The future of next year’s musical talent gathered once again in the Dutch town of Groningen for this year’s edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag. The annual four-day showcase festival and music conference that also hosts the Music Moves Europe Awards (the MMEA) is an integral part of the music-industry calendar, where business-heads convene and the artists of tomorrow perform throughout the town’s cultural centre.
During the four-day showcase, outside of the hub-bub of talks, panels, and business-meetups at the Oosterpoort, there were outstanding performances from a diverse range of Europe’s best up-and-coming artists. As the industry-types, journalists and fans bustled about the main square, while queuing for dispensable croquettes at the ever-popular Big Snack Hoek, the European bands took over every church, shop, back-room and music venue available in the town. Some of the week’s highlights, to mention but a few, included those from Finnish grunge-queen Goldielocks; Berlin kraut-dub trio Kara Delik; Irish singer-songwriter Annie-Dog; Iceland’s amazing and enigmatic Sunna Margrét; and Belgian iconic crooner Loverman, whose performance absolutely dominated the Nieuwe Kerk.
For nearly 20 years now, the celebration of Europe’s emerging music talent has been at the heart of the festival, with the MMEA taking place once again at the Stadsschouwburg. Each year, 15 stunning, emerging artists from across Europe are nominated for an MME Award. Previous winners have included Dua Lipa, Rosalía, Disclosure, and Zaho de Sagazan, which gives an indication of the quality of music on display.
The prestigious Grand Jury Award was presented to Paris-based Franco-Cameroonian, R&B and hip-hop artist Yamê, who would later go on to perform an all-out, attention-grabbing show at the Stadsschouwburg.
The Public Choice Award, which was voted for by fans from across the globe, was Spanish, alternative-Latin, reggaeton artist Judeline. Having already received praise from the likes of Rosalía, and Bad Bunny, with her debut album Bodhiria, the singer’s trajectory was clearly already on the ascension. “Two years I was just starting out, and to have that kind of feedback was really inspiring,” the singer said, when we spoke to her backstage. “My music is not about genres, it’s about energy, this ethereal and spiritual energy, which also has Spanish and Arabic influences.”
The artist’s performance at the Machinefabriek was one of the stand-out shows at the festival, as she effortlessly evoked her modern take of Latin-pop, and experimental beats, replete with a band and backing dancer, highlighting why walked away with the Public Choice award.
“Its a very cool experience to be here with all these professionals,” she explained about her award. “I feel like I get to travel to Latin America a lot, but I haven’t had the chance to explore Europe yet, so having something like this is great.”
In addition, four MME Awards were also handed out during the ceremony. Part Estonian, part English lo-fi synthwave group Night Tapes were one of the first to collect their award for the night. “Just being nominated is enough for us …whatever gets our music out there,” the band commented, when speaking to Eurosonic. Having already played to sell-out shows in the states, as well as performing to large crowds in Europe, the band have already made their mark within the scene. “We love playing in Europe, the crowds are great, and the promoters really look after you.”
Limerick-based, Irish folk-band Kingfishr, who are currently on the road with James Bay, also walked away with an MME prize. “I’d rather play in front of 10,000 people than win a bunch of awards,” states Kingfishr singer Eddie. “But then again we’re Irish so we don’t take compliments, or awards very well… but to be part of this community is great. We’re here to make people’s lives better, that’s really what’s to be celebrated.”
Berlin-based, Austrian Uche Yara was also an MME prize winner. “It feels like a movie… like a film scene flickering through my eyes,” she explained to Europavox during the ceremony. The talented up-and-coming singer-songwriter, who’s able to switch styles and moods easily within her music, lit up the Stadsschouwburg directly after the awards. “I’m fully aware that this is such a huge honour, and I’m really happy to be here. It gives me a lot of experience and exposure to people I would never have met, but now I just want to stay calm amidst this sea of craziness. ” Moving forward the artist is working on new music, while performing in the festival season.
The other prestigious winner was the Dutch soul and RnB singer Naomi Sharon. Having gained success thanks to her enigmatic presence and powerful, lush vocals, the Dutch performer was contacted directly by Canadian superstar Drake, who has taken her under his wings.
“I feel honoured to be here” the singer says about the award. The singer’s career is built upon the ongoing success of 2023 LP Obsidian, a slice of beautiful, modern RnB. “It feels like people see and hear me, and it’s good that people pick up on my music.” Following the awards and Sharon’s sterling performance at the Machinefabriek, the singer’s plans involve returning to Drake’s OVO Sound’s studio in Toronto. “One of the conversations I had with Drake was about exploring a bit more of my sound, and he really helped me to open up and explore other genres.”
In-and-out of the awards, throughout the town’s multiple venues, Eurosonic once again proved that it is the place to hear music first. Europe’s incredible portfolio of talent shined and glittered, highlighting that the future of music is safe and secure in the hands of all these incredible, and well-honed artists. Remember these names, as you’ll be hearing more of them in the forthcoming year.
