Eurosonic2026
Kaat van StralenBE GlazyhazeIT DitterFR Calva LouiseFR Aktiv DödshjelpNO
The biggest showcase festival of Europe
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is the Music Conference and Showcase Festival (14-17) January 2026 in Groningen, The Netherlands) With 4000 delegates, showcases by more than 300 artists and a conference with panels, keynote speakers, interviews and meetings, ESNS is the key exchange and networking platform for European music, European artists, international music industry professionals and organisations. This is the VERA program for today:
20:10
Kaat van Stralen (BE)
What started as a solo project by Kaat Van Stralen evolved into a four-headed genre-defying punk band. Kaat sings in Dutch and plays a mix of punk, alternative spoken word and indie with a strong feminist approach. After winning the prestigious Belgian music competition De Nieuwe Lichting, she played over 60 shows in 2025. Leading music magazine HUMO described her hit ‘Stop Met Wenen’ as ‘the most important Belgian song in years’. Her first release will be out in November, with launch concerts in December at Depot Leuven, Merleyn Nijmegen, and MEZZ Breda.
21:30
Glazyhaze (ITA)
Venice-based Glazyhaze blends shoegaze and alternative rock with dream pop intimacy and Britpop nostalgia, shifting between dark atmospheres and ethereal soundscapes. After debuting in 2023, and touring across Europe, Glazyhaze released their second album SONIC, exploring love and self-discovery through a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. In November 2025 they toured Europe, opening for Soft Cults and Slow Crush and had their first ever headline series of UK shows. Glazyhaze has been nominated for the Music Moves Europe (MME) Awards, the EU prize for emerging European artists. Winners will be revealed at the award ceremony on 15 January, 2026 at ESNS.
22:50
Ditter (FR)
Behind the name DITTER lies a trio, but above all a music that strikes as much at the body as it does at the heart. A lively, organic music full of hymns, with a love for pop, a hint of punk, combined with a touch of cynicism, and a good sense of humour. These French brats are here to burn up the stage, their favourite form of self-expression. DITTER has been nominated for the Music Moves Europe (MME) Awards, the EU prize for emerging European artists. Winners will be revealed at the award ceremony on 15 January, 2026 at ESNS.
00:10
Calva Louise (FR/UK/ES)
This is the sprawling story of Calva Louise, a London-based band made up of musicians from France, Venezuela and New Zealand. The trio combines influences and experiences from metal, punk, electronica and art rock to weave grandiose narratives and cinematic storytelling with a mind-blowing visual delivery. Their new studio album, Edge of the Abyss, was co-produced by Pendulum's Gareth McGrillen and was released on 11 July via Mascot Records, to be followed by a major US tour.
01:30
Aktiv Dödshjelp (NO)
“Norway’s most dangerous band.” Punk band Aktiv Dödshjelp has become well known for their explosive live performances and hook-laden melodies topped with humor and irony. In their fifteen years of existence, the band has toured both domestically and in Sweden and Germany, and, finally, released their debut album in March 2024. On the LP Send Dudes, they deliver a perfect blend of punk and rock, perfect for fans of Turbonegro, The Good The Bad and The Zugly and Kvelertak.