Big news – the lineup for the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival in Groningen, NL has been announced, and six of Austria’s hottest emerging pop artists are in the mix! The first big industry event of the year, the 2024 edition of ESNS will take place from January 17-20, attracting the cream of Europe’s up-and-coming artists and top-tier music professionals. This year’s slate of Austrian artists has roots on three continents – read on for more information!
arai
28-year-old Artur Aigner will be bringing Drama Pop (the title of both his 2023 debut album and his sui generis jazz- and R&B-infused chansons) to the Netherlands for the first time. His charismatic presence and captivating, sophisticated songs are sure to make the concert a unique experience.
ARAI @ Grand Theatre
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 10:50 – 11:30 p.m.
bex
2023 has been a big year for the Ghanaian-Viennese rapper BEX: she headlined Popfest Wien and released her debut EP Bundles in the summer, then won the XA – Export Award at Waves Vienna in September…and it looks like 2024 is going to be starting off with a bang as well. Curious? You can read Tonica Hunter’s recent profile to find out more.
BEX @ Mutua Fides
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 8:50 – 9:30 p.m.
Kimyan Law
Another Viennese son of the African Diaspora, Kimyan Law’s expansive conception of drum’n’bass music also graced Popfest Wien this summer. His latest single “Tearmaker” is available on the usual platforms…and it’s reportedly building up to a big release called Overcast sometime soon…
Kimyan Law @ Simplon UP
Friday, Jan. 19, 12:50 – 1:30 a.m
Oskar Haag
At fifteen, the normally fusty local press hyperventilated that he was the “greatest pop talent in Austria”. Then he founded his own indie label, had a string of number-one singles, and released his first full-length album (Teenage Lullabies) AND won the FM4 Amadeus Award. My God, where will it end? Certainly not in Groningen, a well-known springboard for young talent…
Oskar Haag @ Lutherse Kerk
Friday, Jan. 19, 9:30 – 10:10 p.m.
Sharktank
This quirky and intelligent pop trio has been riding the wave of their second album, Acting Funny, since March – high time that they bring their signature mix of melodic vocals, synths, rap and rock to the stage at ESNS.
Sharktank @ WEnutbutter
Friday, Jan. 19, 9:30 – 10:10 p.m.
Viji
November has been very much Viji’s month. First, the Austrian-Brazilian artist releases her debut album, So Vanilla, then she’s crowned FM4’s Soundpark Act of the Month – and now she’s headed to Groningen. The young musician, it would seem, is headed for big things with her melancholic, honey-voiced “indie sleaze”.
Viji @ Plato Record Store
Friday, Jan. 19, 4:10 – 4:30 p.m.
**and**
@ All Round Poolcentrum
Friday, Jan. 19, 8:50 – 9:30 p.m.