for TikToks. They come to feel the music—to mosh, cry, scream, and bond with strangers over Iron Maiden patches and warm Estrella. Off-stage, Villena itself becomes an extension of the festival. Acoustic sets in the Plaza Mayor. Viking battles in the side arena. Shadowed campsites, metal karaoke tents, a freaking swimming pool for daytime recovery, and food trucks slinging everything from churros to curry. You don’t just go to Leyendas. You live it. And let’s talk accessibility: From shaded zones to family-friendly areas, dedicated fan zones, and even a "ludoteca" (childcare tent), Leyendas shows that metal can be brutal and inclusive. For more information and tickets to the mighty 2026 event: Leyendas Del Rock Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain — On a balmy August night by the glittering Mediterranean, Gloria Gaynor turned the seaside town of San Pedro del Pinatar into Studio 54 under the stars. Opening the Sal de Música Festival on August 12, the 81-year-old disco legend gave a masterclass in survival, soul, and sequins, proving that age is just a number—and resilience is forever in fashion. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut Never Can Say Goodbye, Gaynor delivered a set that shimmered with both nostalgia and unshakable vitality. She didn’t just perform—she commanded, turning the stage into a pulpit of empowerment where every note felt like a declaration: I’m still here, and I still sound damn good. From the moment a tribute video chronicling her five-decade career faded into the thunderous opening chords of “I Am What I Am,” Gaynor had the audience—spanning generations—wrapped around her gold-studded mic. Backed by a tight, soulful band and flanked by dazzling visuals, she moved effortlessly between classics like “Never Can Say Goodbye” and her newer material from the gospel-influenced Testimony and the more recent Happy Tears EP. And yes, she saved the anthem for last.... When “I Will Survive” finally arrived, it wasn't just a song—it was a release. An entire crowd, thousands strong, threw arms in the air, belting every word with cathartic joy. It wasn’t disco. It was communion. But Gaynor’s set wasn’t a nostalgia act. It was alive. Her voice? Still a marvel—clear, commanding, and rich with the wear-and-tear of a life lived boldly. She danced, joked, and interacted with the crowd like she had nothing to prove but everything to give. Her rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” brought the night to a close with elegance and charm—one final sparkle in a show already glittering with highlights. For more information and tickets to the remaining concerts in this years series: Sal de Música Festival Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

Visorfest, returns to the stunning Marina Norte this September, offering a two-day journey through indie, alternative, and electronic sounds—right on the edge of the Mediterranean. Visorfest has carved out a reputation as Spain’s answer to the best European city festivals—intimate, impeccably curated, and stylish. This year’s lineup continues that tradition, blending cult favourites, groundbreaking newcomers, and iconic artists from across the indie, pop, synth, and post-punk spectrum. Fans can look forward to a carefully selected mix of shimmering synthpop, jangling guitars, post-punk grooves, and danceable electronic beats that keep the Marina moving from sundown till the early hours. Set against the backdrop of Valencia’s sleek Marina Norte, the location is as much part of the festival’s magic as the music. With the sea breeze in your hair, a sunset stage overlooking the water, and the city skyline lighting up behind you, it’s a feast for the senses. Add to that food trucks, local craft beers, designer markets, and relaxed chill-out zones, and you’ve got the ultimate late-summer escape. Visorfest isn’t just another music festival—it’s a lifestyle experience. It’s for music lovers who crave a soundtrack of timeless indie, synth, and electronica, but with the comfort of a boutique setting: no overcrowded fields, no endless queues—just great sound, beautiful surroundings, and like-minded people. For more information and tickets: Visorfest

