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Entering the Primavera Sound universe, the Los Angeles leg has joined the ranks of the illustrious festival franchise. The Primavera brand needs no explanation having already cemented itself as one of the world’s leading music festivals. From its origins in Barcelona, through to a worldwide roll out, its expansion has been nothing short of amazing. Now welcoming into the fold, Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires and São Paulo have also joined the musical family.

In the fickle world of music festivals that come and go and quickly as they are bankrolled and often bankrupt, some such as Primavera Sound have become institutionalised as the premiere go-to festivals. The must-attend festival applies to artists as much as it does fans and with epic line up’s spread across multiple days, there is always something of interest no matter what your musical taste, or in this case, geographical base.

The expansion of the Primavera brand on the international market is remarkable and even more so when considering the mushrooming attendance records over the years. To sustain a festival is one thing but to broaden its horizons so as to encompasses multiple countries and cultures is something quite extraordinary. The growth of the festival and its high rates of attendance are in lockstep with the artists participating in the festival itself. Huge headliners that would be right at home in amongst the largest and most recognisable of festivals such as Glastonbury, regularly draw in crowds to the annual Primavera by the tens of thousands. As easy as it maybe for the prompters to rest on their laurels and simply have a number of acts touring on the summer circuit appear on the bill, the big names just keep coming when that announcement drops. Often giving punters the painful problem of having to choose which act to watch and which one to try and catch another time.

Held in September at the State Historic Park with in the Chinatown neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Also known as the Cornfield, the former brownfield consists of a long open space between Spring Street and the tracks of the Metro Gold Line. Its city access makes it a perfect venue location and with plenty of green space, the ideal spot to host a festival as well as to house the many peripheral aspects of the modern day festival.

For some pundits it is the additional festival activities that are as enticing as the festival itself. Completing the festival experience, having the added entertainment options such as comedy tents, gourmet food options, fairground rides and outdoor elements such as swimming, all contribute to a full and justifiable event experience. When it comes to a single, two or three-day festival, the expense can be considerable so having emptied ones pocket to afford a festival ticket, the inclusion of extra festival highlights can be the deciding factor as to whether it is worth attending or not.

Fortunately, there are alternatives if the overall cost is prohibitive. As with so many modern festivals, there is as much interest surrounding the sideshows as there is the festival itself. Primavera Los Angeles is no exception and with a string of venues around town including Zebulon, The Echo and Hollywood Forever Cemetery for those who can not attend the festival or have limited funds, the sideshows are a great option. Occasional as it may be, festival sideshows have the added bonus of impromptu guest appearances from local talent who join the headliners on stage for a random and lucky song or two.

The inaugural 2022 festival saw the likes of heavy hitters NIN, the universally loved Lorde and the U. K’s Arctic Monkeys. Each designated as the day’s headliner, ensuring that there was something for everyone no matter what your musical orientation. Big names aside, it is often to upcoming and emerging artists that can be the ones to watch and the answer to the question, where were you when? Proving the value of turning up early, maximising the full day of musical treats and catching some damn fine new talent, the openers for each day were worth setting the alarm for. Outfits like Dry Cleaning, Buscabulla, Special Interest and Amyl & The Sniffers all brought the young blood and firepower to an already hefty line-up.

It is with bated breath that we await the 2023 announcements and who will be this years main acts and new stars. Like many a festival these days, it is a local affair in as much it is a destination event. With people booking early, travelling afar and finally satisfying their festival desires after the abrupt end to festivals due to Covid, an increasing percentage of all attendees will be from abroad. Adding an extra dynamic to the festival in an already multicultural city that is L.A., having fans flying in, driving in, busing in and making their way by any means possible is a hallmark of the Primavera experience.

The success of 2022 has only increased interest from fans and musicians alike. Already there is talk of acts including Blur, Kendrick Lamar and Depeche Mode filling the three-day bonanza. Speculation is always rife until artists are locked in and bill posters are being sent to the printers but if there is one thing that is assured, it will be that the line up in 2023 will be epic and will go down in the history books as another massive year for main stay and newbie acts, all delivering solid performances to a sell-out crowd.

Awaiting the possible lineup additions, we can take a cue from our Southern Hemisphere brothers and sisters as they currently enjoy their parade of summer festivals. Those appearing at festivals such as Falls Festival, Field Day, and Laneway Festival are good indicators as to who is currently on tour and who may also appear at Primavera Los Angeles in the coming months. Why not discover more about one of the most recognisable Australian festivals and join us next time as we explore the iconic Laneway Festival.