Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), Europe’s leading music showcase festival and conference, proudly announces the first wave of 40 European artists for its landmark 40th anniversary edition, taking place 14 – 17 January 2026 in Groningen, the Netherlands. Of these, 36 acts are nominated by 32 EBU member radio stations, with Romania joining for the first time through new member Radio România Cultural. The selection represents 34 European countries in total, underscoring the unique diversity and reach of ESNS.
Europe Calling
In recent years, ESNS has highlighted individual countries as a focus, but with today’s geopolitical pressures the call for European unity has never been stronger. With its new Europe Calling manifesto, the focus shifts to a shared cultural movement. Under this theme, ESNS 2026 presents a fresh mix of Europe’s most exciting emerging artists. The first 40 confirmed artists reflect Europe’s diversity, covering a wide range of genres, languages and cultural roots, from the Arctic North to the Mediterranean and from Central Europe to the vibrant sounds of Eastern Europe. The line-up reflects the full scope of Europe’s thriving music scene.
40 artists for 40th edition
This first announcement includes standout names such as Léonie Pernet (fr, FIP Radio France), Elín Hall (is, RUV RAS2), MOIO (ie, RTE 2FM), Coca Puma (it, RAI Radio 2), Katarsis (lt, LRT Opus), Lenny Monsou and Hiqpy (nl, NPO 3FM), FIDJU KITXORA (pt, Antena 3), BIJI (se, SR P3), Nadia Kadek (gb-eng, BBC Introducing), snuggle (dk, DR P6 Beat) and Valeria Stoica (ro/md, Radio România Cultural). From groundbreaking newcomers to buzzworthy live acts making waves at home, these artists set the tone for an exciting 40th anniversary edition of ESNS. The complete list of the first 40 artists can be found further on in this press release.
40 years of ESNS: a launchpad for European talent
For four decades, ESNS has been the launchpad for Europe’s most promising artists, from Altin Gün, Dua Lipa and Fontaines D.C. to Kingfishr, Sigrid and Zaho de Sagazan. This year, the festival honours that legacy while looking into the future and creating a stage where the next generation of European talent can break through to the world.
Anna van Nunen, Managing Director of ESNS, emphasises that the 40th anniversary edition is as much about the future as it is about the past. “Celebrating forty years is not just about looking back, but about strengthening our mission for the next decades: connecting European artists with audiences and industry professionals across borders. Europe Calling symbolises a shared heartbeat, music as a unifying force in a rapidly changing world.”
Robert Meijerink, Head of Programme and Booker at ESNS, underlines the diversity of this first announcement. “These 40 artists show the incredible creativity coming from all over Europe, from intimate songwriting to cutting-edge electronics and powerful live bands. They capture the energy and innovation that make ESNS a unique meeting place for music lovers and industry professionals.”
Save the date
Join us in Groningen this January 2026 as we celebrate 40 years of groundbreaking European music and shape the next chapter together during the ESNS music showcase festival and conference. Ticket sales for ESNS26 start on September 25, so mark your calendars! Get your ESNS26 Delegate Pass now. The current prizes for Delegate Passes will raise from September 25.
The first 40 Artists for ESNS 2026:
Sodl (at, ORF FM4), Madhouse Express (cz, CR Radio Wave), Jazzbois (hu, NORADIOSTATION), Omasta (pl, NORADIOSTATION),
Ise (be, VRT Studio Brussel), Muryel (de, ARD), MOIO (ie, RTE 2FM), FIDJU KITXORA (pt, Antena 3),
Kaat Van Stralen (be, VRT Studio Brussel), Abor & Tynna (de, ARD), Elín Hall (is, RUV RAS2), Valeria Stoica (ro/md, Radio România Cultural),
Benni (be, RTBF TIPIK), snuggle (dk, DR P6 Beat), Coca Puma (it, RAI Radio 2), Turbo Trans Turisti (rs, RTS Radio Belgrade One),
Me and My Devil (bg, BNR), mariin k. (ee, ERR Radio 2), Katarsis (lt, LRT Opus), BIJI (se, SR P3),
Linda Elys (ch, SRF3), Llum (es, iCat), DasRADIAL (lu, LUERSL 100.7), Nejc Pipp & Co. (si, RTVSLO Val202),
Yoa (ch, COULEUR 3), Maustetytöt (fi, YLE X), ZeMe (lv, LATVIJAS RADIO 5), Tolstoys (sk/de, Radio_FM),
Mortòri (ch, RSI Rete3), Léonie Pernet (fr, FIP Radio France), enny Monsou (nl, NPO 3FM), Carpetman (ua, NORADIOSTATION),
Mattiu (ch, RTR), Xcellence (gr, ERT Kosmos), Hiqpy (nl, NPO 3FM), Nadia Kadek (uk england, BBC Introducing),
Della (cy, NORADIOSTATION), Ki Klop (hr, HRT HR1), the clumps (no, NRK P3), Becky Sikasa (uk scotland, BBC Introducing),
About ESNS
ESNS is Europe’s leading platform showcasing emerging European music talent. Every January, Groningen (NL) hosts the ESNS festival and conference, connecting fresh artists with fans and industry professionals.
Year-round, ESNS supports new talent through initiatives like the European Talent Exchange and presents major awards including the Music Moves Europe Awards, the European Festival Awards, and the Dutch Popprijs. It partners with key projects and alliances such as Yourope, EBU and Green Deal Circular Festivals to foster a diverse, sustainable music scene.
Since 1986, ESNS has helped launch careers of artists like AURORA, Stromae, Christine and the Queens, Fontaines D.C., Sigrid, Altin Gün, The Haunted Youth, The XX, Robyn, Tramhaus, Sam Smith, Hozier, Zaho de Sagazan, Fat Dog, Judeline, Luvcat, Boko Yout, Antony Szmierek, Kingfishr, Sylvie Kreusch and Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk