Sparks and Jack Antonoff join speakers line-up for Primavera Pro

At the industry-focused event that runs parallel to its parent festival, Ron and Russel Mael will explore their relevance in pop music over half a century while Bleachers' Jack Antonoff will talk through his music and production career with Variety music editor Shirley Halperin.

Tracking trends and issues through the lens of the music industry, this years sessions and talks also include a conversation led by Puerto Rican artist Villano Antillano, exploring living and working in the music industry on a Caribbean Island that lost its sovereignty long ago. Under the tutelage of the United States, Puerto Rico lives in a situation of cultural assimilation that has had an impact on the songs that are born there - yet the island is crying out to recover its Latin feminist musical and discursive heritage in order to face the present and build the future.

In a similar vein, the event will hear from other voices from across the world. Mahmood Jrere will talk on how to build a sustainable industry in the Palestinian territories and create real opportunities for local musicians. Naja Orashvili from Bassiani Club Tbilisi will explain how the biggest techno club in a Georgia survived against a backdrop of dictatorship. Ruth Daniel from In Place of War will speak on flourishing creativity in conflict zones while Wizzy from Queens Against Borders will explore the importance of creating a safe space for trans and queer refugees.

Check out the line-up poster below.

Primavera Pro takes place from 31 May to 4 June 2023 between the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and at the Parc del Fòrum. Basic accreditation tickets are still available, which give access to all of Primavera Pro and to the three days of Primavera Sound for 360 euros plus booking fee. Find out more at primaverasound.com/en/primavera-pro.