ArtEZ Academy of Music shines at ESNS

NAÉ

Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) celebrates its 40th edition this year. From Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 January, Groningen will once again be all about new music.

What started in 1986 as a band competition has grown into an international festival where musicians can take their next step. Major names such as Stromae, Dua Lipa and Ben Howard once stood here at the start of their careers. The same goes for ArtEZ Academy of Music artists like Droom Dit, Kruidkoek and Get Jealous.

From stage to panel: ArtEZ at ESNS

Once again, ArtEZ Academy of Music is strongly represented at Eurosonic Noorderslag. Students and teachers travel to Groningen to make music, share knowledge and connect with the international music industry.

New this year is the showcase by the music partnership Muziekhub Oost. This programme offers a stage to acts from Gelderland and Overijssel. On Thursday, ArtEZ Academy of Music acts Naé (Arnhem), Famke (Enschede) and Post Modern Clarity (Zwolle) perform at the Grote Markt.

On Friday, Rob Kramer, Director of ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede, takes part in a conversation about talent development and the role of the music academy. Artist Fré (Arnhem), Sam de Laat (Droom Dit, Enschede) and teacher Manu van Kersbergen (Enschede) also join various panel discussions.

Later that afternoon, the Oost Best Borrel, organised by Muziekhub Oost, brings together the music scene of the eastern Netherlands. It is a moment to meet artists, bookers and marketers. During the gathering, the Sonar Award 2026 is presented.

In the evening, ArtEZ Academy of Music takes the spotlight once again with a showcase featuring four acts from Enschede: Post Ella, Maud, Nomads Radio and Jongeman.

Two pop artists from ArtEZ have been nominated for the Cultuurfonds Pop Stipendium this year. Droom Dit (ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede) and Elmer (School of Acting in Arnhem). Min Taka has also been nominated.

The Cultuurfonds Pop Stipendium is awarded to support promising pop artists and bands in their musical development and help them take the next step in their careers. The award ceremony takes place on Saturday during ESNS.