What a festival! Transforming Madrid into a vibrant epicenter of music, art, and culture each July, the MadCool Festival has swiftly risen to prominence, boasting a diverse and huge lineup of global stars and emerging talents, all set in a sustainable, accessible venue that attracts thousands of enthusiastic festival-goers.

When summer hits Madrid with its bright days and electric nights, the city gears up for one of the coolest musical events of the year: the MadCool Festival. Since its debut in 2016, the festival has quickly established itself as one of the largest and most popular in Europe, turning the Spanish capital into a true hub of music, art, and culture for a few days in July.

The MadCool Festival was launched with the mission to bring together global stars and emerging talents in a space that blended music, art, and sustainability. And it worked! The inaugural edition, held at Caja Mágica, was a resounding success, attracting around 35,000 people per day. In 2018, the festival moved to a larger venue, the MadCool Space, to meet the growing demand.

The relocation came about through a strategic partnership with the Madrid City Council, which, along with the festival organizers, sought to create a new cultural meeting point in the city. The goal was to transform the area into a cultural hub for those who love art and music, with a focus on sustainability. The new venue not only attracted more tourists but also created new jobs.

The MadCool Space, with its 185,000 square meters, facilitated access for festival-goers thanks to its excellent transport network, promoting responsible mobility. The sixth edition of the festival took place there, spread across 8 stages and offering a diverse program to suit all musical tastes.

Excellent synthetic turf coverage, incredibly smooth, throughout the entire venue!

This year's lineup was impressive, featuring names like Janelle Monáe, Primal Scream, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Robbie Williams, Liam Gallagher, Sam Smith, The Black Keys, Queens Of The Stone Age, Sigur Rós, The 1975, Rina Sawayama, Nova Twins, and many others. Madrid experienced intense days of music and celebration, further cementing the MadCool Festival as an essential event on the European cultural calendar. We covered several performances on four main stages.

Lets meet them, by stage, who took part in the making of the super COOL atmosphere in Madrid.

Mad Cool - Stage

Sam Smith

One of the top names at the festival, Sam Smith, was scheduled for a daylight concert. The British singer and songwriter has gained worldwide recognition for his powerful and emotive voice, with his talent and vocal technique unquestionable. In 2014, Sam Smith released his debut album, "In the Lonely Hour," which was critically acclaimed and a commercial success. The album included singles like "Stay With Me" and "I'm Not the Only One," which opened the show and dominated music charts in various countries. The album earned Smith four Grammy Awards in 2015, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for "Stay With Me." Known for his vulnerable and sincere lyrics, Smith quickly became a pop and soul icon, winning fans around the world.

In the following years, Smith continued to solidify his career with successful releases and notable collaborations. His second album, "The Thrill of It All" (2017), was also a major success, featuring hits like "Too Good at Goodbyes." In 2020, he released "Love Goes," exploring new sounds and themes and showcasing artistic growth.

Beyond his musical career, Smith has been an active voice in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, coming out as non-binary and using his platform to promote acceptance and equality. With a career marked by authenticity and undeniable talent, Sam Smith remains a powerful influence in the music industry. The singer bid farewell to Madrid with 'Gloria,' also the name of his tour, including a cover of Madonna's 'Human Nature,' and concluding the concert with 'Unholy.'

Mumford & Sons

An energetic performance by Mumford & Sons, the British folk rock band formed in 2007 by Marcus Mumford (vocals, guitar, drums), Ben Lovett (keyboards, accordion), Winston Marshall (banjo, guitar), and Ted Dwane (bass), arrived during the night. The band quickly stood out in the music scene with their unique sound, characterized by prominent use of acoustic instruments and intense vocal harmonies. Their debut album, "Sigh No More" (2009), brought hits like "Little Lion Man" and "The Cave," winning over both critics and audiences and helping to popularize contemporary folk rock.

With "Babel" (2012), the band further consolidated their international success, debuting at the top of the charts in both the UK and the US, winning the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2013, and propelled by standout tracks like "I Will Wait." This period marked the peak of Mumford & Sons' popularity, with energetic festival performances and a constant media presence. Over the years, Mumford & Sons have proven to be a versatile and resilient band, maintaining a loyal fan base while continually challenging and redefining the boundaries of their music.

All the mentioned songs were part of the concert's setlist, along with "Guiding Light" and "Awake My Soul." The band is to be congratulated for a brilliant close to the day on the main stage.

City And Colour

City and Colour, the musical project of talented Canadian singer-songwriter Dallas Green, made a stellar debut on the main stage. Hailing from St. Catharines, Ontario, Green embarked on his musical journey in the mid-2000s, following his tenure as vocalist and guitarist for the post-hardcore band Alexisonfire. In 2005, he released his debut solo album under the moniker City and Colour, titled "Sometimes," showcasing a unique blend of folk, indie, and raw emotion. Since then, City and Colour has captivated listeners worldwide with its introspective lyrics, captivating melodies, and Green's powerful and emotive vocals.

The success of City and Colour lies in Green's ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with human experiences and emotions. His honest and vulnerable compositions explore universal themes such as love, loss, hope, and redemption, striking an emotional chord with audiences.

Madrid Is Life - Stage

The Offspring

First sound waves with The Offspring - what a way to premiere this stage. "Madrid is Life", not relegated to secondary status, shared the spotlight with the main stage, welcoming headliners such as Queens of the Stone Age, Puscifer, The Prodigy and The Offspring, an American punk rock band formed in 1984. The band gained mainstream success in the 1990s with their breakthrough album "Smash" (1994), which featured hits like "Come Out and Play" and "Self Esteem". Known for their catchy hooks, energetic performances, and witty lyrics, The Offspring became one of the most popular punk bands of the era. Their music often addresses social and political issues with a blend of humor and insight, resonating with audiences worldwide.

