Primavera Pro 2023 to tackle colonialism, wellbeing and Web3 as first speakers and sessions announced

Tracking trends and issues through the lens of the music industry, this years sessions and talks kick off with a conversation led by Puerto Rican artist Villano Antillano (pictured above), exploring living and working in the music industry on a Caribbean Island that lost its sovereignty long ago. Under the tutelage of the United States, Puerto Rico lives in a situation of cultural assimilation that has had an impact on the songs that are born there - yet the island is crying out to recover its Latin feminist musical and discursive heritage in order to face the present and build the future.

In a similar vein, the event will hear from other voices from across the world. Mahmood Jrere will talk on how to build a sustainable industry in the Palestinian territories and create real opportunities for local musicians. Naja Orashvili from Bassiani Club Tbilisi will explain how the biggest techno club in a Georgia survived against a backdrop of dictatorship. Ruth Daniel from In Place of War will speak on flourishing creativity in conflict zones while Wizzy from Queens Against Borders will explore the importance of creating a safe space for trans and queer refugees.

Mental health will also take centre stage as Primavera Pro look at what some pioneering labels are doing to address mental health and take better care of their artists, with Selina Webb (Universal Music UK) and Gareth Mellor (FUGA).

Cherie Hu from Water & Music will lead a special keynote on how to increase engagement with fans on Web3, and how it is revolutionising the pillars that support the industry. In addition, further insight into the different music markets will be explored by experts such as Fabiana Batistela (SIM São Paulo), Ruby-Jean McCabe (Big Sound), Diana Glusberg (Niceto Club) and Elliott Lefko (AEG).

Primavera Pro takes place from 31 May to 4 June 2023 between the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and at the Parc del Fòrum. Basic accreditation tickets are still available, which give access to all of Primavera Pro and to the three days of Primavera Sound for 360 euros plus booking fee. Find out more at primaverasound.com/en/primavera-pro.