ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is a non-profit organisation and independent platform dedicated to the promotion and discovery of new European and Dutch music.
Founded in 1986, ESNS hosts an annual four-day showcase festival and music conference across venues in Groningen, the Netherlands. Uncover the most enthralling emerging European (Eurosonic) and Dutch (Noorderslag) acts ranging from mainstream pop to progressive finds during the festival, which sets the stage for leading European festivals. Expand your knowledge of industry-leading topics and innovation during the conference, geared at trailblazing the music industry towards a sustainable future.
Each January, ESNS showcases 350 emerging European artists to over 40,000 visitors. The festival and conference attract over 4,000 music industry professionals, including 400 international festivals. By day, the front-running conference hosts over 150 panel discussions, interviews, keynotes and more that take on urgent subjects and the need for social change in the music industry. By night, European acts perform across 40 locations in the heart of Groningen from Wednesday to Friday, and Saturday presents upcoming Dutch artists in concert venue De Oosterpoort.
ESNS has proven essential in breaking new European acts into live music scenes throughout Europe and beyond. Launched in 1986, the showcase festival has an impressive history and proven track record of kickstarting the international careers of artists like Altin Gün, Alina Pash, Arlo Parks, Deki Alem, Dua Lipa, Fontaines D.C., girl in red, Hania Rani, The Haunted Youth, July Jones, Meduza, Priya Ragu, Pip Blom, Pongo, Queralt Lahoz, Sans Soucis, Sigrid, Trupa Trupa and Wet Leg.
Next to providing a stage for new music, ESNS supports artists by organising the talent development program ESNS Exchange. To celebrate the diversity and ambition of European and Dutch music, the festival also grants several prestigious awards, including the Music Moves Europe Award, European Festival Award and the Popprijs. Both independently and in impactful partnerships, the organisation has founded and supports numerous initiatives, including Yourope, European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Keychange, Take a Stand and Green Deal Circular Festivals. In 2019, ESNS and EBU celebrated the 20th anniversary of their partnership. EBU Eurosonic group includes over 30 radio public broadcasters who share highlighted artists from their home countries.
