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First names for Eurosonic Noorderslag 2027 conference

17 June 2026

The international music industry is already looking ahead to January 2027. That’s when Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) returns. Europe’s leading showcase festival for emerging talent and the premier conference for music professionals. Every year, artists, executives, policymakers, and innovators from across Europe and beyond come together in Groningen to exchange ideas, build connections, and shape the future of music. These are some of the names already confirmed for the ESNS 2027 Conference.

Focusland Ireland at ESNS 2027

Ireland is the official focus country for ESNS 2027, and that is clearly reflected in the first conference announcements. The program highlights the country’s significant investment in both its artists and its innovative music ecosystem.

Dan Lambert (manager Kneecap) will share insights into what it takes for an Irish act to break through and achieve international success.
In a panel session, Angela Dorgan (First Music Contact) will explore how strategic government investment supports the growth and development of Irish artists.
Eleanor McGuinness (Earth Agency), Will Rolfe (All Together Now and In The Meadows) and Declan Forde (Electric Picnic) will discuss the independent side of Ireland’s live music sector, examining the festivals, events, and key players shaping the industry today.

Music Industry Icons and International Perspectives

Alongside iconic Irish music professionals, ESNS 2027 will once again welcome renowned speakers from across the international music community. Highlights include:

A keynote interview with legendary Dutch guitarist Adrian Vandenberg, reflecting on his 50-year career, including his time with Whitesnake and Vandenberg.
Karin de Groot (CEO of BumaStemra) discussing developments in the music industry and the evolving landscape of music rights.
Shain Shapiro (founder of Sound Diplomacy,) introducing his upcoming book How Music Can Save the World.
In the workshop Your Unique Impact Training, presented by FRÉ (Frederike Berendsen) and LORAL (Laura Overbeeke), you will explore sustainability and positive change within the music sector.
A panel hosted by the Country Music Association (CMA) on the growth of country music in Europe and opportunities for European artists in Nashville, featuring speakers including Sina Hall (C2C Berlin) and Wouter de Wilde (Greenhouse Talent).
Max Busin (founder and CEO of Gotobeat) shares his insights into how data and AI are transforming live music programming.

More speakers and sessions will be announced in the lead-up to the event. Keep an eye on the ESNS website for the full conference timetable.

The challenge of discoverability

For artists, being found by audiences is more important than ever. But how do you stay visible in a digital landscape increasingly shaped by streaming platforms and recommendation algorithms? Martin Clarke, lead researcher of the European study Discoverability of Diverse European Cultural Content in the Digital Environment, will join a panel exploring this challenge. He will present the study’s findings and discuss them with policymakers, researchers, and music industry professionals from across Europe.

“ESNS offers a unique opportunity for music professionals to exchange ideas, build meaningful connections and explore new opportunities. We look forward to welcoming delegates to Groningen in January as the international music industry comes together once again.”

Anna van Nunen, managing director ESNS

Delegate Passes Available Now

Delegate Passes for ESNS 2027 are now available at the Medium Rate. A Delegate Pass also gives you access to the ESNS festival, where more than 300 emerging European artists will perform across the city of Groningen. Learn more about ESNS.

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