Of course, January is not a festival month. In cold years even the canals in Groningen freeze over. Nevertheless, the largest showcase festival in Europe traditionally takes place here in the north-east of the Netherlands: 350 acts from all over the world will be performing between January 18th and 21st, 2023.
More than 40,000 visitors are spread over the clubs and venues of the student city. There are also 4,000 musicians and more than 400 festival bookers who are on the lookout for the live stars of tomorrow.
ESNS: Schmyt and Anna Erhard present
For the “Eurosonic/Noorderslag” (ESNS), January 2023 is the first version after the forced Corona break with canned or “hybrid” editions. With the guest country Spain, a diverse spectrum beyond the Anglo-American rock and pop cosmos is presented.
From Germany, singer/songwriter Schmyt and Berlin-based musician Anna Erhard (who sails under the Swiss flag) will be performing in Groningen. The tableau thickens until shortly before the start of the festival. Scandinavian bands are traditionally strongly represented, and there is also a lot to discover from Eastern Europe. Many names are still unknown to most, even at the big summer festivals it can look completely different.
In the 36th year of ESNS, the conference also has an international perspective, just as grunge has long been a part of the worldwide “canon” of rock music.
More than 30 years ago, the music biz between Olympia (in the state of Washington), Portland and Seattle experienced a last globally relevant kick from the underground. The survivors of that era fill stadiums today.
With SubPop from Seattle, a central label address emerged that is still relevant today. Currently, for example, with the new album by Californian artist Weyes Blood.
Thoughts about grunge
So the interview with Jonathan Poneman and Bruce Pavitt, the founders of SubPop, promises a wild ride through the history of flannel shirt rock ‘n’ roll. Both come to Groningen, North Holland, from the north of the US West Coast to answer questions about the grunge heyday.
Back in 1995, the SubPop bosses sold a 49 percent stake in their legendary company to Warner Music Group. The English music journalist Everett True, as moderator, draws a link to the present day.
The debate about the support of newcomers, especially in public radio (which is currently under fire in Germany in this matter) promises tinder, as does the round about fair payment for artists in the booming streaming segment.
All information is there HERE