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ESNS receives record 6,000 artist applications for 2027
European showcase festival and music conference ESNS has received a record 6,000 artist applications for its 2027 edition, underlining the event’s continued importance as a platform for emerging European talent.
ESNS 2027 will take place from 13–16 January 2027 in Groningen, the Netherlands, bringing together artists and music industry professionals from across Europe.
ESNS Managing Director Anna van Nunen announced the record figure in a LinkedIn post, saying applications had been received from artists across the continent.
The Groningen-based event, formerly known as Eurosonic Noorderslag, combines a major showcase festival with an international music industry conference. Around 4,000 music professionals attend the conference, while the wider event attracts approximately 40,000 visitors and professionals.
A central part of ESNS’s role is providing developing artists with access to an international industry audience at an early stage of their careers. More than 300 emerging European artists are expected to perform across the 2027 showcases, giving agents, promoters, festival bookers, labels and managers an opportunity to discover new talent.
Performances at ESNS can lead to festival bookings, touring opportunities and wider international exposure. Previous ESNS alumni include artists such as Fontaines D.C., Stromae, The xx, Robyn, Sam Smith, Hozier, Sigrid and Aurora.
Van Nunen said the record number of applications reflected ESNS’s position as a place where artists can secure early career opportunities, be discovered by industry professionals and take the next step in their development.
The 6,000 submissions will now be reviewed by the ESNS booking team ahead of the selection of artists for the 2027 programme.
ESNS is expected to announce the first acts for its 2027 edition in the coming weeks.