This was Hit The City 2024!

This was Hit The City 2024!

This was Hit The City 2024! With a new date in late summer and a new look: 100+ live acts, outdoor stages and indoor venues and vibrant day and night programs. We couldn’t have done Hit The City without you – a huge thanks to everyone who joined and celebrated our renewed festival with us. See you again in 2025 from Thursday August 28 to Sunday August 31!

Aftermovie Hit The City 2024

Line-up 2024:
MEROL / SAMPA THE GREAT / THE HAUNTED YOUTH / BOKOESAM & THE FAM / GAIDAA / IDALY / MULA B / POLYPHONIC / QUIQUE / SPRINTS / SYLVIE KREUSCH / THE VICES / WIES / ADF ANTJE / ANOTHER TASTE / ÃO / BLUE BENDY / BLUAI / BOWL / BRINTEX COLLECTIVE / BUMBLE B. BOY / CAITC / CARSICK / CHARLIE BENNETT  CHARLOT / CHERYM / COCO COCAINE / CRYSTAL CHANAY / CRYSTAL MURRAY / CURLING / DEBBY FRIDAY  DURRY / EMMY D’ARC / FACESOUL / FIEP / FLAIRE / GEO GEOSY / GESPUYS / GUSTAF / H31R / HOUSEPAINTERS IRIS JEAN / ISKANDER MOON / JULIA SABATÉ / JET VAN DER STEEN / JOHN-ROBERT / KABEAUSHÉ / KANS  KEENAN MUNDANE / KIRIN J CALLINAN / KNIVES / LAMSI  LO POLOKO / MADSTER / MALICE K / MARIA ISKARIOT MARYN CHARLIE / MC DRIVAH / MELTHEADS / MEHRO  MILOLAATHETLUKKEN MENSA / MIN TAKA / MT JONES  NARCO POLO / PEUK / PLEASUREINC. / PORCELAIN ID PRESENTED BY / PROMIS3 / RIJNBAART / SKY FELIZ / SNÕÕPER / SOMEBODY’S CHILD / STAATSEINDE / SUBFICTION / SWIM SCHOOL / SVEN CILLIERS / TAKESHI’S CASHEW / TALK SHOW / TANTRON / THE PILL THE ROYSTON CLUB / THYS  / VICEBYLARA / WALT DISCO WHIFF / YELLOWSTRAPS / YVES / ZIMMER90 / ZO LIEF

by renia

Did you visit Hit The City 2024? Share your experience and have a chance to win 2 tickets to a show in Effenaar

Did you visit Hit The City 2024? Share your experience and have a chance to win 2 tickets to a show in Effenaar!

Did you attend Hit The City last weekend? Share your experience for a chance to win 2 tickets to a show of your choice in Effenaar. The visitor survey is open until Tuesday, September 10. We value your opinion—thank you for your participation, and we hope to see you again next year!

Click here to participate in our visitor survey

by renia

Everything you need to know about the renewed Hit The City

renia

Bigger, better, hotter; Hit The City is approaching at full speed. Already? Yes, already! From August 29 to September 1, you can once again indulge in numerous awesome acts during our free city festival, spread across cool locations in the city. And starting this year, Hit The City will take place in late summer. Not only that, there have been some exciting upgrades. Curious? Check out what you need to know about the festival’s new look right here.

Since 2012, Hit The City has been offering a full weekend of music discovery, spanning gritty guitars and danceable electropop to experimental hip-hop and everything in between. “The festival arose from two needs,” explains Robert Schaeffer, programmer for Effenaar and Hit The City since its inception. “Firstly, Eindhoven lacked a city-wide festival, so we aimed to connect more venues across the city. Secondly, we discovered many acts without a suitable platform to showcase them in Eindhoven.”

Effenaar often faces challenges with ticket sales for these emerging acts, making it impractical to host them all through club shows. “I vividly recall seeing Glass Animals at The Great Escape in Brighton. We were eager to bring them to Eindhoven, and Hit The City provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the band. We wouldn’t have taken the risk with a club show, but it worked out well within a festival setting.” The band graced the stage at Hit The City in 2013, back when their global hit ‘Heat Waves’ was just a distant thought in the musicians’ minds.

After several successful editions, Effenaar teamed up with Dutch Design Week in hopes of expanding the music festival by integrating it into the renowned design event. As a result, Hit The City operated under the name DDW Music for a number of years. During this period, Effenaar also partnered with the booking agency Friendly Fire to curate the lineup together. “Ultimately, Dutch Design Week decided to discontinue the music component, which led us to regain our independence.”

Nowadays, the city festival has returned to its original name for a few years. In 2022, Hit The City found a new partner in the tech company ASML, who, along with Effenaar and Friendly Fire, shares the goal of offering a large-scale and free city festival to the residents of Eindhoven.

Moving from October to summer

Although the past editions were held during Dutch Design Week, it turned out not to be ideal for the festival’s growth. “Firstly, because DDW occupies all the spaces where we would like to program. During that week, there simply isn’t room to expand. And being in the Netherlands, we can’t really move the festival outdoors,” Schaeffer laughs.

