Björk, Jeff Mangum, Yo La Tengo, Codeine, Neon Indian and Other Lives are the first artists announced for the two outdoor festivals that the music promoter Primavera Sound will present next year in Barcelona and Porto. The American band Guided By Voices has also confirmed its presence at the festival in Barcelona.

With the exception of Guided By Voices, these six artists will perform at San Miguel Primavera Sound, which will celebrate its twelfth edition from the 30th May until 3rd June in Barcelona, and Optimus Primavera Sound, whose first edition will take place in Porto the week after its Barcelona counterpart, from the 7th to the 10th June 2012.

Heading the list of the first batch of confirmed artists is the most universal Icelandic artist: Björk, who will present "Biophilia", her new release that includes an album, a web, an application for each of its tracks, musical instruments especially created for this project, workshops and the spectacular tour that will bring her to Barcelona and Porto. "Biophilia" explores the relationship between musical structures and natural phenomena.

When talking about cult artists of the 90s on the independent scene the one people are no doubt most eagerly waiting for is Jeff Mangum, frontman of Neutral Milk Hotel. Retired since the beginning of the last decade, this member of the collective Elephant 6 started to give occasional concerts again last year.

Both cities will also welcome one of the comebacks of the year. Pioneers of slowcore and one of the most influential bands of 90's underground, Codeine are back with their original line up (Stephen Immerwahr, John Engle, Chris Brokaw) and all their music will be reissued for the occasion. Yo La Tengo will also be there, one of the classic American indie rock bands and unconditional fans of the festival. The electronic pop of Neo Indian and the promising Other Lives complete the first list of the artists who have been confirmed for the two events.

With their most classical of line-ups, the band Ohio Guided By Voices will present in Barcelona their new record that will come out this January. It is a great honour to welcome one of the most idolized bands of Primavera's most faithful audience.

TICKETS AND SALES POINTS

The full festival ticket for San Miguel Primavera Sound in Barcelona costs 160Eur; (+booking fee), until the 30th November. The sales points are Codetickets, Atrapalo.com, Servicaixa, PayPal, Seetickets UK and the CD Drome shop. They can also be bought on our Facebook page and in through the Accommodation section of the festival website. More information about points of sale at www.primaverasound.com. 

The full festival ticket for Optimus Primavera Sound in Porto costs 75Eur; (+ booking fee), until the 31st December. The sales points are Ticketline, Ticketmaster, Seetickets UK and Paypal. They can also be bought on our Facebook page and shortly in Optimus shops. More information about points of sale at www.optimusprimaverasound.com.