SONAR+D 2025: Artificial Intelligence, Art and the Shape of What’s Next

Sónar+D 2025 focused on artificial intelligence, the essence of art and expression and the shape of what is to come in the electronic music scene.

The talks, performances and installations felt less like a conference and more like stepping into a creative time machine. Held inside the Palais des Congrès de Vera Montjuïc, this year’s edition was centered around exploring the intersection between artificial intelligence, art and society. This was the first time in years that I had been able to attend this part of the festival, and it was a perfect way to connect with like-minded individuals and pique my curiosity before a weekend of dancing and musical immersion.

Image source: Neria Cole

The program focused on three main themes: how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative work, what the future of the creative industries might look like, and the larger cultural and societal shifts already underway. It was a space where scientists, artists, designers and thinkers shared ideas side by side throughout the Palais des Congrès.

The project area was a sprawling interactive gallery, showcasing dozens of works that ranged from the fun to the stunning. The other members of the press and I enjoyed a tour of the area, which was a highlight of my first day.

The atmosphere was more experimental than polished, but that doesn’t mean the performers and presenters weren’t at the top of their forms and fields. It felt like ideas were being tested in real time, with artists, scientists, and technologists sharing the same space and speaking the same language, at least most of the time. The talks and presentations covered a wide range of topics, but what they had in common was a curiosity about what the near future might look like and the role humans still play in shaping it.

If you work in the electronic music industry, or are even curious about the intersection between society and technology, I recommend you check out the 2026 edition of Sónar+D!

You can check out Sónar 2026 tickets here.

For my full review of the festival, focusing on the music production and events, check out the official Sónar 2025 guide here.

For the top 6 collections for 2025 releases, check out this article.