The Rise of Listening Bars: Barcelona | Resident Advisor x Asahi Super Dry

Published on Dec 19, 2019 Resident Advisor

Anyone ID what that is at 3:16? One pitch wheel and a few knobs on the right. Shape reminds me of an SH-101, Teisco 110f, original Novation BassStation, or Access Virus. It's clearly not any of them. MIDI controller? That's the only synth content in this one, but cool idea and cool video. Giving this one the Mystery Synths label.

"The past few years have seen a wave of listening bars opening across Europe. Taking inspiration from Japan's culture of audiophile venues, these spots put a unique twist on a long-standing tradition, creating an environment for discovering music that appeals to hi-fi obsessives and casual listeners alike.

The Rise of Listening Bars: Barcelona

"We are in a Mediterranean city—at some point people want to chat." Guille De Juan, owner of Barcelona venue Curtis, knows it's impossible to replicate a Japanese-style, no-talking-allowed listening bar in his home city. Instead, he's built a space inspired by Japan's audiophile venues but adapted to Barcelona's buzzy atmosphere.
Curtis, which opened in 2018, also takes inspiration from a source closer to home: Nica, a Barcelona audiophile venue with an impressive programme of DJs and live acts.

Barcelona isn't the only city where listening bar culture is taking root. You will find them in Stockholm, Amsterdam, Istanbul and London. (The previous film in this series told the story of London's influential Brilliant Corners.) These spots put a unique twist on a long-standing tradition, creating an environment for discovering music that appeals to hi-fi obsessives and casual listeners alike.

Produced by Resident Advisor in partnership with Asahi Super Dry Beer.

Visit the series home on RA: ra.co/listeningbars"