Many times, we Barcelonans do not look beyond the borders of the capital. Even if there is an urban continuum that in the case of Barcelona includes at least 9 municipalities, we tend to forget that there is cultural life in the so-called peripheries. For example, it seems incredible that we so rarely cross the Riera Blanca and notice the important musical dynamism that l'Hospitalet de Llobregat has had for years, another leg of the Barcelona music scene.
For this reason, festivals like Lets are events to mark on the calendar: they serve to remember that not everything ends at Sant Jordi or in the four reference venues in the capital. The 19th edition, which starts today February 16 until March 23, also has the organization of the Sala Salamandra, which has already accumulated almost 30 years as a pillar of musical activity in the second city of Catalonia. And it arrives with a poster in which the main hallmark continues to be Spanish indie pop.
As if it were a tribute to the first edition, Iván Ferreiro (16/III) and La Cámara Roja (8/III) repeat as headliners. Both, classics of peninsular indie, were already in 2006 and seem to be subscribed to the cycle: it will be the third time for the Galician, while the Valencians will already be on their sixth. They will share the spotlight with other generation companions and also regulars at Lets, the Pamplona-based El Columpio Asesino (24/II). Along the same lines, although younger – heirs of the previous ones –, the Madrid-based Niña Polaca (23/II) stands out.
And even younger and representing the queer collective, will be the Valencian Jimena Amarillo (16/II), who will bring, for the second time at the festival, her signature song between indie and urban music, protesting and introspective at the same time. . After his celebrated debut album Como telling you, my love, this 2023 he has consolidated himself thanks to La pena no es como, in which he adds to his usual lyrics a new sonic color palette that has convinced many.
The festival always leaves a space for indie in Catalan and, on this occasion, it will be well personified by the Empordà band La Ludwig Band (17/II), who do not stop touring Catalonia with their fresh style and joking tone that has been so popular. dazzled the public. Also in the same language, a live performance by one of the most popular figures in urban music, Lildami (2/III) will stand out.
As has been happening in recent editions, Lets will have other stages in addition to the aforementioned Salamander. There they will be, recording the rich scene of venues, clubs and bars at L'Hospi, Espai Zowie, Sala River and El Pumarejo. Marcelo Criminal, Krissia, Ruïnosa and the strippers from Rahola, Ven'nus and much more (see schedule) complete the lineup.