The Offspring's performance was characterized by a contagious energy combined with good humor and witty banter. As they launched into their set, the crowd erupted with enthusiasm, feeding off the band's lively presence. Amidst the pulsating music, there were moments of laughter and camaraderie as The Offspring engaged with the audience, creating an electric atmosphere that resonated throughout the venue. This fusion of high energy, buoyant spirits, and humorous interludes made The Offspring's concert an absolute experience and festival start for many in attendance.

Puscifer

Puscifer, led by Maynard James Keenan, is an experimental alternative rock band known for their theatrical and visually stunning performances. On stage, they appear in elaborate costumes, often clad in black, creating a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere. An iconic feature of Puscifer's shows is the microphones attached to the singers' chests, adding a unique visual element to their live performances.

Puscifer's sound is a blend of various musical styles, including rock, electronic, and industrial elements, creating a unique and captivating auditory experience. Their lyrics often explore complex and introspective themes, while the music is accompanied by visual elements that complement and enrich the overall spectacle. Since its formation in 2007, Puscifer has been a project in constant evolution, reflecting Keenan's creative vision and artistic experimentation, who is best known for his work with bands like Tool and A Perfect Circle. With an innovative approach and a distinctive style, Puscifer continues to captivate and intrigue audiences, remaining one of the most original and fascinating bands in the contemporary music scene.

Region Of Madrid - Stage

The 1975

The Region of Madrid stage welcomes those lining up outside to enter. Inside, it blends its canopies with the rays of the setting sun, towards which the stage is aligned. Simply genius. The 1975 is a British pop-rock band formed in 2002 in Manchester, consisting of Matty Healy (vocalist), Adam Hann (guitarist), Ross MacDonald (bassist), and George Daniel (drummer). Known for their ability to blend different musical styles including rock, pop, electronic, and funk, they gained prominence with their self-titled debut album in 2013, which spawned hits like "Sex," "Chocolate," and "Robbers." The band's eclectic sound, coupled with introspective lyrics and Healy's charismatic voice, has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

The band has the ability to turn their live performances into memorable experiences, combining music, visuals, and interaction with the audience. The band's entrance led to hysteria among the crowd, especially those at the front of the queues, already well-positioned. With albums like "I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It" and "A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships," The 1975 continue to expand their sound and influence, solidifying their position as one of the most innovative and influential bands in contemporary music.

Jacob Collier

Jacob Collier is a British prodigy musician, born in 1994 in London, known for his impressive ability to blend various musical styles, including jazz, funk, pop, and classical music. From a very young age, Jacob demonstrated exceptional musical talent, initially gaining fame for his complex arrangements and multi-instrumental performances on YouTube. His debut album, "In My Room," released in 2016, was entirely recorded in his bedroom and showcased his incredible versatility and creativity, receiving critical acclaim and winning two Grammy Awards. Throughout his career, he has launched ambitious projects like the "Djesse" album series, which explores a wide range of styles and collaborations, solidifying his position as one of the most creative and influential voices in contemporary music.

In Madrid, the energy at the "Region of Madrid" stage was intensified by Jacob Collier's unique vibes, elevating the audience to a live choir of hundreds. The artist has the ability to get the crowd to form harmonies divided into several voices. Jacob continues to impress with his capacity to engage the audience through his innovative musicality and energetic interaction.

Primal Scream

Primal Scream is a Scottish band formed in 1982 in Glasgow, known for their ability to blend different musical styles such as rock, dance, and psychedelia. Led by the charismatic vocalist Bobby Gillespie, the band rose to prominence in the late 80s and early 90s with groundbreaking albums like "Screamadelica," released in 1991, which is widely considered a milestone in alternative music. This album combined elements of rock, house music, and dub, creating a unique sound that captured the essence of the rave movement of the time.

In Madrid, on the third and final day of the festival, the energy was far from exhausted. The Glasgow vibes invigorated the audience who had chosen the "Region of Madrid" stage. Over the years, Primal Scream has continued to evolve, exploring different genres and maintaining ongoing relevance in the music scene. Albums like "XTRMNTR" and "Riot City Blues" showcase the band's versatility and ability to reinvent themselves, always retaining a loyal fan base and a legacy of artistic innovation.

Ouigo - Stage

Touché Amoré

We visited the Ouigo stage, a virtually indoor setting decorated with scattered scaffolding, where the interaction among the audience was evident and the pre-show buzz was clearly audible. The post-hardcore band Touché Amoré, formed in 2007 in Los Angeles, California, was about to take the stage. Known for their deeply personal and emotive lyrics, as well as an intense and melodic musical approach, the band quickly rose to prominence in the underground scene.

Vocalist Jeremy Bolm is recognized for his visceral delivery and raw honesty, addressing themes such as loss, internal struggle, and resilience. Their album "Stage Four," released in 2016, is particularly notable for dealing with the death of Bolm's mother, showcasing the band's ability to transform personal pain into powerful and moving art. Their latest album, "Lament", was released in 2020.

Throughout their career, Touché Amoré has released several critically acclaimed albums, solidifying themselves as an influential force in the post-hardcore genre. They are known for their intense live performances, which forge a strong and emotional connection with the audience. In addition to "Stage Four," other albums like "Is Survived By" and "Lament" highlight the band's musical and lyrical evolution, blending elements of punk, screamo, and alternative rock. Touché Amoré continues to be a significant voice in contemporary music, with a dedicated fan base and a legacy of authenticity and deep emotional expression.

MadCool was our bold endeavor, and we conclude with great emphasis on the quality of our choice. We assure you that participating in future editions will be well worth it!