ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), the key exchange for emerging European music, announces the first batch of Italian showcase acts and conference speakers for the annual four-day showcase festival and music conference in light of its Focus on Italy.

Every year, ESNS highlights the best-emerging acts from a European country, showcasing the diversity of musical talent across Europe.

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.

ESNS selected sixteen emerging acts from Italy to showcase their talent at Eurosonic: Bassolino (it), BigMama (it), COMRAD (it), Daniela Pes (it, MME Awards Nominee), Ele A (ch/it, RSI Rete3), España Circo Este (it), Evita Polidoro (it), Indian Wells (it), James Jonathan Clancy (it), Justin Adams & Mauro Durante (it), Kharfi (it), Kyoto (it), LA NIÑA (it), okgiorgio (it, RAI radio 2), Post Nebbia (it), and R.Y.F. (it).

The entire ESNS line-up immediately joins the European Talent Exchange program, increasing their chances of getting booked at major European festivals after showcasing at ESNS.

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.

The ESNS Conference provides a platform for influential voices in the music industry, featuring numerous program highlights that spotlight Italy. ESNS25 Delegates can explore the Italian music market and network with industry professionals from Italy at ESNS25.

Italy is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and passionate music scene. The panel discussion ‘Everything You Need To Know About the Italian Music Market’ shares all the secrets of breaking into this unique market.

Alessandro Ceccarelli (Tridentmusic srl / Bpmconcerti srl), Cristina Fina (Puglia Sounds / Medimex), Gianluca Giusti (ATER Fondazione / Emilia-Romagna Music Commission), Federico Rasetti (KeepOn Live), and Francesca Trainini (Peer Southern Productions / IMPALA) will guide ESNS Delegates through key insights, streaming habits, radio airplay, and the role of local festivals. From understanding the local trends to navigating the industry's distinct challenges, this session offers a comprehensive guide to a booming and exciting market.

The panel discussion ‘Growing Internationally in Your Native Language. Is the English era over?’ explores how artists such as Måneskin, Stromae, and Rosalía achieved massive international success without abandoning their native languages.

Clementine Bunel (Wasserman Music), Daniele Citriniti (The Goodness Factory), Alexandre Davidson (Nada booking & management), and Vanessa Hurst (MusixMatch) dive into the stories, strategies, and challenges of artists who’ve successfully expanded their reach while staying true to their linguistic roots. Stay tuned; more exciting speakers for this programme will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the post-pandemic period, live music prices have exploded, making it impossible for those without adequate financial means to attend concerts and festivals. Panellists in ‘The Rising Costs of Live Music: Is the Live Concert Becoming an Elite Experience?’ rethink the words inclusion, diversity and sustainability from an economic perspective and try to understand the implications. Featuring Veronica Clarizio (SEI Festival / Cool Club), Katia Giampaolo (Estragon), Damir Ivic (Soundwall), and Erica Romero (Live DMA / Rocknrolla Producciones).

Additionally, Ypsigrock Festival’s co-founder and head booker Gianfranco Raimondo is confirmed to speak at ESNS Conference in 2025.

Discover the festival line-up and conference programme at ESNS.nl

More showcasing acts, panels and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Focus on Italy at ESNS25 will be supported by the Italian Trade Agency, Italian Cultural Institute Amsterdam, Italia Music Export, Emilia-Romagna Music Commission-Ater Fondazione, Puglia Sounds/Medimex International Festival & Music Conference-Puglia Culture, Linecheck Music Meeting and Festival, ESNS, and EBU partner RAI Radio2.

Italian festivals supporting Focus on Italy and participating in the European Talent Exchange programme are Apolide Festival, Arezzo Wave, Linecheck Music Meeting & Festival, Poplar Festival, SEI Festival, and Ypsigrock Festival.