This is hands down one of the best music events in Europe. Why? Because for over two decades, C2C has been curating lineups that reads like a map of where music is going next. Before they became household names, artists like James Blake, Arca, and Blood Orange played early sets here. It’s the kind of festival that rewards curiosity and discovery and where the artist you’ve never heard of might end up blowing your mind.

In 2025, C2C Festival is already shaping up to be another unforgettable edition.

This year, as usual, fans of avant-pop, electronic and experimental music will be pleased once again. A. G. Cook returns with his hyper-pop wizardry, while Four Tet and Skee Mask bring their genre-blurring, shape-shifting club genius to the stage. Nicolas Jaar teams up with Ali Sethi for what’s bound to be a haunting, beautiful collision of sound and tradition. And yes, Blood Orange — one of the festival’s breakout alumni — is back, full circle.

The rest of the lineup is no less thrilling: experimental mainstays like John Maus, Jenny Hval, and DJrum; rising voices like Saya Gray, Nourished By Time, and Florence Sinclair; the theatrical intensity of Model/Actriz; and the lush ambient electronics of French producer Malibu.

You’ll also catch Isabella Lovestory’s explosive energy, Daniel Blumberg’s raw songwriting, and the boundary-pushing duo IOSONOUNCANE & Daniela Pes. Finally, don’t miss Ecco2k, the enigmatic YHWH Nailgun, or Titanic — Mabe Fratti and I la Católica’s new collaborative project. And there’s still more to be announced.

I guess that you got it: it’s the kind of lineup that doesn’t spoon-feed you the obvious. It challenges you, surprises you, and leaves you thinking long after the lights come up.

Through hardship to the stars

This year’s edition also carries a deeper emotional weight. C2C has announced its 2025 theme: “Per aspera ad astra” — through hardship to the stars — a tribute to the festival’s late founder and director, Sergio Ricciardone, who passed away in March. Ricciardone’s vision helped shape C2C into the singular event it is today — a space where music, art, and culture are always in motion, always reaching for something greater. Jamie xx was among those who honored his memory recently as he dedicated a touching moment to Sergio during his recent show in Milan.

🎟️ Tickets are already on sale. Hopefully we’ll catch you there.

NINA at Sala B – May 2
NINA is one of the three singer-songwriters in London’s bar italia. For over 10 years, she has also been stepping out solo with a vibe that’s murky, minimal, and kind of magnetic. Her music features drawled, theatrical vocals over skeletal beats—like early trip-hop tangled in broken post-punk wires.

E-Prime at Siroco – May 24
If you like your music introspective but still danceable, don’t miss E-Prime. This Toronto duo, formed by former members of the band Doomsquad — siblings Trevor and Jaclyn Blumas– blends ambient textures with sexy, retro beats. Their last EP, Dry Throats and Sunburns, was released on Montreal label SSURROUNDSS.

Sharp Pins at Sala B – May 27
Ready for some fuzzy, lo-fi power pop? Chicago’s Sharp Pins might be barely out of their teens, but they sound like seasoned indie rockers who grew up on 90s college radio. Their new album Radio DDR is packed with jangly guitars and punchy hooks — all delivered with an infectious DIY energy. El Sol has seen plenty of rising stars hit its stage, and Sharp Pins could be next, so catch them now before they blow up.

Cabiria at El Sótano – June 5
Cabiria’s dreamy synth-pop is like stepping into a neon-lit memory—melancholic, cinematic, and just plain addictive. Catch her at El Sótano, one of Malasaña’s coziest basement venues, if you want to hear songs from RADIO CORAL, her upcoming album, brought to life on stage.

Dehd at Sala Villanos – June 11
Dehd are bringing their reverb-soaked and theatrical garage rock all the way from Chicago, and their Madrid stop is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most cathartic gigs. Sala Villanos is gritty, loud, and perfect for the band’s raw energy. Expect sweat, singalongs, and a little heartbreak.

Kalorama Madrid – June 21
Featuring Boy Harsher, Model/Actriz, Azealia Banks & Pet Shop Boys

Yes, Pet Shop Boys and Azealia Banks are icons. But if you’re into the underground, get there early for Boy Harsher’s shadowy synths and Model/Actriz’s unhinged, industrial post-punk. Bonus: Scissor Sisters are back on stage and they’ll also perform on June 21st.

Beth Gibbons at Noches del Botánico – July 15
This one’s special. Beth Gibbons—yes, the haunting voice of Portishead—is playing a solo set in the lush gardens of Real Jardín Botánico. It’s outdoors. It’s intimate. It’ll probably ruin you emotionally in the best way possible. Don’t miss it.

Ethel Cain at Teatro Eslava – November 8
Gothic Americana meets Southern Gothic storytelling—Ethel Cain is the moment. Her show at Teatro Eslava this November will feel like a slow-burning sermon, drenched in reverb and religious imagery. If you know, you know. Unfortunately, this one sold out in a flash, so your best bet is to keep an eye on resale platforms and hope you get lucky. Her second album, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, is out in August 2025.

Destroyer at Teatro Magno – November 24
Canadian cult indie legend Dan Bejar (aka Destroyer) is set to drape the Magno club in his signature blend of poetic, off-kilter indie rock. Expect a set that swings from delicate to anthemic, all anchored by Bejar’s unmistakable half-sung, half-spoken vocals. It’s a rare chance to catch a cult favorite with decades of music under his belt in an intimate venue — soak it up.

We’ll do our best to keep this article updated with all the new gigs we’re excited about. If you want to meet up, shoot us a message on Instagram—let’s grab a beer before or after the show!