Once again showcase leader Eurosonic Noorderslag went above and beyond to present some of the very best emerging talent Europe has to offer. Re-emerging and being able to come back stronger in the midst of the post-pandemic climate of 2023 doesn’t come without challenges, but it was defiant, and remains a decent spectacle.
In 2020 Clash spoke with Robert Meijerink, the Head of Programme and booker, who shared details of some of the expansive work that goes into sourcing new talent of a high calibre, and standards were kept in check this year.
The event was as busy as ever as 40,000 guests gathered, more than 4,200 industry professionals from 50 different countries attended, and over 300 emerging artists from 39 European countries performed. Two awards ceremonies were also held; Music Moves Europe and European Festival Awards.
Groningen is a suitable location for an indoor multi-venue event such as Eurosonic. No venue is any more than a twenty minute walk away. This year sustainability featured high up on the agenda influencing everything from travel arrangements to panel discussions, it was fulfilling to see topic being part of the overall ambition.
The first festival to be held in person since 2020, the eagerness to get back into the swing of things was there. It was exciting. To mark this excitement Clash has selected seven acts that rocked it and made the gathering extra-special.
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Katie Gregson-MacLeod
New pop heavyweight Katie Gregson-Macleod is a highlight. While TikTok provided the initial platform for the Scottish singer songwriter, the quality of her Groningen live sets leave no doubts about her talent as digital numbers are translated to face to face popularity, and ‘likes’ become claps and ‘comments’ are strong nods of approval.
Chatty, personable, and quick-witted, she connects with everyone. The piano playing is emotive and the arresting voice draws you in, if you ever had doubts. With songs of heartbreak and joy, Katie Gregson-Macleod is the compelling star in the making.
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Somebody’s Child
Appearing on the Blauwe Hemel stage, the name translates to Blue Sky, is Ireland’s indie kid Somebody’s Child, whose real name is Cian Godfrey. The infectious, upbeat and melodic instincts of Godfrey’s music makes it ideal for jumps and big singalongs, and it’s easy to visualise him playing this year’s summer festival stages.
With echoes of The Strokes, U2 and numerous other greats, the Dubliner puts his own stamp on all of it, showing contemporary finesse as well as rock quality, not unlike his English counterpart Sam Fender. Tracks like ‘I Need Ya’, ‘Broken Record’ and ‘We Could Start A War’ have an instant anthemic quality about them. Somebody’s Child is one to set quality time aside for.
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Gallus
Scotland’s new, alternative sensation Gallus live up to the hype. Their appearance in Huize Maas, on the first night of the event is one where the quintet deliver the goods and blow the roof off the 800 capacity venue, which they had no problem packing to the full. Showcasing a ripe set of belters, the songs make the crowd jump and scream.
It’s an entertaining and charismatic presence coupled with catchy guitar lines and tight beats from the Glasgow band. With post-punk inspired tuneful moments such as ‘Are You Finished’, ‘Marmalade’ and ‘Actual Factual’ they were never destined to go wrong in the first place. In fact Gallus prove they are right on track, ready for the breakthrough that could change their lives.
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Sprints
Goth-leaning, post-punk rockers Sprints are a vibrant force. While the Dublin quartet has been making waves playing in Europe and further afield, their Groningen presence is there to be felt. Singer Karla Chubb’s is an authentic front-person with lots of personal stories to share with her audiences, she has an interesting way of reflecting that material in the band’s body of work.
Revealing lyrics are a part of the band’s identity, a way to distinguish themselves from their peers. Their live shows are known for the raucous and instinctive energy, and Sprints’ European sensitivities make them ready to go global in the future.
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Girl Scout
Swedish alt-rock pop ensemble Girl Scout are a perfect Eurosonic match. This evening they are playing to a full house, and it suits them. Fronted by Emma Jansson the group provide an engaging show that demonstrates the band’s rhythmic and instrumental strengths. The distinct combination of grungy rhythms, Scandinavian values, and well-pitched vocals is an effective one.
Originally students of jazz studies at the Royal College Of Music in Stockholm, where they bonded over a shared interest in artists such as Elliot smith and The Beatles, things quickly developed when they started playing together, and they are scheduled to play shows in the UK and northern Europe.
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Heartworms
The brainchild of Jojo Orme Heartworms’ darkly layered post-punk comes to life on the intimate European stage. Despite her young age, Cheltenham born and bred artist and songwriter has fought a lot in her life, she fought for what she believed in; equality and the right to pursue the career she was keen on.
Now on a stage in the Netherlands, she uses her musical toolbox to create gothic vibes and gives a performance that is fully engrossing. it’s a confident display that leaves a mark, and the crowd members are clearly into what they are seeing. Heartworms pack a great punch.
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Hause Plants
A proud nominee of the Music Moves Europe Awards includes Portuguese indie rockers Hause Plants. The band write and perform songs rooted in New York’s music culture.
While influences point towards the early to mid-1990s’ scene echoing bands like The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The Rapture, they truly own their sound. Playing in a central spot, Vera is heaving, as all eyes and ears are set on the Lisbon band, who are said be the product of teenage outings in nightclubs and bars, dreaming of careers in music; touring and recording great music. Now they are actually doing it, and 2023 could be their year.
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Words: Susan Hansen
Photography: Ben Houdijk
