Eurosonic Noorderslag Unveils First Artists for 2026 Festival

ESNS 2026 Lineup Unveiled: First Wave of European Talent Announced

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), the year-opening showcase spotlighting Europe’s most exciting new music, has revealed its initial slate of performers for the 2026 festival.

The milestone 40th edition will run from January 14–17, 2026, in Groningen, Netherlands. Organisers confirmed today that British-Indonesian singer-songwriter Nadia Kadek, French composer Léonie Pernet and Italian jazz experimentalist Coca Puma will join the bill.

Additional highlights include Latvian electro duo ZeMe, Scottish soul singer Becky Sikasa and Serbia’s genre-blending alt-pop outfit Turbo Trans Turisti, among others. View the full lineup.

Robert Meijerink, ESNS Head of Programme and Booker, commented: “This selection showcases the boundless creativity emerging across Europe—from intimate ballads to avant-garde electronica and dynamic live ensembles. They embody the spirit of innovation that makes ESNS an essential gathering for music aficionados and industry insiders alike.”

Delegate passes are on sale now via the official ESNS website, with three-day credentials starting at €470 ($552.36 USD). General admission tickets will be released closer to the event.

Founded in 1986 as a non-profit platform for rising European artists, ESNS also operates the European Talent Exchange, which each year brings together festival bookers and promoters to plan summer rosters.

Since 2003, this initiative has facilitated more than 2,300 festival bookings across the continent. Past editions have featured early performances by Fontaines D.C., CMAT and Mercury Prize 2024 winners English Teacher.

Beyond live showcases, the ESNS conference draws thousands of industry professionals and representatives from over 400 international festivals, hosting panels, interviews and keynotes on topics ranging from sustainability to music-business development.

The 2025 festival highlighted rising names such as Alessi Rose (Dua Lipa’s recent support act), Antony Szmierek, Jordan Adetunji, Jacob Alon and viral sensation Joalin.

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