Christopher BarrettEurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) is to drop its usual focus on an individual country in favour of a Europe Calling theme.
Due to take place 14-17 January in Groningen, The Netherlands, the conference and talent showcase event has previously helped launch the careers of artists including Dua Lipa, Stromae and Robyn.
Organisers said the move to celebrate Europe more broadly is in response to geopolitical tensions, cultural fragmentation and rapid industry shifts: “Europe Calling is more than a theme, it is a call to action. A rallying cry to invest in artists, in infrastructure and in the future of a unified European music sector.”
“For years, shining a light on individual countries has helped us celebrate Europe’s rich diversity, but the challenges we face today demand more,” said ESNS managing director Anna van Nunen. “Now is the time to bring those voices together and build an even stronger, connected European music community. Europe Calling is about more than identity, it’s about taking responsibility for our shared future. Music can bring us together. It’s time to make that connection louder than ever.”
To mark the event’s 40-year anniversary, organisers said that along with the usual conference activity and live music performances across the city, attendees can expect pop-up activations and anniversary events that will highlight success stories of artists who started on ESNS stages and went on to shape European music.