Entrevista Adrian Rodriguez - Concept Hotel Group

INTERVIEW ADRIÁN RODRÍGUEZ – SUEÑOS DE LIBERTAD

“WE KEEP DREAMING OF FREEDOM”

After two lost years and a pandemic which has brought the music industry to its knees, Sueños de Libertad festival celebrates its fifth edition this year, rising like a phoenix from the ashes. With headliners by Love of Lesbian and Muchachito, among many others, we are delighted to say that live music is back.

1. After a global pandemic and an unprecedented hiatus in the music industry, what challenges have you faced in resurrecting Sueños de Libertad?

Pfff, it’s been really complicated. Without thinking too much about the answer, it’s been the most difficult edition to organise. Empathy and common sense have flown out of the window and we are still in the midst of a health and emotional crisis that is leaving its mark on everything and everyone. However, nobody can take away our passion and desire.

2. Live music is always welcome on the island, but like always, there is a lack of musical projects. What do you think the reason is?

There is still a long way to go. We started doing concerts in 2011, and little by little, we have won over the island residents. However, it is a marathon, not a sprint and you have to be patient. The key is understanding people, but without institutional or brand support, the mission is almost impossible.

3. Sueños de Libertad was born in 2015, and has brought the best artists on the Spanish music scene: Leiva, Amaral, Juanito Makande, M Clan… What artist or band couldn’t come but you’d love to have performed?

Well, to be honest, Sueños de Libertad has featured artists that ten years ago were impossible to bring, but if there is one thing that hurt (a lot) it was not being able to
bring Chris Cornell for the 2018 edition. The idea was for an acoustic concert, on the Baluarte de Santa Lucia in Ibiza, for the first day of the festival, but this particular dream didn’t come true, unfortunately. I got the idea for the concert from seeing Temple of the Dog (with Chris on vocals) and Fantastic Negrito as support play live at Madison Square Garden in New York for the 25th anniversary of their self-titled album.”

4. Sueños de libertad seems almost premonitory… What’s the story behind the name?

In 2014, when I closed El Sitio after two wonderful years with artists likeCoque Malla, Juan Perro, Depedro, Xoel López, Burning and Zahara… I was very stressed and anxious (you can probably say the same for me now). I was living in Madrid at the time and while I was reading a book in a bar, in one of the paragraphs, the main character talked about dreaming of freedom (sueños de libertad). At that moment I felt the same need for freedom and to feel the magic of music again, hence the name. Right now, Sueños de Libertad fits perfectly… unfortunately, we are still dreaming about it.

5. Looking at Sueños de Libertad posters from previous years, it is noticeable that it caters for a variety of tastes. Is this a tactic to reach a wider audience or is it born of necessity?

I’ll never tire of repeating that Ibiza is the most complicated place in Spain to organise concerts or cultural events. There is still a lot to learn and understand, and that’s where we are. You only have to look back to see which world-class artists have failed on the island. You have to go little by little, with patience, studying every corner of the island and its people. Ibiza is special, for better or worse. We´ll keep going and continue to fight. Sueños de Libertad still has a lot to say, and I trust that time is on our
side.