There are music festivals—and then there’s Visor Fest. A two-day, time-warping trip that felt more like flipping through your favorite Britpop vinyls in the middle of a Spanish desert rave. And if this was its Murcia swan song, what a glorious mic drop it was. Held September 27–28, 2024, Visor Fest turned up the guitars, the eyeliner, and the nostalgia one last time in Espacio Nueva Condomina, after a late-stage venue switch that nearly derailed the whole damn thing. Organizers got booted from their regular home at La Fica less than two weeks before showtime—classic municipal red tape. Lesser fests would’ve crumbled. Visor just pivoted, turned up the amps, and blew the doors off a parking lot outside a mall. Literally. Night one hit like a 90s mixtape made by your coolest ex: The Charlatans swaggered through their set like time hadn’t touched them, while The Mission gave goths a reason to dust off their Docs. Camera Obscura soothed the crowd with dreamy melancholy, and Sad Lovers & Giants—well, they proved sadness never goes out of style. Night two? Straight-up spiritual. Kula Shaker sent sitars wailing into the stratosphere. Immaculate Fools bared their poetic teeth. dEUS melted faces and hearts in what many are still calling “gig of the year.” And Gigolo Aunts signed off their Spanish career with a set so good, some fans cried. Literally. Visor isn’t about running between stages until your calves seize up. It’s one stage, one show at a time. Every artist gets the spotlight. No filler, no overlapping sets, no FOMO. Just you, the music, and whatever local beer you’re cradling like a holy relic. Speaking of beer—Cervezas Alhambra brought the “Momentos” stage back, blending intimate acoustic sessions with craft pours and tapas so good they deserved their own encore. Add a curated food truck zone, and you’ve got a festival that doesn’t just cater to music nerds, but also to the gourmands and craft beer evangelists in the crowd. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the tour bus leaving town. After this chaotic but unforgettable edition, Visor Fest is officially packing up and moving to Valencia for 2025. Why? Frustration. Politics. A city that didn’t back the festival until it was too late. Promoters from Monkey Pro didn’t mince words: Murcia made it complicated. So they're off to the Recinto Marina Norte in Valencia, hoping for smoother sailing. Still, Murcia got one last glorious gasp. 11,000 people showed up across both nights—locals, out-of-towners, a few wandering legends. It was sweaty, nostalgic, euphoric. The kind of weekend where memories get tattooed into your skin, even if your wristband fades. Visor Fest 2024 didn’t just survive—it roared. With amps turned up and hearts wide open, Murcia got one last unforgettable weekend of indie bliss. And if it was indeed the final chapter for Visor in this city, it ended the way all great bands do: On a high. Just before the encore. Leaving you wanting more. For more information: Visorfest Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

Tavernes de la Valldigna, Spain — September 12–13, 2025 Forget your glossy mega-fests and Ibiza glitter bombs— Del Poble Fest is here to remind you that the soul of Spanish music lives in the pueblos . And this September, one of the most unassuming towns on the Valencian coast is throwing a two-day blowout that aims to reclaim the soundtrack of the people —loud, proud, and totally unapologetic. Tavernes de la Valldigna might not be on your tour radar yet, but come the second weekend of September, it becomes a stomping ground for pop-rock heavyweights, rising stars, and thousands of fans ready to sweat it out in the name of music, pride, and properly cooked paella. Del Poble Fest isn’t just another addition to the overcrowded summer calendar—it’s a declaration. A middle finger to cultural centralization. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t just belong in Madrid, Barcelona, or Benicàssim . It belongs to the barrios, the backstreets, the football pitches turned concert fields. It’s got more dirt under its nails, more cerveza in its veins, and more heart in its setlist. Let’s talk names. Melendi headlines Friday night with that gravel-dipped voice and arena-sized charisma. Say what you want about radio rock— the guy brings fire , and the crowd will be screaming along to every heartbreak and hook. He’s flanked by Pignoise , the pop-punk survivors we didn't know we missed, and Seven Crashers , who bring a lush, orchestral rework of classic anthems that’s like a prom night gone wonderfully wrong. Saturday turns up the volume even higher with Rulo y la Contrabanda — poetry in motion with a cigarette edge — and Catalan ska-punk collective Buhos , a band that turns every set into a confetti-streaked street riot. Toss in the rebellious cool of Isabel Aaiún , and the chaos-meets-comedy of Jajajers closing it all out with fireworks and audiovisual madness, and you’ve got yourself a weekend that won’t behave. The festival site itself sprawls over 25,000 square metres — two stages, immersive lighting, food markets, craft corners, and an all-out street party built for dancing 'til dawn. And yes, Gastro League is curating the food lineup, which means you can pair your mosh pit with artisan burgers or local fideuà without skipping a beat. Did we mention it’s timed to overlap with Tavernes’ annual patron saint fiestas ? That means this isn’t just a music fest—it’s a cultural takeover . The town will be thumping long after the last amp shuts off. Del Poble Fest is about more than just bands and beats. It’s about reclaiming the cultural microphone from the usual suspects. It’s about shouting “we’re still here” from the rooftops of rural Spain. It’s about bringing the spotlight back to communities that never stopped singing. And in a world where festivals are starting to feel like influencer traps with wristbands, Del Poble Fest is the real thing— dusty, loud, sweaty, and full of soul . If you’re looking for a weekend of meaning, melody, and musical mischief, Tavernes is where you need to be. Bring your boots. Bring your voice. And bring an appetite—for sound, for food, and for something real. Del Poble Fest. September 12–13. Small town. Big noise. Be there. For tickets and more information: Del Poble Fest

