European music industry unites in Groningen as sold-out ESNS25 kicks off

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), the key exchange for emerging European music, launches its 39th edition yesterday. The annual festivals Eurosonic and Noorderslag are set to welcome thousands of passionate music fans to Groningen, the Netherlands, alongside approximately 4000 music industry professionals from 41 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America for the festivals and music conference. ESNS runs until Saturday, January 18. Tickets for the ESNS25 showcase festivals are now sold out. Very limited ESNS Delegate Passes are available at ESNS.nl - The official resale platform, in partnership with SeeTickets, ensures secure ticket transfers.

ESNS aims to uncover exceptional talent around every corner of Groningen, leading to bookings at other festivals in Europe and worldwide.

During ESNS, 333 new European acts from 33 countries will perform at over 30 official venues in the city centre of Groningen, showcasing more than 40 stages. Only the freshest European acts are invited to perform for enthusiastic fans and industry professionals, helping them advance to the stages of major music festivals across Europe.

All acts showcased at ESNS participate in the European Talent Exchange to successfully secure bookings at festivals throughout Europe and beyond. This program connects them with 130 partner festivals where they can be booked and 31 EBU radio stations for promotional opportunities.

Focus on Italy showcases the latest Italian music acts on the ESNS stage and puts them in front of an audience of industry professionals, media, and music lovers. ESNS selected sixteen emerging acts from Italy to showcase their talent at Eurosonic. The conference program will also cover various current and music-related topics from Italy.

Renowned international media outlets have recommended Daniela Pes (it, MME Awards Nominee), Sunna Margrét (is), Loverman (be, MME Awards Nominee), Kaktus Einarsson (is), Kyoto (it), and okgiorgio (it, RAI radio 2), as the standout acts for ESNS25.

Explore the music line-up

Focus on Italy at ESNS25

Recommended artists by media

With over 500 speakers participating in over 140 panel discussions, interviews, keynotes, workshops, speed meetings, and podcasts, the ESNS Conference provides a comprehensive overview of the most pressing issues, themes, and innovations in the national and international music sector. The ESNS Conference draws over 4,000 industry professionals from around the globe, linking European talent with the international music industry. This year, ESNS is welcoming more international talent agents than ever before. New opportunities for artists are just a successful showcase and a handshake away.

Notable attendees include European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, who will present the MME Public Choice Award 2025. Additionally, Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins will be present, along with representatives from nearly every influential music agency operating in Europe including organisations such as AIM, ATC Live, BBC, Beggars Group, Believe, BMG, BumaStemra, CAA, Deezer, EMMA, FKP Scorpio, FUGA, ICMP, ID&T, IFPI, IMPALA, IQ Magazine, Live Nation, MiDIA Research, Pollstar, PPL, Primavera Sound, PRS for Music, Roskilde Festival, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music, UTA, Warner Music Group, Wasserman Music, and many more.

The ESNS Conference confirms ESNS’ commitment to fostering a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive music sector where music is enjoyed by everyone, addressing topics such as diversity, inclusion, mental health, AI, the latest developments in media, and the live industry.

Keynotes at the conference this year include Alex Hardee (Wasserman Music), who will take delegates through his impressive career. Singer and songwriter Katie Melua and her manager Sumit Bothra (SB3 Artist Management) will talk about the challenges and strategies for balancing parenthood and music industry career demands and an interview with leading Dutch metal singers Anneke van Giersbergen and Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation) discussing songwriting, career development and touring outside of your own country/touring abroad.

ESNS Delegates can sign up for a variety of workshops and networking events. Additionally, there are speed meetings, including mental health sessions in English, German, French and Norwegian.

ESNS Conference programme
ESNS Conference Speaker line-up

Awards

Several awards are traditionally presented at ESNS. The winners of the Music Moves Europe Awards, the music prize of the European Union, will be revealed tomorrow night (Thursday, January 16) in a grand award ceremony at the Groningen Stadsschouwburg.

The European Festival Awards, Popprijs, IJzeren Podiumdieren, Pop Media Prijs, Popgala Noord, and Pop Stipendium are also on the program during ESNS25.

ESNS App, Live Broadcast and ESNS Extra

The latest program changes can be found in the official ESNS app. Visitors can personalise their programme by selecting their favourite artists, speakers, and conference sessions in the timetable. The official ESNS app is an essential tool for industry delegates and music fans who want to get the most out of their festival experience. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, 3FM DJs Vera Siemons and Justin Verkijk will host a live television program, Eurosonic Noorderslag 2025, from the Oosterpoort in Groningen. The ninety-minute show will feature interviews, reports, and performances by new talent from the Netherlands and Europe. It will be broadcast on NPO3 starting at 22:10 (CET).

At ESNS, not only ticket holders can enjoy the program, but there is also much to explore for non-ticket holders, including MEET@Air and ESNS Art.
ESNS Extra and free-to-access programme

About ESNS

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is an independent platform that puts European music talent in the global spotlight. ESNS offers European artists career-defining opportunities to break through and become tomorrow's headliners.

Every January, Groningen (NL) transforms into the beating heart of the European music industry when ESNS hosts its showcase festival and music conference. Only the freshest European acts are invited to perform for passionate new fans and industry pros, helping them pave the way to the stages of major European music festivals.

ESNS works year-round to promote and support emerging talent. Through initiatives such as the European Talent Exchange, ESNS is committed to fostering a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive music sector where music is enjoyed by everyone.

To celebrate the rich and diverse European pop culture, ESNS presents several prestigious awards, including the Music Moves Europe Awards, the European Festival Awards, and the Popprijs. ESNS is also involved in essential initiatives, including Yourope, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Keychange, Take a Stand, and Green Deal Circular Festivals. Together, they strive for an innovative and impactful music sector.

ESNS has an impressive track record. Many European artists played their first international show in Groningen or were discovered through ESNS by their label, talent agency, or a large summer festival. ESNS alumni include AURORA, Stromae, Christine and the Queens, Buraka Som Sistema, Fontaines D.C., Sigrid, Marina Satti & Fonés, Altin Gün, Priya Ragu, The Haunted Youth, The XX, Robyn, Tramhaus, Sam Smith, Hozier, Alyona Alyona, Viagra Boys, Zaho de Sagazan, freekind., Kaleo, Chalk, Fat Dog and many more.

Founded in 1986, ESNS will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026.

ESNS 2025 will take place from January 15-18, 2025, in Groningen, the Netherlands.