Eurosonic Noorderslag – or ESNS – is the annual Groningen-set celebration of the very best new talent coming out of Europe. Taking place in the Dutch city from 17th-20th January, the conference and festival spreads across several venues and sees a stylistically eclectic and exciting line up of artists showcasing their talent to industry professionals and music enthusiasts. This year’s focus countries are Portugal and Iceland, with an array of spectacular talent from both nations attending.

See our picks below…

Where are they from? England

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Female fronted UK guitar bands are spoiling us right now, and few of those sum up the resurgence better than English Teacher. The quartet met at Leeds College of Music, are influenced by a disparate array of genres – from folk to post-punk and jazz, and have supported the likes of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Friday 19th – PLATOSONIC (Plato & CC) – 15:20-15:40
& Fri 19 JAN – MAAS Main – 20:10-20:50

Where are they from? Portugal

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Acclaimed Portuguese singer-songwriter LINA is as daring as she is devastating. Looking to build on the success of her 2020 collaborative LP with Raül Refree, Lina_Raül Refree, she releases her next record, Fado Camões, via German label Galileo Music, on the same day as her ESNS performance.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Friday 19th – Der AA-Theater – 19:30-20:10

Where are they from? Iceland

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Influenced by modern folk heavy weights like Phoebe Bridgers and Adrianne Lenker, Icelandic singer-songwriter Arny Margret is emotionally intelligent and visceral as a lyricist. Upholding maturity and subtly, she’s highly impressive on her debut 2022 album, and follow up 2023 EP, “dinner alone.”

Where can you see them at ESNS? Thursday 18th – Stadsschouwburg – 21:00-21:40

Where are they from? Belgium

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Poetic, sonically sparse and thematically dense, Loverman is the solo project of Belgium artist James de Graef. Minimal arrangements give space for potent songwriting to breathe to its fullest extent, as shown vividly on the creative’s excellent recent record, Lovesongs.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Thursday 18th – Lutherse Kerk – 22:50-23:30 &
Friday 19th – PLATOSONIC (Plato & CC) – 12:50-13:10

Where are they from? Austria

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Vienna-born-and-raised, and now based in London via the US, Brazil and Brighton, Viji is amongst the most captivating acts emerging from the UK capital. Signed to esteemed label Speedy Wunderground, her recent debut album, So Vanilla, is gorgeous and grungy, seating Viji at the top of indie’s table. She feels bound to be a big breakout artist this year.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Friday 19th – PLATOSONIC (Plato & CC) – 16:10-16:30 & Friday 19th – All Round – 20:50-21:30

Where are they from? Portugal

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Libson’s multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer MARO is one of the most experienced artists at ESNS this year. She’s seven albums deep, has a superb Tiny Desk to her name, and has toured the world as part of Jacob Collier’s band. Her latest album, hortelã is stripped-back and intimate, the mark of a new age of artistry from the endearing artist.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Friday 19th – Grand Theatre Main – 19:30-20:10

Where are they from? England

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Driving alternative sounds forward into raw and authentic territory, Master Peace has been a mainstay in UK indie for the past few years. He’s announced his debut record, How To Make A Master Peace, for 1st March, which looks to be angsty, entertaining, and rooted in British culture.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Saturday 20th – MAAS Main – 00:10-00:50

Where are they from? Malta

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? JOON’s dreamy and immersive sound was showcased fantastically on her debut LP from 2021, Dream Again. She cemented her name on the live circuit throughout 2023 with a supporting slot alongside Future Islands and performances at festivals such as Corona Capital, and this year is set for fresh music to flaunt the innovation and progression from the Maltese songwriter and producer.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Friday 19th – PLATOSONIC (Plato & CC) – 15:50-16:10 & Friday 19th – Mutua Fides – 19:30-20:10

Where are they from? Netherlands

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Dutch folk-pop songstress néomí casts a spell with her cascading sonics. Both of her EPs to date, “before” and “after”, have been flawless, while recent offerings like “your girl” and “somebody’s daughter” build further hype ahead of the release of her highly anticipated debut LP.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Wednesday 17th – Lutherse Kerk – 22:50-23:30 & Thursday 18th – PLATOSONIC (Plato & CC) – 15:00-15:20

Where are they from? Ireland

What is their key release so far?

Who are they? Irish double act Le Boom have been shutting down dances for years now, but 2023 was arguably their most significant year to date. The two brothers, Christy and Andy Leech are becoming a UK festival mainstay with their infectious energy, classic production and Andy’s engaging spoken word approach. Their debut album is around the corner – 2024 could see them become unavoidable.

Where can you see them at ESNS? Friday 19th – Simplon Main – 01:30-02:10

For more information on ESNS, visit here.