ESNS has proven essential in kickstarting the international careers of European artists and has grown to be the key event where music fans and industry delegates tune in to hear it first. Focus on Italy showcases the latest music acts from Italy on the ESNS stage and puts them in front of an audience of industry professionals, media and music lovers.
Nur Al Habash from Italia Music Export comments: “After many years of work to strengthen Italian music abroad we're ready to take the lead at ESNS with a wave of incredible musicians and valuable music professionals. The last few years have seen an impressive economic and cultural growth for the Italian music industry, and we feel 2025 is the right moment to cast a light on our scene to further connect it to the world. There is still so much potential to grow and we can't wait to take center stage at Eurosonic.”
ESNS Head of Programme Robert Meijerink is proud to have Italy on board as the focus country for the 39th edition of ESNS: “We are delighted to welcome Italy as the Focus Country of ESNS 2025. Italy has a remarkably rich history in various genres and currently has a very strong domestic market with more and more focus on export. We look forward to showcasing the best up-and-coming artists from Italy and Focus on the ever-growing and interesting live music scene including an impressive amount of venues and festivals.”
In the past, Italian artists like Joycut, Lorenzo Senni, Meduza, Sans Soucis, and The Bloody Beetroots played at ESNS. In 2024, artists such as Colombre, Daniela Pes, Elasi, Laura Masotto, Leatherette, Marta del Grandi, Parbleu, en Psyché played Eurosonic.
Focus on Italy at ESNS25 will be supported by Italia Music Export, Emilia Romagna Music Commission, Ater Fondazione, Regione Puglia - Puglia Sounds, national European Broadcasting Union partner RAI Radio2, European Talent Exchange partner festivals Apolide Festival, Home Festival, Linecheck Music Meeting & Festival, Sudwave Festival & Conference, and Ypsigrock Festival, and ESNS.
Applications to showcase at the upcoming edition—for all European artists—will open on May 1 via ESNS.nl