Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), Europe’s leading music showcase festival and conference, announces the first wave of 42 European artists, taking place 13-16 January 2027 in Groningen, the Netherlands. The selection follows a record-breaking response to the ESNS artist application, with almost 6,000 artists applying before the application closed on 1 September. The first wave features 31 European artists, nominated by 28 EBU member radio stations and representing 31 European countries in total, underscoring the unique diversity and reach of ESNS. With a brand new delegates only programme at the Oosterpoort on the first day of ESNS, the festival Eurosonic heads back to the city of Groningen.

The first ESNS selection brings together 42 artists from across Europe, covering a wide range of genres, languages and musical styles. From emerging talent to artists already making waves at home, this first wave brings some of Europe’s most exciting new music to Groningen.

The first wave includes names such as Aaron Rowe (IE), Bleech 9:3 (IE), Gildaa (FR), Gwenifer Raymond (UK-WAL), HVNDS (RO), Ida The Young (CZ), Isabel van Gelder (NL), Little Grandad (UK-ENG), MICHA (NL), Olga Myko (SE), Osayuki (BE), panicbaby (DE) and Pigeon (UK-ENG) TeddyBear (BE). They are among the artists set to bring new sounds and fresh energy to Groningen this January.

“From a record number of applications to an incredibly diverse and high-quality selection, this first wave is a great reflection of Europe’s music scene. We are delighted to make this selection together with 28 EBU radio stations from across Europe and excited to bring these artists to ESNS 2027” – Oskar Stajn, Head of Music at ESNS

The announcement follows a record-breaking artist application, with almost 6,000 artists from across Europe submitting their music for consideration. The response shows the incredible amount of new talent emerging across Europe, and why ESNS remains an important place to discover what’s next in music. The complete list of the first wave can be found further on in this press release and on our website.

On Wednesday, ESNS heads into the heart of Groningen, with several iconic and unique venues across the city becoming part of the festival. With a brand new delegate-only programme for music professionals at De Oosterpoort, the Eurosonic festival returns to the city on Wednesday. ESNS is teaming up with a range of media partners to present the best emerging acts that Europe has to offer to music lovers and professionals in Groningen. More details will be announced soon.

“We are excited to present a brand new programme on Wednesday that allows music professionals and music lovers to discover exciting music and the city of Groningen in the best way possible. In 2027, we kickstart ESNS with exclusive delegate-only showcases at De Oosterpoort. After that, pros join the festival crowd at some familiar and unfamiliar venues in the city.” – Anna van Nunen, Managing Director of ESNS

The first 42 artists for Eurosonic 2027: For the festival programme, ESNS is collaborating with 28 radio stations that are members of the EBU. The first acts for Eurosonic have been selected in collaboration with them.