June is already behind us. Across much of the world, that simply means summer is getting started; here in the Gulf, though, we are quite happy to have one month of it behind us. Still, June gave us plenty to remember. And in the music world, one event stood above the rest: Sónar Festival — one of the world's most influential electronic music festivals, held in Barcelona every June since 1994.

So, what makes Sónar so special? Simply put, it has never been just about the music. From the very beginning, the festival has blurred the lines between sound, technology and contemporary art.

Naturally, it all starts with the music. The line-up spans everything from house and techno to ambient, experimental, hyperpop, UK bass and avant-garde electronic sounds, bringing together both established icons and the next generation of artists.

But that is only half the story. Step away from the stages and you will find immersive installations, digital art, virtual reality, AI, music production workshops and creative coding — all just as much a part of the festival as the performances themselves.

And yes, it is a big one. Really big. Every year, Sónar welcomes more than 150,000 visitors, while its line-ups have, over the years, featured some of the most exciting names in electronic music, including Aphex Twin, Björk, Rosalía, The Chemical Brothers and Four Tet.

This playlist is our way of bringing a little of that Sónar spirit to you.

So, if making it to Barcelona this June wasn't quite on the cards, consider this your invitation to dive into the festival's world — and perhaps even start planning for next year.