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Photo by Gisela Jane

When I first started working in the music industry, Primavera was one of those festivals people talked about with a certain level of reverence. The lineup curation is consistently unmatched, and blends global superstars with emerging artists who prove to be destined for bigger stages.

After finally experiencing it for myself, I understood the hype.

This year's edition felt especially unpredictable. A wild rainstorm disrupted opening day, forcing artists and fans alike to adapt to the chaos. Yet somehow, the weather ended up making some of the weekend's most memorable moments even more unforgettable. After three days, thousands of steps, and very little sleep, these were the performances I haven't stopped thinking about.

Geese Turned a Rainstorm Into A Defining Festival Moment

As heavy rain and high winds rolled across Barcelona, much of Primavera's opening day was thrown into uncertainty. While other performances were being delayed or cancelled, Geese delivered the kind of set that instantly became festival folklore. The New York band's controlled chaos felt perfectly suited to the conditions. 

Cameron Winter didn’t have to command the stage but had an imminent presence. The rain became a part of their show, and the band was able to turn what could have been a festival disaster into a festival memory. The band has since expressed that it was one of their favorite shows they’ve ever played. 

Addison Ate

Making her first European festival appearance, Addison stepped onto one of Primavera's biggest stages and was greeted by a crowd that felt less like general festival attendees and more like devoted fans. Everywhere I looked people were singing along, screaming every word, and falling into the world she'd created. It really felt like a community, and a safe one. 

The performance itself was, in my opinion, flawless. The entire set felt theatrical. Every movement, every visual, and every transition felt intentional. You can tell she genuinely loves performing, and that passion translated effortlessly to the audience. She looked like a pop star, and the crowd treated her like one.

If there is anyone lingering doubt about Addison’s place in pop music, go see her live.

Photo by Clara Orozco

Little Simz Commanded The Stage

There are artists who perform songs, and then there are artists who command a stage.

Little Simz belongs firmly in the second category.

I had only been introduced to her music fairly recently, but within minutes of watching her live, it felt obvious why she's built such a devoted following. There was a confidence to her performance that can't be manufactured. At a festival packed with huge productions and larger-than-life moments, her set stood out because of its authenticity. No gimmicks, no chasing trends, no over reliance on production. Little Simz is an artist who knows exactly who she is. 

Ninajirachi Led the Festival's Dance Party

Ninajirachi's 4 a.m. set was easily my favourite electronic performance of the weekend.

The crowd was packed shoulder to shoulder, the energy was unmatched, and from the moment she stepped behind the decks it felt like nobody wanted to be anywhere else. Hyperpop, dubstep, trance, and euphoric drops collided into one of the most exhilarating dance-floor experiences of the festival. The lighting was perfectly timed, the pacing of the set never dipped, and every build seemed to hit harder than the last. For an artist still early in her career, she already understands how to put on a truly memorable live show.

 I have thought about it every day since.

Photo by Eric Pamies Garcia

2hollis Is Impossible to Ignore

The rise of 2hollis has been impossible to miss online. Seeing it happen in real time on a Primavera stage was something else entirely.

Everyone was jumping. Everyone was screaming. Everyone looked like they were having the absolute best time. Watching from afar, the crowd looked less like a crowd and more like a living organism. It reminded me of the sardines from SpongeBob, just a massive sea of people packed shoulder-to-shoulder, heads bobbing in unison and bodies crashing into each other with every drop.

Primavera has a reputation for identifying what's next. Watching thousands of people lose their minds during 2hollis' set, it felt like we were witnessing one of those moments in real time. Bigger stages are coming.

The crowd at Fcukers, photo by Christian Bertrand

Fcukers F*ck

I'd seen the duo about a year ago and walked away feeling like the live show lacked energy. This time around, I completely changed my mind.

Performing as a three-piece, it felt locked in from the moment they stepped on stage. Shannon commanded the crowd effortlessly, dancing across the stage, singing with confidence, and bringing a level of charisma that instantly elevated the performance. It felt like the duo had fully grown into who they are.

The visuals were also a huge part of what made the set work. A mix of video clips, photos, and internet-inspired graphics flashed behind them throughout the show, creating a world that felt perfectly aligned with their sound. It was chaotic, nostalgic, and cool without trying too hard. Chill vibes.

Overall they did a great job at blurring the line between a live band and a DJ set. Their songs flowed seamlessly into one another, the energy never dropped, and the crowd stayed moving the entire time. It had all the euphoria of a tight club set while still feeling distinctly live.

The set was sweaty, messy, loud, and completely unforgettable.

Ashnikko Wants Her BF’s To Kiss (And We Want To Smooch Her)

Nobody commits to a world quite like Ashnikko. The crowd was relentless, and every song somehow felt bigger than the last.

Head to toe, it was one of the most complete performances I saw all weekend. Her performance balanced humour, hype, choreography, and precision in a way that only she can. Never failing to speak her mind, approachable and relatble. Her jokes and banter reminded me why her personality is such a huge part of her appeal. 

What I appreciated most, though, was that when she spoke between songs, it never felt scripted. It felt authentically her. At one point, she stopped to joke about a camera angle and whether it was pointed a little too closely at her coochie. Unfiltered and slightly chaotic, people can connect with her beyond the music.