Countdown to Visor Fest 2025: Valencia’s Indie Renaissance Starts Now! Murcia had its moment. Now, it's Valencia’s turn to get loud.Visor Fest—Spain’s most beautifully curated time machine for alt-rock romantics is back, September 26–27, and it’s trading lemon trees for sea breezes with a brand-new home at Recinto Marina Norte. Expect two days of post-punk icons, Britpop gods, shoegaze angels, and DJs that know how to finish the night right. Visor isn’t about hype—it’s about heart. And this year? It’s about evolution. Here’s your essential countdown to the only festival where the past and present make perfect noise together. 5 Weeks Out – The Lineup Is Stacked The 2025 edition is a mixtape come to life, spanning decades of moody brilliance and guitar-fueled bliss. Expect legends, cult heroes, and bands that deserve your attention. (Teased acts to expect – if not yet announced officially): Britpop heroes reuniting for Spanish sun. Obscure post-punk bands with loyal cult followings. Surprise DJs who’ve played every club night that mattered. Translation: if you’ve ever fallen in love to a mixtape, you’ll find that sound here. 4 Weeks Out – New City, New Energy Valencia is more than just paella and palm trees. This year’s venue—Recinto Marina Norte—is an open-air dream by the sea. Think ocean breeze, cold beer, and live music echoing across the harbor. Forget the muddy mega-fests. Visor is clean, curated, and civilized—one stage, no overlaps, no FOMO. Just a perfectly paced lineup, start to finish. 3 Weeks Out – It’s Not Just Music, It’s Culture Momentos Alhambra returns, pairing stripped-back acoustic sets with craft beer tastings and chilled tapas zones. It’s the kind of festival that doesn’t just feed your ears—it feeds your soul (and your stomach). Also expect: Food trucks worth skipping dinner for Record fair & vinyl stalls Locals who know every lyric DJs spinning until your legs give out 2 Weeks Out – Tickets Are Getting Hot The move to Valencia has definitely lit a fire under ticket sales. This is the first edition outside of Murcia after a bittersweet goodbye—and fans from all over Spain (and beyond) are booking fast. Don’t wait. If you miss this one, you’ll hear about it from everyone who didn’t. 1 Week Out – The Buzz Is Real By now, social feeds will be full of Visor posters, setlist leaks, and blurry throwback photos from past editions. The vibe? Expect vintage threads, desert boots, and sunglasses worn long after dark. If you're going – bring your best music tee, your loudest singing voice, and zero expectations for sleep.If you're not going – you’re gonna regret it. There are only a few remaining tickets, so grab yours now! For more information and tickets: Visorfest

Get ready for an unforgettable autumn escape— Love to Rock 2025 is gearing up to electrify Valencia’s Marina Norte on October 10 & 11 , blending indie, pop, and rock with a side of culinary brilliance and family-friendly fun. Brace yourself for a killer mix of household names and local heroes: Lori Meyers , Fangoria , Carolina Durante , Iván Ferreiro , Zahara , Shinova , Biznaga , Vera Fauna , La Milagrosa , Los Invaders , and more will commandeer the stage—promising indie anthems, pop vibrancy, and rock bravado. Festival food? Think way better. Top Valencian chefs—including Germán Carrizo (Michelin-starred), Rakel Cernicharo , Diego Laso , Rafa Morales , Junior Franco , Roger Julian , and Ismael Cano —will whip up gourmet creations right before your eyes. Love to Rock prides itself on an intimate, curated vibe that feels personal, not just another mass festival. With immersive experiences that go beyond the stage, every detail is crafted to make you feel part of something special. Love to Rock 2025 is shaping up to be Valencia’s ultimate autumn festival cocktail : equal parts music, culinary artistry, and communal joy. Whether you're dancing under the open sky or nibbling gourmet bites by the sea, it's where memories are made. For tickets and more information: Love To Rock

