Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) reveals the first 40 artists set to perform at its 40th edition in January 2026.

The first names announced for the line-up traditionally include artists selected in collaboration with European national radio broadcasters, all part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Each participating radio station is invited to nominate one or more acts for the festival, giving these artists a career-defining chance to showcase their talent to music fans and influential industry professionals.

Set to perform in January 2026 are:

Sodl (at, ORF FM4), Madhouse Express (cz, CR Radio Wave), Ise (be, VRT Studio Brussel), Muryel (de, ARD), MOIO (ie, RTE 2FM), FIDJU KITXORA (pt, Antena 3), Kaat Van Stralen (be, VRT Studio Brussel), Abor & Tynna (de, ARD), Elín Hall (is, RUV RAS2), Valeria Stoica (ro/md, Radio România Cultural), Benni (be, RTBF TIPIK), snuggle (dk, DR P6 Beat), Coca Puma (it, RAI Radio 2), Turbo Trans Turisti (rs, RTS Radio Belgrade One), Me and My Devil (bg, BNR), mariin k. (ee, ERR Radio 2), Katarsis (lt, LRT Opus), BIJI (se, SR P3), Linda Elys (ch, SRF3), Llum (es, iCat), DasRADIAL (lu, LUERSL 100.7), Nejc Pipp & Co. (si, RTVSLO Val202), Yoa (ch, COULEUR 3), Maustetytöt (fi, YLE X), ZeMe (lv, LATVIJAS RADIO 5), Tolstoys (sk/de, Radio_FM), Mortòri (ch, RSI Rete3), Léonie Pernet (fr, FIP Radio France), Lenny Monsou (nl, NPO 3FM), Mattiu (ch, RTR), Xcellence (gr, ERT Kosmos), Hiqpy (nl, NPO 3FM), Nadia Kadek (uk-england, BBC Introducing), Ki Klop (hr, HRT HR1), the clumps (no, NRK P3) and Becky Sikasa (uk-scotland, BBC Introducing).

Omasta (pl), Jazzbois (hu), Della (cy) and Carpetman (ua) complete the first wave of 40 artists.

In recent years, ESNS has highlighted individual countries as a focus, but with today’s geopolitical pressures the call for European unity has never been stronger. With its new Europe Calling manifesto, the focus shifts to a shared cultural movement. Under this theme, ESNS26 presents a fresh mix of Europe’s most exciting emerging artists. The first 40 confirmed artists reflect Europe’s diversity, covering a wide range of genres, languages and cultural roots, from the Arctic North to the Mediterranean and from Central Europe to the vibrant sounds of Eastern Europe. The line-up reflects the full scope of Europe’s thriving music scene.

Discover the festival line-up here.

Join ESNS as a Delegate in January and meet with tastemakers from the European music industry. Delegate Passes for ESNS26 are now available at a Medium rate and will go up soon. Get your Delegate Pass here.

ESNS Delegate Passes include:

• Fast-lane access to 250+ showcases
• Full access to the ESNS Conference
• Networking lounges and hospitality options
• Access the ESNS Delegates Database
• Access ESNS Analytics for up-to-date artist data

Festival tickets for Eurosonic and Noorderslag will go on sale on the 25th of September.