ESNS Alumni make international impact across festivals in 2025
European Talent Exchange proudly presents the final results of 2025, a year in which emerging European artists crossed borders at an exceptional pace. Throughout the year, the programme supported 352 shows by 150 artists from 29 countries, performing at 95 festivals in 31 countries. The 2025 results show a vibrant and connected European festival scene, with ESNS alumni quickly moving from their January showcases to stages across Europe and beyond. The European Talent Exchange (Exchange) platform is coordinated by ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) and co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
Eurosonic Noorderslag artists shine across Europe’s top festivals
ESNS25 artists automatically join the European Talent Exchange and are tracked by ESNS Radar, which follows their bookings at 130 partner festivals. From the first festival announcements in spring to the summer line-ups, ESNS 2025 artists featured prominently at leading partner festivals. Festivals such as Sziget (Hungary), Lowlands (Netherlands), Rock Werchter (Belgium), Colours of Ostrava (Czechia), Maifeld Derby (Germany), Pukkelpop (Belgium), Ypsigrock (Italy), and Winterthurer Musikfestwochen (Switzerland) demonstrated strong support for fresh European talent.
These festivals, along with dozens more across Europe, put ESNS artists at the heart of their 2025 line-ups, highlighting how the Exchange programme propels emerging talent onto the big stages in real time.
Artists shaping the sound of 2025
Here’s a closer look at Europe’s rising stars in 2025, with artists from across the continent making their mark at major festivals after playing at ESNS:
-Luvcat (England) toured extensively in 2025, appearing at festivals including Lowlands (NL), Pukkelpop (BE), Rock en Seine (FR), Sziget (HU), Way Out West (SE), Montreux Jazz Festival (CH), Mad Cool Festival (ES), and Reeperbahn Festival (DE).
-Cliffords (Ireland) performed at a number of major events held throughout the UK and Europe, including Glastonbury (GB-ENG), TRNSMT (GB-SCT), Rock Werchter (BE), Haldern Pop (DE), and Best Kept Secret (NL).
-Sylvie Kreusch (Belgium) was embraced by festivals such as Les Eurockéennes De Belfort (FR), Ypsigrock (IT), Electric Castle (RO), Lowlands (NL), and Gurtenfestival (CH).
-Judeline (Spain) travelled widely in 2025, appearing at festivals including Linecheck (IT), Coachella (US), Down The Rabbit Hole (NL), Dour (BE), Gurtenfestival (CH), and Paléo Festival Nyon (CH).
-Carpetman (Ukraine) moved across Europe’s festival circuit in 2025, performing at Reeperbahn Festival (DE), Ypsigrock Festival (IT), Festival Europavox Clermont-Ferrand (FR), and Colours of Ostrava (CZ).
-Boko Yout (Sweden) toured extensively in 2025, performing at festivals including The Great Escape (GB-ENG), c/o pop Festival (DE), Lowlands (NL), Das Fest (DE), Reeperbahn Festival (DE), and Paléo Festival Nyon (CH).
Artists from across Europe made their mark on key festival circuits, including Erika Rein (SK), Loverman (BE), MAQUINA. (PT), Mitsune (DE), Personal Trainer (NL), Sami Galbi (CH), Smag På Dig Selv (DK), Soft Loft (CH), The Pill (GB), sunnbrella (CZ), Kingfishr (IE), Bassolino (IT), Daniela Pes (IT), and many others. From the UK, Alessi Rose, Big Special, jasmine.4.t, Antony Szmierek, Chloe Slater, Getdown Services, and Ugly gained international traction with performances spanning Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Scandinavia, and beyond.
Festivals championing new European music
In 2025, partner festivals continued to play a vital role in elevating ESNS alumni. Sziget featured 14 ESNS artists, Lowlands 7, Roskilde Festival 6, and Maifeld Derby 7. Other key festivals showcasing ESNS talent included Iceland Airwaves and Pukkelpop (7 each), Poplar Festival, Trans Musicales and End of the Road (6 each), Primavera Sound (3), and Glastonbury (2). Across Europe, ESNS artists took the stage at festivals in 31 countries, highlighting the broad reach and growing influence of ESNS alumni.
A collaborative force driving European talent forward
European Talent Exchange continues to thrive through close collaboration with YOUROPE, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), 31 media partners, 24 members, and six associated partners, including 26 export offices. With a network of around 130 partner festivals, the programme remains the strongest structural support system for emerging European artists seeking international exposure.
About ESNS
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is an independent platform dedicated to showcasing and accelerating European music talent worldwide. With a history spanning nearly four decades, ESNS offers breakthrough opportunities through its annual festival and conference. In 2026, ESNS celebrates its 40th anniversary, taking place from 14-17 January 2026 in Groningen, the Netherlands.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk