During a vibrant 13th edition of Booster Festival in Enschede, Femxle Frontier - an initiative by students from ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede - won the Talent Impact Award.
In a weekend centred on music, talent development and collaboration, the recognition marks an important moment for the collective as well as for the wider Dutch pop scene.

© Emiel Muijderman
Booster Festival, which has grown into a platform for emerging talent, attracted more visitors than ever this year. With packed venues, dozens of acts across the city and an extensive conference programme, Booster once again demonstrates its importance to the national music industry.
According to Femxle Frontier, the award is a powerful recognition of their mission. The collective is committed to strengthening the position of female and gender-diverse creators within the pop industry, both on stage and behind the scenes.
By building a supportive community and encouraging collaboration, Femxle Frontier contributes to a growing movement within the music scene.
The win is not only a personal milestone, but also a sign that change within the industry is becoming visible and tangible.
“With Femxle Frontier, we are building a scene in which female and gender-diverse creators are given space. Receiving this award feels like a huge recognition of everything we have built over the past year.”
The success of Femxle Frontier reflects a broader development visible during Booster. The music scene in the eastern Netherlands continues to evolve as a close-knit network in which artists, venues and organisations across Overijssel and Gelderland strengthen one another.
This spirit of collaboration - rather than competition - is often cited as a key reason for the growing success of the festival and the artists emerging from it.
With the award secured, Femxle Frontier is already looking ahead. At the end of May, they will perform live at several venues, including Burgerweeshuis in Deventer and Astrant in Ede.
In doing so, they continue their mission: creating space, developing talent and working towards an inclusive music sector.