Primavera Sound Porto 2026: Beyond the Mainstage

If anyone is seeking something unique on the lineup, Emmy Curl, born and raised in the mountains of Vila Real, stands out for her unique blend of Portuguese Celtic and Lusitanian roots, creating a captivating musical universe that reconnects traditional melodies with modern sounds, making her a must-see for those seeking something different.

With a career spanning 20 years (she began at age 15), Emmy is on a mission to remind Portugal that traditional music is more than just fado. She embodies this message, reviving Celtic sounds that have been overlooked in mainstream narratives. It's important to note that the Celtic people were present in the region long before Ireland and Portuguese music has deep connections to Celtic traditions, as the Lusitanian people were of Celtic origin.

During her concert at Primavera Sound, audiences can expect a hypnotic experience. It will feel like you're being sucked further into a dream world, with a blend of her raw vocals and classical guitar, alongside bursts of electronic layers and recorded choirs

Described as a "shapeshifter/sonic acrobat," she has built a reputation on unpredictability, theatricality and an energy that fluctuates between childlike exuberance and overwhelming intensity.

Her visual aesthetic draws from a hyperpop color palette and the camp traditions of 1970s and 80s performance art, inspired by figures like Klaus Nomi, Leigh Bowery and the most theatrical moments of Grace Jones. While her style is indeed maximalist, it carries a sharp irony. She doesn't take herself too seriously, but her technical prowess reflects the level of someone who has rehearsed extensively.

Gelli Haha stands at the intersection of obscure artistry and potential mainstream appeal, and she was considered one of the Breakthrough Artists of the Year in 2025. In her own words: "We've built a show that's playful, silly and alive! I can't wait for more people to join the experiment." The term "experiment" is intentional. She invites her audience not just to watch but to participate in a dynamic experience filled with dance, color, noise, and an abundance of affection.

The collaboration of Criolo, Amaro Freitas, and Dino D'Santiago exemplifies the festival's spirit of crossing borders and blending genres, inspiring admiration and anticipation in attendees.

This project originated in Lisbon during a studio session that produced the song "Esperança." Months later, the track was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Song in Portuguese. Following that success, the trio continued to collaborate, splitting their recording sessions between Rio de Janeiro, Recife, São Paulo, and Lisbon, ultimately resulting in a 12-track self-titled album.

We are eager to witness this dialogue between giants who have chosen to speak the same language. It promises to be unforgettable.

Presence. Long nails. Pulsating. Fun. Unsettling. Gay. Uncomfortably relatable at times. Industrial rock has never felt so queer. The music plays like the dark side of an essential diva-gay album - twisted, shadowy and raw in a way that resonates deeply.

Model/Actriz do not just perform; they take over. Their sophomore album, Pirouette, builds on the industrial noise of their debut, Dogsbody, trading some grit for melody while maintaining intensity. The result is a subversive rallying cry: horny, outrageous, delicate, queer and poised to tear through barriers at any moment. Dadaistic homoeroticism, hedonism, self-hypocrisy, pain and elation. All delivered without remorse.

Joey Valence and Brae are the revivalists of the 2000s, the DIY punks, and the internet-age equivalent of the Beastie Boys. They embody the kid who sat at the back of the classroom, not because he was trouble, but because he was busy drawing comics instead of taking notes.

The duo often gets labeled as the "next Beastie Boys," and while they proudly embrace that influence, they are far from a tribute act. Their lyrics provide a treasure trove for Gen Z minds, featuring references to memes, silliness, Squilliam Tentacles, Roblox, Bowser and John Cena.

Born Jeysa Ribeiro Conceição in 2000 in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Duquesa is an artist worth celebrating: musically fearless, visually intentional and politically engaged without being preachy.

Her name, Duquesa, meaning "Duchess," is a declaration of her self-worth from the start, and she has spent the last few years proving that she deserves the title.

Duquesa does not confine herself to one genre. Her sound varies between rap, R&B, house, indie rock, and Afro-diasporic rhythms. She is not a "rapper" in the traditional sense; instead, she is a vocalist who understands that genre is merely a suggestion, not a rule.

Her recent performance on Tiny Desk Brasil was groundbreaking and historic. She became the first rapper ever to perform on the Tiny Desk Brasil series and it is significant that the first rapper to take the stage was a woman. Additionally, she assembled the first all-female, majority-Black band in the series' history, featuring eight women playing vocals, keyboards, guitar, drums, trumpet, bass, backup vocals and DJ.