Convenanza ’26 – By John Matthews

Magical musical musings from the mind of the marvellous John Matthews. All snaps from John’s phone. In my “Lucky 7” end-of-year roundup I noted that 2025 marked a definitive shift for Convenanza — reinvigorated by a younger, high-energy crowd and a daring roster of experimental electronic artists. This year, walking up to the spectacular Château Comtal for my 8th festival under the blazing sun of Carcassonne‘s medieval citadel, my expectations were high. The 2026 lineup promised to push boundaries even further while perfectly aligning with my own current musical tastes. The opening Thursday night party in the lush surroundings of the open air Bar A Vins, situated within the castle walls, was given over entirely to Vladimir Ivkovic, who perfectly displayed the art of the slow burn. Across 6 and a half hours he spun a hypnotic sonic journey that steadily mounted in tension, ultimately driving the packed courtyard into an absolute frenzy that hung on his every transition. Starting this…