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The annual ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) showcase festival and conference, one of Europe’s most prominent events in the music industry, will take place next year from January 15-18 in Groningen, Netherlands, celebrating its 39th anniversary. Three artists will represent Estonian music at the upcoming festival: previously announced and Music Moves Europe Award-nominated Night Tapes, as well as recent additions Hanakiv and Tuulikki Bartosik.

In the past, several Estonian musicians have participated in this major European music event, including Kitty Florentine, Daniel Levi, Puuluup, Duo Ruut, Mart Avi, Erki Pärnoja, Trad.Attack!, Maarja Nuut, NOËP, Tommy Cash, Ewert and the Two Dragons, Holy Motors, and Talbot.

Hanakiv (real name Johanna Kivimägi) is an Estonia-born musician and composer based in London, known for her meditative, piano-centered ambient music that blends classical and electronic elements. Her work reflects connections to Estonian culture, particularly in choral traditions and nature, as well as the diversity of London’s music scene. Her debut album, Goodbyes, released last year under the Gondwana label, shows influences from Tim Hecker to Björk, and from Estonia’s own Kara-Lis Coverdale to Arvo Pärt. The album received four stars from Mojo, one of the world’s most widely circulated music magazines, and appeared on Billboard’s contemporary music chart. In November, Hanakiv will perform her first concert in Japan, and in January, she will also appear at the PIANEO festival in Germany, in addition to ESNS.

“I am very happy and grateful to share my music at Eurosonic,” Hanakiv said, adding, “I plan to perform music from my debut album, along with some unreleased pieces. I hope to reveal new sides of Hanakiv.”

Tuulikki Bartosik, who recently performed at the WOMEX world music showcase festival in Manchester, is a versatile musician and composer known for her innovative approach to the accordion. Splitting her time between Estonia and Sweden, she has been compared to prominent artists like Philip Glass and Ólafur Arnalds. Her latest album, Playscapes, created in collaboration with Sander Mölder, was named Folktronica Album of the Year by the Swedish music magazine Lira and was nominated in the experimental music category at the Manifestgalan, Sweden’s independent music event of the year.

“I am thrilled that my latest album continues to make waves and has given me the opportunity to perform at Eurosonic,” Bartosik shared. “My main goal is to establish valuable contacts in the film and sync sectors and I’m also looking forward to the Eurosonic audience’s response.”

Tuulikki Bartosik will perform on Wednesday, January 15 at 7:50 p.m. in the De Oosterport – Binnenzaal, while Hanakiv will appear on January 16 at 7:40 p.m. in Lutherse Kerk, and Night Tapes will take the stage at 8:50 p.m. in the Grand Theatre’s main hall. Voting for the Music Moves Europe Award, which includes Estonia’s representative band Night Tapes led by Iiris Vesik, is open until the end of the year.

In addition to showcasing standout artists, ESNS offers opportunities to expand music industry networks and foster international collaborations. “We are pleased that Estonia is represented with such a strong selection of diverse female artists, one more than last year. This represents years of work in talent export and exchange,” noted director of Music Estonia Ave Sophia Tölpt. She added that Music Estonia will also continue its partnership with the European Talent Exchange network, which includes over 100 festival partners, European export offices, and radio stations.

For over 20 years, ESNS Exchange (rebranded as the European Talent Exchange from December 1) has focused on internationalizing European music. Recently, the European Commission’s Creative Europe program granted it funding for four years, allowing continued work on the European music ecosystem. Music Estonia represents Estonia in the network alongside Tallinn Music Week and the EBU member music station Raadio 2.

The ESNS 2025 Late Pass costs €510, including taxes, with a discounted rate of €385 for those under 28. Music Estonia has four Early Bird tickets available for €390 (including tax), or €315 for attendees under 28. For those interested in attending ESNS as music professionals, please contact Music Estonia project manager Greete Paršin at greete@musicestonia.eu. Support for attendance is available through the EAÜ and ME export funds.