Julian Shah‑Tayler’s "Honne/Tatemae" is an unapologetically visceral dive into the duality of self love and betrayal, hope and despair. Its title, rooted in Japanese ethos, stands for “true feelings” (honne) versus “public façade” (tatemae), and Shah‑Tayler throws everything at the canvas with theatrical bravado. He opens with a spoken‑word prologue—fragile and haunting—that frames the record as a cycle of creation and decay, a looped existential statement via reversed piano notes and poetic ambience. Tracks like “Malicious Intent (The Untalented Mister Ripley)” are primeval roars of betrayal, driven by seething electro‑rock, snarling vocals, and emotional cleanse by sheer volume. A friend’s betrayal becomes catharsis, complete with cameo by his own daughter urging the anger to end. In contrast, "Sufferation" is a tender-shoegaze tinged lullaby of post‑punk and dream‑pop textures, a beautiful pause amid the storms. The lush closer, “Lights Out,” featuring Bowie‑era luminaries Mike Garson (piano), David J, and Carmine Rojas, delivers cinematic electro‑epic grandeur with soul‑stirring choruses and piano interludes. It’s healing framed in sound, a resolute farewell and reaffirmation of impermanence: “we will be erased like a face drawn in sand on the edge of the sea. Across its eleven tracks, the album is meticulously sequenced—no filler, each song a distinct emotional chamber. It navigates through brutish funk‑pop anger, oblique poetic confession, and epic synth‑drenched catharsis with equal ambition. What sets "Honne/Tatemae" apart is its raw honesty paired with high‑gloss production. Shah‑Tayler doesn’t hide behind metaphors—he invites you in, even when it hurts. His sound draws frequent Bowie and Prince comparisons, but his personal specificity and emotional bravery carve its own. In short? This is Shah‑Tayler’s self‑therapy album—a cathartic, emotionally unfiltered exploration of love lost and self‑discovered. If you crave music that bruises and heals in equal measure, “Honne/Tatemae” delivers the full spectrum. Verdict: 5/5 A fearless, cinematic journey through heartbreak and regeneration. Not for the faint of heart, but deeply rewarding for those who lean in. For streaming and more information: Julian Shah‑Tayler and Bandcamp

Jason Aldean’s Full Throttle Tour  revs into Austin on Saturday, August 16, 2025,  at the Moody Center ATX , opening an unforgettable night of high‑octane country music and southern swagger. With a 7:30 PM showtime set, fans can expect doors to open earlier for pre‑show energy and crowd build‑up. Fresh off the success of his eleventh studio album, Highway Desperado  (2023)—which produced his viral No.1 hit “Try That in a Small Town”—Aldean hits the road with a setlist mixing deep country roots with modern anthems. Based on recent performances, he delivers a 22‑song chapter of his catalog, including fan favorites like “Hicktown,” “Big Green Tractor,” “Whiskey Drink,” “She’s Country,” and “My Kinda Party”. Joining the tour in Austin, special guests Nate Smith  and RaeLynn  will open the event, bringing soulful vocals and singer‑songwriter flair to the evening’s lineup. Though some listings also mention DJ Dee Jay Silver on select nights, for this date, Nate Smith and RaeLynn are confirmed. Fro ticket and more information: Jason Aldean

Mexican indie sensation Caloncho  is headed to Emo’s in Austin  on August 15th  for a night of laid-back rhythms, poetic lyrics, and genre-bending melodies as part of his "Caloncho y Daniel, Me Estás Matando" Tour . Known for his lush blend of tropical pop, reggae, and folk, Caloncho has carved a unique space in Latin alternative music. From hits like Palmar  to Brillo Mío , his music paints sun-soaked soundscapes filled with love, introspection, and nature. His warm vocals and feel-good energy make his live shows a transcendent experience, perfect for fans looking to escape into something dreamy and soul-soothing. Joining him on tour is the retro-romantic duo Daniel, Me Estás Matando , whose bolero-infused sound is as timeless as it is experimental. Their melancholic harmonies and lush arrangements  provide the perfect contrast and complement to Caloncho’s breezier style, making this tour one of the most emotionally rich pairings in Latin indie music this year. Whether you’ve been following Caloncho since Fruta Vol. II  you’ve recently discovered his mellow magic, this is a show that promises more than just music—it’s a full sensory experience. Expect heartfelt performances, immersive visuals, and a passionate crowd ready to sing every lyric. Emo’s , known for its intimate yet elec tric vibe, is the ideal venue to host this double bill of rising Mexican artistry. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets are moving fast—don’t miss your chance to see two of Latin America’s most compelling acts share the stage in Austin. For more information: Caloncho

Valencia’s indie faithful, clear your calendars: Visorfest Club returns this September 19th with a one-night explosion of dream-pop, synth-laced nostalgia, and razor-sharp post-punk energy — all under the low-slung, red-bricked ceiling of Loco Club , the city’s go-to for authentic underground vibes. The night serves as a prelude to the acclaimed Visorfest — the annual festival celebrating the finest in shoegaze, coldwave, and alternative sounds — and promises an electrifying mini-festival experience in its own right. With a curated lineup that blurs borders between retro reverence and modern edge, this is a night built for crate-diggers, analog lovers, and those who live for the hypnotic pull of reverb. For more information: Visorfest