Music Moves Europe Awards 2027 Reveal 15 Nominees Shaping Europe’S Next Musical Generation

Europe’s next generation of musical talent is stepping into the spotlight. The Music Moves Europe Awards (MME Awards) have announced their 15 nominees for 2027, bringing together emerging artists from across the continent whose work reflects the diversity and evolution of Europe’s contemporary music landscape. Revealed on November 4 during Riga Music Week, the nominations highlight a new wave of musicians developing distinctive identities across electronic music, alternative sounds, and experimental approaches to established genres.

Among this year’s nominees are French electronic duo Jersey and Dutch outfit Nusantara Beat, two acts representing different directions within Europe’s evolving musical landscape. They join artists from 13 other countries, reflecting the awards’ commitment to recognising talent beyond established commercial markets. While their musical backgrounds and creative approaches vary, the nominees share an opportunity to introduce their work to a broader international audience.

The complete list of nominees includes TeddyBear (Belgium), Ida The Young (Czech Republic), panicbaby (Germany), Ángeles Toledano (Spain), Vilma Jää (Finland), Jersey (France), DA TI (Georgia), Alkyone (Greece), Palo Canto (Hungary), MOIO (Ireland), dóttir.x (Iceland), TÄRA (Italy), Nusantara Beat (Netherlands), Petra (Slovakia), and Olga Myko (Sweden).

The winners will be revealed on January 14, 2027, at Stadsschouwburg Groningen in the Netherlands, during Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), one of Europe’s most significant showcase festivals and music industry conferences. All 15 nominees will also perform during the festival, scheduled for January 13–16, offering international delegates, promoters, and audiences an opportunity to discover their music firsthand.

Beyond the performances, the nominated artists will participate in the MME Education Programme, designed to provide practical industry knowledge and opportunities to develop professional relationships. The initiative connects emerging musicians with experienced figures from across Europe’s music ecosystem, addressing the challenges of building sustainable careers beyond their domestic markets.

Supported by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme, the Music Moves Europe Awards recognise emerging artists with the potential to develop international careers. Previous editions have highlighted musicians who subsequently established significant global audiences, including ROSALÍA, Dua Lipa, Stromae, Hozier, Christine and the Queens, Zaho de Sagazan, and Judeline.

For Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, the awards reflect the importance of supporting artistic diversity and creating opportunities for musicians to reach audiences beyond national borders.

“Europe’s music scene is constantly evolving, driven by fresh perspectives, bold ideas and artists who dare to do things differently. The MME Awards celebrate the next generation of European talent and the diversity that makes our music scene so vibrant. Through the Creative Europe programme, we are proud to support initiatives that help emerging artists reach new audiences, build international careers and make their voices heard. Congratulations to all 15 nominees!”

The initiative arrives at a time when developing an international career requires more than musical recognition alone. Access to professional networks, touring opportunities, and cross-border exposure remains central to the development of emerging artists. Through its relationship with ESNS and other European music organisations, the programme aims to provide practical support alongside the visibility generated by the awards.

Seven prizes will be presented during the January ceremony, comprising five Music Moves Europe Awards, one Grand Jury Prize, and one Public Choice Award.

Each of the five MME Award winners will receive €10,000. The Grand Jury Prize includes an additional €5,000 green touring voucher, while the Public Choice Award winner will receive €5,000 and the opportunity to record a Spotify Single at the platform’s Stockholm studio.

The winners will be selected by an international jury representing different areas of the music industry. Its members include BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing presenter Jess Iszatt, Colours of Ostrava Artistic Director Filip Košťálek, journalist Kenza Naaïmi El Fezzazi, Spotify Benelux Artist and Label Partnerships Manager Marta Belay, and Spanish artist Lia Kali, who received the Public Choice Award in 2026.

Audiences will also have a direct role in determining one of the winners. Voting for the Public Choice Award is now open through the official MME Awards platform and will remain available until midnight on December 31, 2026.

The Music Moves Europe Awards form part of a broader network of initiatives designed to strengthen Europe’s music industry. Organised by ESNS and Reeperbahn Festival, the programme works alongside organisations including Liveurope, Yourope, Live DMA, IMPALA, Digital Music Europe, ICMP, the International Music Managers Forum, European Music Exporters Exchange, and the European Music Managers Alliance.

For emerging artists, the significance of the programme extends beyond receiving an award. Performing at ESNS places them in front of an international audience of industry professionals, while the educational and networking opportunities create pathways towards future collaborations, touring arrangements, and professional development.

With the 2027 nominees now confirmed, attention turns to Groningen, where all 15 artists will have the opportunity to present their work during four days dedicated to discovering new music. The awards offer a snapshot of a European music landscape that continues to evolve through new voices, regional identities, and creative exchanges.

The Music Moves Europe Awards ceremony takes place on January 14, 2027, during ESNS in Groningen, Netherlands. Public Choice Award voting remains open until December 31, 2026.