Ballantine’s and COLORSxSTUDIOS joined forces for a new global partnership, built around a simple idea: to strip away the barriers between artists and fans and deliver real music experiences and moments of connection. Kicking off the partnership, Ballantine’s and COLORSxSTUDIOS held their first festival in May at TONES of Madrid. The event was designed to bring true fans and music lovers closer to artists and performances that defy genres. 

Rather than keeping attendees in a muddy field or in a massive stadium, the festival was held at Las Casa Encendida, a cultural hub in Madrid known for supporting a range of young artists. The atmosphere was intentionally intimate, feeling more like a massive block party than a traditional festival.

We could walk around, chat with other creatives and taste some bespoke cocktails Ballentines had created for the event. The programming extended beyond standard sets, weaving in fashion workshops, panel discussions, and local art, proving that the organisers were genuinely interested in engaging with Madrid’s local culture rather than just parachuting in for a few days. We learned so much about the history of flamenco, the ways in which the genre has been shaped over generations and how younger artists are blending a traditional form with genres like rock and techno. 

The second day of the festival, we headed to the venue, The Garage, which is usually a drive-in theatre, no doubt adding to the overall fun and unconventional vibes the festival wanted to promote. 

For the press, we were taken over nice and early to hang out in the bar that thankfully had a number of large fans to keep us cool. What was probably going to be a bit of a quiet afternoon after press work turned hilariously chaotic when CA7RIEL and Paco Armoros themselves came out and started serving drinks to everyone as well as signing everything from t-shirts, Pokemon cards, phone cases and someone’s chest. I have to say, their whisky and coke was not terrible. 

After refuelling with pizza, I went to see Lua de Santana’s set, in which she performed songs from her EP Ginga, including an encore of the titular track. Her performance, including full choreography, was electrifying to watch. Then came the main act.  CA7RIEL and Paco Armoros gave a raw, exciting performance with a set that felt like they were vibing with their friends. Dancing and crowdsurfing were included, and they no doubt could have performed for another hour or three. Spanish crowds are truly built differently, and the duo definitely made a fan out of me with charisma and energy on stage. 

If more festivals were as interesting as TONES of Madrid, I would definitely go to more festivals. By collaborating with local artists and immersing ourselves in the culture of the city, we were introduced to new artists, and fans felt truly considered and part of the experience. 

Review Michaela Makusha

Photography Theo Batterham

Thanks to Ballantine’s and Dawbell PR