MAD Live!

In the wake of the success of Barcelona's BCN Live! in February 2014, it's Madrid's turn to host for the first time this urban festival organised by music giant Sony. On Halloween night, Oct 31, in the Barclaycard Arena (aka el Palacio de los Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid), The National, The Kooks, Mando Diao, The Orwells, Grises, Belako and Cycle will take to the stage before thousands of fans in one of Madrid's top music events of the year.

If you still haven't heard of headliners The National, this five-man band from the States have enjoyed thumbs-ups from critics since their eponymous debut album (2001). But it was their third album, 'Alligator' (2005), that garnered them more fans and a boost in their popularity. Along with them on the bill are Mando Diao from Sweden with their seventh studio album, 'Aelita' (2014), where they once again show off their capacity to get us dancing.

The young quintet from Illinois, The Orwells, started their career when they were all still in secondary school. They were discovered toward the end of 2011 by blogger Justin Gage, who signed them to his label Autumn Tone. Their first studio album, 'Remember When', was released in August 2012 and was an immediate hit. Home-grown indie sounds this year are brought to you buy the group Grises, who released their third LP, 'Animal' in May 2014. Their latest work confirms that they're one of the top bands to watch on the current independent scene.