With the summer season approaching, anticipation is building for the highly awaited Bilbao BBK Live Festival. Nestled amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Kobatamendi, a serene park offering panoramic views of Bilbao, undoubtedly one of the best cities in Spain, this annual event promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
Showcasing a diverse lineup of talented artists, many of whom will already be on your radar, Bilbao BBK Live 2023 is poised to be a remarkable celebration of music, culture and artistic expression.
In this article, we shine a spotlight on five extraordinary female artists who are set to grace the stages and mesmerize audiences at this year’s festival, in order of appearance.
SAMA YAX
This talented DJ and producer fuses tribal rhythms, electronic beats, and Latin influences to create a vibrant and immersive musical experience. Her music is a joyous celebration of cultural diversity and rhythmic exploration.
Sama Yax’s infectious energy and uplifting tunes will have the crowd dancing and embracing the infectious spirit of her music. She’s a great selector and mixer who has been exploring different soundscapes and will share her secrets with us at Basoa, a stage in the middle of the forest.
You’ll be able to see her from 17:00 until 19:30 PM on the first day of the festival, July 6th, 40 minutes before the next artist of our selection. I recommend using this time to rest your legs and enjoy the epic landscape of Basoa, if you’re lucky enough, for the first time. Then look for the Nagusia stage, where our next suggestion is going to perform.
AMAIA
Amaia, en emerging star in the Spanish music scene, is undeniably one of the most anticipated acts at BBK. She is clearly the exception to the rule, although she became famous for winning a mainstream musical talent show in Spain in 2017, she is still finding her sound juggling within the fine line between popular and underground music.
Her soulful voice, wide vocal range and her intimate and captivating performances have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Effortlessly blending genres such as indie pop and folk, Amaia creates a distinct and enthralling sound that resonates with audiences from all walks of life. Prepare to be moved by her infectious melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, even if you don’t understand them.
You’ll be able to see her on the first day of the festival, at the Nagusia stage at 20:10 PM. Her concert will last an hour, and if afterwards you’re in your feelings do not worry! You’ll be able to feel even bluer with the M83 show, which starts right after her’s at San Miguel stage.
DALILA
Dalila, an up-and-coming sensation in the contemporary R&B landscape, is set to charm the audiences at BBK Bilbao with her powerful voice and message. Seamlessly blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop influences, she creates a dynamic and dazzling sound that resonates deeply.
The artist’s heartfelt lyrics and commanding stage presence ensure an unforgettable performance. Get ready to groove to her infectious tunes and feel the raw emotions conveyed through her music! You’ll be able to see her perform the second day of the festival, July 7th, from 17:00 until 19:30 PM at Basoa. Two hours after, you’ll see our next recommendation.
Quick note: during this time, I would definitely recommend grabbing a quick bite and taking a walk around the vast festival area. Thank goodness, in the Basque Country “quick bite” and “fine cuisine” are not opposite concepts. My advice as a Spaniard who fell in love with this region and its food, many years ago, I recommend trying “pintxos”, the backbone of the Basque food culture. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Basque gastronomy, you should try Txakolí, white wine, or Patxaran, a sweet spirit made from blackthorn or sloe bush berries.
RÓISÍN MURPHY
Established as an icon in the realms of electronic and dance music, Róisín is renowned for delivering electrifying performances that leave audiences spellbound. With her eclectic style and avant-garde fashion choices, she is a true force of nature on stage.
Recognized for her mesmerizing vocals and daringly experimental sounds, her music transcends genres and defies expectations. Prepare to be swept away by her captivating presence and theatrical performances, as she graces the San Miguel stage at 21:20 PM.
AVALON EMERSON
This boundary-pushing DJ and producer, Avalon Emerson, brings her unique vision to the electronic music scene. From the desert of Arizona she moved to Berlin, bringing an innovative approach to music production. As you can see in her captivating DJ sets, she is a true artist who defies conventions.
Combining elements of techno, house and experimental sounds, her performances are a transcendent journey that pushes the boundaries of traditional electronic music. Prepare to be entranced by her infectious beats and hypnotic rhythms, as she takes the stage at Bilbao BBK.
You’ll be able to see her perform at one of BBK’s most iconic stages, Basoa (forest in Basque), surrounded by trees and good vibes the last night of the festival at 1:00 AM. Okay, Röyksopp is playing at the same time in another stage, but are you seriously going to miss this because of an unfortunate overlap? Perhaps with a carefully calculated plan and a bit of a sprint, you’ll be able to catch some of both!
Well, as you’ve probably figured by now, Bilbao BBK 2023 is poised to be an extraordinary celebration of music, and these five remarkable artists represent the incredible talent on display at the festival. Hope to see you there!
Grab your tickets here: bilbaobbklive.com/es/tickets-festival
Words: Mar Rubio Boné