That’s why, starting this year, Hit The City is shifting to late summer. It’s an exciting move, according to Hit The City programmer and Friendly Fire booker Elvin Usidame, who has been involved with the festival for many years. Initially at Effenaar, where he worked as a programmer from 2014 to 2018, and now for about two years with partner Friendly Fire. “It was closely tied to the vibrancy of Dutch Design Week and the extra people in the city at that time. Now we’re truly breaking away from that. I think it’s a great moment for Hit The City to stand on its own.”

With the new date, the city festival becomes the moment when everyone comes together after the holiday season, explains Schaeffer. “We want to connect the city’s residents, and I strongly believe that music and this festival are great tools for that. Throughout the summer, we scatter across the world, and upon our return, during Hit The City, we can celebrate together how great Eindhoven is. I hope everyone feels like, ‘Oh, I’m glad to be home again, because Eindhoven is a wonderful city.’ That’s what we aim to capture in the festival.”

And to truly unite the city’s residents, the festival must be accessible to everyone. Despite Hit The City’s growth, one thing remains unchanged: the festival is and always will be free. “In today’s world where festival tickets are becoming more expensive, often requiring people to save up for a long time, it’s incredibly special to offer a festival of this size with such a fantastic lineup free of charge to the city.”

Party at Ketelhuisplein

Moving to the warmer season literally opens doors for Hit The City, as the city festival expands this year with an outdoor area. Alongside 15 indoor locations, Ketelhuisplein is added to the map, allowing you to enjoy great acts not only during the evening and night programs but also during the day – dancing in the sunshine.

The festival kicks off on Thursday evening with an exclusive opening concert by The Haunted Youth at Effenaar. The next day, Hit The City bursts into full swing across the city, where you can hop between indoor venues for a good dose of music. Schaeffer explains, “Then on Saturday, Ketelhuisplein joins in. The festival starts during the day, and in the evening, numerous bands will perform at the indoor locations. On Sunday, we all gather to wrap up at Ketelhuisplein. There, artists like MEROL and The Vices will perform in various styles. We aim to create a cozy atmosphere where you can go with your friends, dance a bit, and hang out on the terrace or grass.”

Sampa The Great performing for free in your backyard

Including Ketelhuisplein significantly scales up the festival, accommodating over 7000 music lovers. “This allows us to book much larger artists, which is essential for attracting a larger audience,” explains Renia Heeringa, Hit The City and Effenaar marketer. The festival has lined up Dutch singer MEROL and the adventurous Sampa The Great as its headline acts for the upcoming edition.

“These acts, a lineup like this, you can’t just see for free anywhere else,” she says, still with a hint of disbelief. This marks her third year working on the festival. “During my interview, I emphasized how excited I would be to contribute. Now, it’s growing into something beyond my initial expectations. We can now feature artists who have already surpassed the emerging stage. Honestly, what’s cooler than living near Ketelhuisplein and having Sampa The Great perform in your backyard? Not many people can say that. When I see that square filled, I might even shed a tear.”

Schaeffer is already eagerly looking forward to the show by the Zambian singer and rapper. “It’s going to be an amazing performance. We’ve brought in a large LED screen, there will be visuals and dancers. This will be a type of show that we rarely see in Eindhoven.”

However, the programmer is also feeling a slight stress because his other favorite, the post-punk band Snõõper, begins halfway through Sampa The Great’s performance. “I’m really excited about this booking too. I’m a big fan of theirs. So I’ll try to catch half of each performance. But it also shows how packed with excitement the festival is. There’s just so much cool stuff happening.”

Discover the headliners of the future

This year, the lineup boasts over 100 acts on the poster. Alongside the prominent names at Ketelhuisplein, Hit The City continues its tradition as a city-wide exploration, featuring numerous emerging international and national acts from diverse musical genres. Usidame highlights how the extensive program harmonizes well with Eindhoven’s various indoor venues: “I really appreciate Eindhoven’s diverse venues, and Effenaar has crafted those connections beautifully. Each venue has its own loyal following and distinct atmosphere.”

Within this rich tapestry of musical styles, the team of four programmers aims to curate acts right on the cutting edge. “Our goal is to bring acts to Eindhoven that’ll eventually become festival headliners. We’ve seen some great examples of this over the years.” Hit The City attendees have had the opportunity to discover now globally recognized acts in intimate settings. From Glass Animals and Phoebe Bridgers to S10, Khruangbin, Viagra Boys, and Fontaines D.C., they all contribute to the festival’s illustrious legacy. This year, the team hopes to add several more names to that esteemed roster.

“And with the new large area at Ketelhuisplein, we can also bring back artists who break through later,” explains the Friendly Fire booker, using Phoebe Bridgers as an example. “She’s too big now, but if we had made this change a few years ago, we could have brought her back as a headliner. It’s amazing to be able to closely follow artists’ careers now that we have more space to book larger acts.”

So far, the lineup has announced the first 60 names. Which act does Usidame have high expectations for this year? “Facesoul, you definitely shouldn’t miss. I saw him earlier this year at Rotown, where he performed to a sold-out crowd. It was truly one of the best shows I’ve seen in recent years.” Coming from a programmer and booker, that’s high praise indeed.

