ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is back for its 2025 edition from 15th January to 18th in Groningen, the Netherlands. A cornerstone of Europe's live music scene, ESNS has long been a launching pad for breakthrough acts, offering music lovers and industry professionals a chance to catch rising stars before they become household names.
A Four-Day Celebration of Music and Industry Insight
ESNS isn't just a music festival—it's a complete immersion into Europe's music ecosystem. Over four days and nights, attendees can explore a vibrant program that includes live performances, conferences, awards ceremonies, and networking opportunities.
By Day: The Conference
The ESNS Conference is renowned for its forward-thinking discussions and insights into the music industry. With over 500 experts delivering panels, keynotes, and workshops, the topics span everything from AI and streaming to diversity, mental health, and sustainability.
This year's highlights include:
Alex Hardee (Wasserman Music), reflecting on his illustrious career managing acts like Liam Gallagher and London Grammar.
Katie Melua and her manager, Sumit Bothra, discuss balancing parenthood and music careers.
Dutch metal icons Anneke van Giersbergen and Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation) share insights into songwriting and touring globally.
The speaker lineup also features key figures from Spotify, Primavera Sound, Roskilde Festival, and BBC Introducing, among others.
By Night: The Festival
As the sun sets, Groningen transforms into a hotspot for live music, with over 300 European artists performing across 30 venues. The ESNS Festival has a reputation for spotlighting future superstars. Previous alums include Stromae, Christine and the Queens, and Fontaines D.C.
This year, ESNS shines its Focus on Italy, showcasing the nation's best-emerging talent. Acts like Bassolino, BigMama, and Post Nebbia will represent the vibrancy of Italian music.
Celebrating Excellence: Awards and Programs
Music Moves Europe Awards
On 16th January, the spotlight will turn to 15 emerging artists nominated for the prestigious Music Moves Europe Awards, including the Grand Jury Award and Public Choice Award. Past winners include Dua Lipa, Hozier, and Rosalía.
European Festival Awards
This ceremony, which takes place on 15th January, recognises the best of Europe's festivals, from major events to boutique gems.
European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP)
This initiative, marking its 20th anniversary, connects emerging European artists with festival bookers across the continent. To date, it has facilitated over 5,600 shows for artists like Sam Smith, AURORA, and Sigrid.
New Horizons: Introducing EMERGE
In a groundbreaking move, ESNS is launching EMERGE, a platform bridging Europe's music and audio-visual sectors. Backed by the European Commission, EMERGE aims to connect artists with sync opportunities in film, TV, gaming, and marketing. Its alpha launch will be unveiled during a special panel on 16th January.
Plan Your ESNS Experience
Timetable and App: Customise your schedule with the official ESNS app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
ESNS Playlist: Get to know the lineup with curated playlists featuring confirmed acts.
Tickets: Secure your spot now to be part of Europe's biggest music discovery event.
Whether you're an industry professional, an emerging artist, or a music lover, ESNS25 promises to celebrate music, innovation, and creativity. Stay tuned for updates and explore all the details on the official ESNS website.
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