This year’s Music Moves Europe Awards (MMEA) cast a light on a diverse and wide-array of talent from across the continent. Held once again at the ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) in Groningen, The Netherlands, in January earlier this year, the established talent-breaking award-show showcased the brightest and the best, handing out accolades to some of the most exciting faces in the business. From amongst a handful of winners, Europavox sat down with award-winning RnB duo freekind. to find out what impact the awards are, and will have on their career.
Originally called the European Border Breakers Awards, the MMEA celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Stadsschouwburg Theater with aplomb, inviting along previous hosts, including UK presenter Jools Holland to celebrate the long-running, European event.
“It was very emotional, we really did a pact not to cry on stage, but eventually it came out,” explains freekind. drummer Nina Korošak Serčič. “We’re part of a very specific genre and try to spread very positive and deep messages with our music; something that’s not always perceived at these types of awards, so it felt nice to be heard.”
freekind. consists of both Croatian Serčič, and Slovenian pianist and vocalist Sara Ester Gredelj. The two budding musicians met while studying at the famous Austrian University of Music and Performing Arts Graz [Kunst-Universitat Graz (KUG)]. The soulful, yet mindful RnB and jazz outfit released their first EP not good enough back in 2021, before following it up with their debut LP Since Always and Forever in 2023. Their music has taken them across many festival stages in Europe, including several appearances at Europavox.
“It was pretty big news in Slovenia,” Serčič comments, when asked what the reception was to their new accolade at the MMEA. “There was also a little bit [of news] in Croatia, and a little in Germany, because that’s where our market is right now. Everyone was super excited and really happy for us; they said they knew we were going to get it… We still feel like we’re in the minority of genres out there.”
freekind. were one of a handful of winners from the evening. Also taking home awards from the event were Giift (Denmark), Ralphie Choo (Spain), yunè pinku (Ireland), Bulgarian Cartrader (Bulgaria), and Zaho De Sagazan (France), the last of whom took home the Public Choice award, and the Grand Jury Award.
“It was a nice mix of nominees, who were all unique and special,” Serčič said about the other artists listed for awards. “We had a great chance to meet most of them as well. We had a great connection with Jerry Heil [Public Choice winner of 2023, and 2024 jury host] and Kevin Cole [KEXP radio host and jury member]. We’ve stayed in touch with some of the people, and even done some sessions with some of them as well.”
“We love everything about freekind. Their music is like a massive hug. So dreamy,” was the opinion of the jury, who awarded the band their accolade. The awards are there to help give new artists a platform, and to allow them to reach new audiences across Europe. In addition to the award, winners also receive a cash prize of €10.000, along with the opportunity to attend the MME Education Program Day course, to help further their skills in internationalizing their careers.
“I’m already seeing a bit of results from this,” Serčič answers, when asked what effects the prize has had of their career so far. “For instance, we received more invitations to play at festivals. I feel like it does help already and will help in the future. You can always say that you were a winner of an MMEA, and it has an impact on the industry and the people and is a great thing to go experience.”
More than anything else, for Serčič and Gredelj, the value of the award is grounded in the people they get to meet along the way. “For us, we got a chance to work with more people, and they’re really intrigued about us winning this award.”
Of course, there’s still more work to do. Navigating the waters of their newfound success won’t be easy. “It’s great that we have this award, but now we’re on our own, and still on the beginning phase of our career,” Serčič comments. “The only part we’re missing, is having some sort of mentoring program; being able to have feedback from someone in the music industry with experience.”
For the musicians now, it’s all about working towards new music and shows. With a new single coming out on April 26, leading up to a new album in the Autumn, and showcases for Colours of Ostrava (CZ) , Winterthurer Musikwochen (DE), Iceland Airwaves (IS) , FOCUS Wales (GB-WLS) and The Great Escape (GB – ENG), as part of ESNS Exchange booking program, things are looking up for freekind.
More information on the ESNS Exchange program right here.
