ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) celebrated its 39th edition in Groningen with a staggering 333 new European acts from 33 countries showcasing their talent to around 40,000 music fans and professionals. The impact for participating artists is clear from growing their international fanbase to securing festival bookings through the European Talent Exchange. The eclectic mix of music from around Europe was truly breathtaking and Groningen provided the perfect location with numerous venues walking distance from each other scattered around the beautiful city centre. For the first evening the showcases took place in the various rooms of one building Oosterpoort. The artists enjoyed included Real Farmer (NL), Kassy (AT), Cliffords (IRE), Antony Szmierek (UK), Post Nebbia (IT), Kyoto (IT) and Get Down Services (UK). 

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A number of venues had their own vibe, for example heavy punk rock was the staple of Mutua Fides – We Hate You Please Die (FR), Daufodt (NO) – right on central square, whilst AA-theater had a more jazzy electronic vibe, with sets from Kosmonauci (PO), Smag På Dig Selv (DK). Vera is arguably Groningen’s iconic venue but at capacity of just 450 it was difficult to get into the late shows with queues down the road but music was on all evening, so the venue was visited earlier in the day to see Supersport! (IS).  

The artists play just once as part of the official ESNS programming but there are numerous free events including Plato record shop where I saw Dutch bands Real Farmer and Ciao Lucifer play. It was a fun experience to see these bands whilst peering over the racks of vinyls. The programme of free events also included some very cool venues in the city such as Warhol where Vanity Box (NL) played to a packed room. In addition, while strolling past a clothes shop, I stumbled across hip-hop artist Louis Pedro (NL) wowing a crowd. It’s these moments as well as the scheduled shows that make such festivals an absolute treat. Exploring and experiencing new music is simply thrilling.

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ESNS also hosts the Music Moves Europe Awards with winners receiving €10,000 each. The awards is the annual European Union Prize celebrating the emerging artists who represent the European sound of today and tomorrow and are designed to accelerate the international careers of upcoming European artists. The winners this year were Judeline (ES), Kingfishr (IRE), Naomi Sharon (NL), Night Tapes (ES) and UCHE YARA (AT).

ESNS provides an opportunity for networking and there are numerous panel discussions as part of the Conference section. Topics under discussion included everything from the impact of tech innovations, the art of curation, the future of European indie record labels and impact of Brexit on touring. To chat to marketing professionals for the likes of Le Guess Who? and Zeitgeist festivals was fascinating, gaining a valuable insight into how these festivals are programmed and operate.

At the end of the day it is all about the music, and if one new discovery stood out it had to be Denmark’s Smag På Dig Selv. The trio of two saxophonists and a drummer blasted onto the stage and never stopped throughout their set. In and out the crowd the exuberance was infectious. One to watch for 2025 – no question.

Congratulations ESNS on a very successful edition and roll on your 40^th anniversary in 2026. 

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