For those that are not aware of Sonar , it is an annual Electronic Music festival held over three days in June in Barcelona, Spain. But Sonar is a festival with a difference. Many “alternative” festivals have caused controversy among their core fans in recent years by adding more the more mainstream artists to their line ups; fans have accused such festivals as “selling out”. Who can forget the uproar caused a few years back when Jay-Z headlined at Glastonbury?

Sonar – started in 1994 – was intended as a celebration of breakthrough , “advanced” music – and pays homage to the creativity and forward-thinking of its artists by inviting the art and technology worlds along for the ride as well; the festival showcases a selection of the most cutting-edge, up-and-coming talent in this mix of fields.

Almost 20 years later, and Sonar shows no signs of diluting. In fact, it would appear quite the opposite. In an age where Electronic Music is being pushed to new highs, and where musicians are experimenting with music to the point of creating new boundaries, Sonar is in its element. Of course, we are also in an age where “mainstream” music is reaching new heights, with shows such as X Factor and numerous other “talent” shows dominating modern charts. We’ve reached an age where it’s now – more than ever before – mainstream versus alternative. “Alternative” music lovers – whilst spoilt for choice on the one hand – are fighting to get away from all things commercial. The main indie festivals – which once used to be a reliable oasis – are now injected with (and in many cases, funded by) the more commercial acts. Step up Sonar. The advanced music festival – which prides itself on providing “the most up-to-date developments and featuring the most relevant national and international artists” – has a line-up to die for. So, if you’d not planned to move from your leather sectionals this June, you might want to rethink… Although broadcast on TV, this festival is definitely worth visiting.

Showcasing the best in new Electronic Music, the Sonar line-up for this year epitomises the breadth and depth of talent available under this wide alternative genre. What is great about Sonar is that it doesn’t feel the need to favour one or two bigger acts as “headliners” – both Deadmau5 and Lana Del Ray are confirmed acts – instead all artists, regardless of music world status, are given equal amounts of exposure through its website. This reflects the purpose of the show – it is as much about discovering and recognising new sounds as it is about celebrating those that have shaped the electronic genre and helped bring it to where it is today.

One band that is creating shock waves at the moment in the experimental Electronic Music scene is Die Antwoord. Die Antwoord is “a futuristic rap-rave crew from South Africa who represent a fresh new style called ZEF”. The band have been sole creators of this new genre, whose meaning is based on the Afrikaans word “zef”, which is kind of like a positive celebration of all things cheap (like a positive word for the English, “chav”). Die Antwoord’s zef music combines a mixture of rap, hip hop, trash and electronica, being “modern and trashy, appropriating out-of-date, discarded cultural elements”. Vocalist, Yo Landi Vi$$er, said: "It's associated with people who soup their cars up and rock gold and shit. Zef is, you're poor but you're fancy. You're poor but you're sexy, you've got style."

The fascination with retro Electronic Music has been in full swing for quite some time now. Bands like Hot Chip – who are also playing at Sonar – have been parading the 80s-inspired disco-electronica genre successfully for many years, paving the way for a whole new generation of bands to make their mark and add their own interpretation. Enter Austra, a recently-formed trio from Canada. The lesser-known band released their hit, Beat and the Pulse, back in 2010 and last year released their album, Beat and the Pulse. The band combines deep and moody synths with haunting vocals and dark disco beats, creating an addictive and easy-to-listen-to take on new wave electronica.

Also in the line-up is Canadian four-piece, Azari & III. For those that have not seen these guys live – you are missing out. As much theatre as music, Azari & III’s performances are wild, dark and highly eccentric, and inject a hedonistic energy into both their acts and their audiences. Their music – which is sinister but catchy – recalls everything that was great about old school classic house music, adding a twist that is both reflective of the modern world and uniquely individual.

The list goes on at Sonar. Other acts that have already made a huge mark in carving new directions for Electronic Music include Metronomy, Friendly Fires, James Blake and Luciano. However, the line-up – in true Sonar fashion – includes equal numbers of less well known artists, making sure that this festival is as much about discovery as it is about appreciation.

The list goes on at Sonar. Other acts that have already made a huge mark in carving new directions for Electronic Music include Metronomy, Friendly Fires, James Blake and Luciano. However, the line-up – in true Sonar fashion – includes equal numbers of less well known artists, making sure that this festival is as much about discovery as it is about appreciation.

We hope you enjoy the ride! Oh, and don’t forget to check out our Contest and Survey section. You could win $$$!