Spain features heavily in the idealogical European travel dream. Good weather and great sites are two components the country has more than enough of to complete the tourist formula. For music fans though the architecture and sun is just a beautiful backdrop to a thriving live music scene.
The capital in Madrid though, doesn’t hold quite the same reverence of Barcelona, home of the world renowned Primavera festival, but as the biggest city in Spain its music scene is still vivacious and as happening as you’d expect.
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The iconic Spanish nightlife of tapas bars, cocktail bars and a plethora of jazz lounges and live music venues is just as integral to the capitals music scene as it’s Barcelona’s.
It doesn’t hurt either that venues have found both strength and protection in La Noche en Vivo (or the Live Music Venues Association). And with a wide spread of areas such as Bilbao, Tribunal, Atocha, Alonso Martínez or Moncloa there is never a sense of wanting for live music spots.
In more recent years though Malasaña has become the creative go to area of counterculture and alternative artists. But of course for those looking for their tourist fill Madrid provides for just about any style of traveller. It won’t be hard to find a flamenco venue of traditional Spanish folk (although we’ve narrowed it down to one, which you can read about below).
In fact it won’t be hard to find a record store, local acts, or an event worth checking out. Madrid has it all and then some. We’ve picked just ten of the best which you can read about below.
The Only Place To Get Your Flamenco Fix Is Cardamomo
Calle de Echegaray 15
If you’re going to experience any of the many tablaos in Madrid this venue is top of the crop when it comes to flamenco venues. Its dark interior and brick aesthetic is what you expect for this type of venue and it fits the style of the live show perfectly. From 10.30pm on weeknights the cantaor (singer) and guitar player put more passion and provide more stage presence in a flamenco performance that you’re likely to ever see in the city.
See Big International Acts All In The One Place At DCODE
For every big city there’s usually a big music festival where headline artists make yet another stop on their worldwide tours. For Madrid it’s DCODE and you need go no further than their 2014 lineup to see why. Beck, La Roux, CHVRCHES, Jake Bugg and Bombay Bicycle Club amongst others are billed. Held at The University of Madrid campus DCODE usually takes place in September every year.
Head To La Metralleta For 1€ Vinyl
Plaza de las Descalzas
Located literally underground this record store is divided into three different areas with an assortment of CDs, DVDs, records, videotapes and even “weird stuff” as they attest to themselves. Some records come as cheap as one or two Euros while you can expect the rarities to be far pricier. It’s said to be one of the first used record stores in Madrid so it’s little surprise to find a huge selection here.
Catch The Parrots Perform Live In Their Hometown
Having played SXSW in 2014 the trio are just starting to get their name out onto the international circuit. They play garage rock with a few catchy melodies thrown in for good measure (even if you can’t always understand what they’re saying all the time).
See The Best Local Bands At Café La Palma
Calle de la Palma 62
Often described as a labyrinth this multi-room venue has been the best place to catch local acts for around 19 years. That may be everything from underground bands to pop acts and DJs, but there is a distinct Spanish flavor, which puts it ahead of other venues in the city. The coffee and cocktails are worth a try too and considering it’s conveniently located in the downtown area there really isn’t an excuse to miss it.
Experience Día de la Música’s Big Stereo Party
Held over two days in June for the past 25 years Dia de la Musica has carved out its own special place in Madrid has the city’s most interesting music festival. With eclectic and interesting lineups consisting of both local and international acts they’ve never had a dull year. 2013 was headlined by The Horrors and Spiritulized.
Escridiscos Has You Sorted For Both Records And Gig Tickets
Calle Navas de Tolosa 4
Fans of indie rock, the 60s and quality customer service Disco Killers should be your first vinyl stop in Madrid. Although not restricted to any genre the aforementioned are represented better than most. The store, which is independently owned, does stock some CDs however vinyl is the main game here and the gig tickets that are available don’t have your usual extra ticketing fees like most websites do.
Rock Fans, Honky Tonk Is The Only Venue You’ll Need
Calle de Covarrubias 24
Don’t let the name dissuade you Honky Tonk is not actually the blues n roots or country venue you might think it is. A long running institution for rock fans you’ll come across fans of the genre of just about any age and with the party running until around 5.30am you’re unlikely to forget your time here.
Shop Up At Discos Killers For A Wide Range Of Vinyl
Calle Montera 28, Puerta del Sol
Having been around for over 35 years throughout a number of different locations, Discos Killers boast their own ability to get almost any order that you request. They stock just about any genre in just about any format as well. With a huge depth of experience most staff in this store have an above average knowledge of music.
Witness The Pop Punk of Juanita Y Los Feos Live
This garage punk act is female-fronted, bratty, poppy and probably one of the most entertaining live acts doing the rounds in Madrid these days. The Spanish lyrics might go over your head, but regardless of your linguistic skills their stage presence and frenetic energy is something anybody can appreciate.