Act: Facesoul
Click here for more info on Facesoul

Big, bigger, biggest

With the addition of a new outdoor area, bigger names, and even more acts, Hit The City is making a significant leap forward this year. But the ambitions for the city festival extend much further, as Schaeffer explains. “We’re currently in phase 2, and phase 3 is right around the corner. In this phase, we’ll be adding various new areas to broaden the festival’s appeal. Our goal is for it to evolve into Eindhoven’s equivalent of the Gentse Feesten, offering more areas with a wider variety of experiences.”

And the best part? It’s all free. “It’s a festival you don’t need to save up for. Although we do encourage festival-goers to support us by purchasing food and drinks onsite, as that’s how we keep it free. So, we kindly ask that you enjoy your own beverages outside the festival grounds.” Looking ahead, the festival’s future plans enjoy full support from the Municipality of Eindhoven, which is actively scouting for suitable venues. “That’s the current challenge. But the municipality is fully on board, ASML is eager to support, and so are we.”

Don't be like Renia

In the final phase, the programmer would also eagerly bring back acts that have now grown to global stature. It’s something that marketer Heeringa jokes would relieve her disappointment. “It’s still a bitter pill,” she laughs. Holding two tickets for Fontaines D.C. — one for AFAS Live and one for their show in London — she reflects on missing out completely on seeing her beloved band.

“When I applied to Effenaar, I had heard of the festival, but I had never been myself. I started reading about it and saw what it was and who had performed there. Then I thought to myself, ‘This is so cool, why wasn’t I here?’ So, I actually missed Fontaines D.C… Now I have to go to AFAS Live, whereas I could have seen them at Stroomhuis with just 150 people, probably standing right in front of the frontman.”

Photo: Roos Pierson | Fontaines D.C. at Hit The City

The marketer can’t help but emphasize: “Be there, because this is your chance to experience awesome emerging acts firsthand. Don’t be like me.” So, if you haven’t already: Block August 29th to September 1st in your calendar now, because that’s when you’ll be dancing in the sun at Ketelhuisplein to Sampa The Great or grooving to one of the many up-and-coming talents taking over the city. See you there!

Click here for this year's line-up

by renia

Hit The City announces 30 new names, including The Haunted Youth, Sylvie Kreusch and more

renia

3rd June 2024 |

After announcing the first 36 acts; featuring names such as Sampa the Great, MEROL, Bokoesam & The Fam, Idaly, Mula B, Polyphonic, SPRINTS and The Vices, we are now anouncing the next 30 names! This includes the opening show of The Haunted Youth in the Main Hall of Effenaar on Thursday 29 August. Sylvie Kreusch, Takeshi's Cashew, Chardy, Facesoul, Kans, Porcelain Id and many more have also been added to this year's line-up.

Hit The City, a collaboration between Effenaar, Friendly Fire and ASML, will take place from 30 August to 1 September, with a grand opening show on Thursday 29 August. For the first time this year, an outdoor area is added. At Ketelhuisplein you can enjoy acts on two outdoor stages. The complete line-up consists of more than 100 names, ranging from big names to new (inter)national talent to be discovered. 

Opening show

The opening show – which is also free entrance – is in Belgian hands this year. The popular psych pop band The Haunted Youth around Joachim Liebens, was already an up-and-coming talent at Hit The City two years ago. Since then, he has played at all major festivals such as Pinkpop, Lowlands, Werchter, Sziget, Pukkelpop and Best Kept Secret. His Dutch club tour in 2013 was completely sold out. The night will be opened by support act Ão. This Belgian quartet mixes Portuguese saudade with indie rock and subtle electronica.

Ketelhuisplein

On the afternoon and evening program at Ketelhuisplein, we find another popular Belgian name: pop singer Sylvie Kreusch is the sub-headliner for MEROL. The Dutch band Another Taste mixes 70’s funk, obscure disco and pop into a wonderful whole. And the American emo rock band Durry plays at Blue Collar Hotel.

Vibrant day and night program

On Friday 30 August and Saturday 31 August, you can discover new names throughout the city center of Eindhoven. For example, the latest generation of hip-hoppers is coming to Dynamo with Chardy, Narco Polo, ADF Antje and Crystal Chanay. The adventurous hip-hop concept Nebulous Forms also announces two new names with the Berlin rapper/artist Kabeaushé and the female duo H31R. Further afield we find the festive psych band Takeshi’s Cashew, up-and-coming indie bands Swim School and Malice K, refined soul of Facesoul and Yellowstraps and the hard-hitting British punk of Knives.

Dutch and Belgian talents are also present at the festival. After an impressive show at ’t Rozenknopje during Hit The City 2023, singer-songwriter Porcelain id returns for a show at Muziekgebouw. You can dance at night with house/IDM DJ Subfiction and the “Neue Niederländische Welle” of Staatseinde, you can headbang with the punks of Maria Iskariot and PEUK, and it is also impossible to stand still with indie pop acts such as FIEP, Min Taka and Housepainters. Punk poppers Vals Alarm, singer-songwriter Iris Jean and post-punk sensation BOWL complete this announcement.

See the line-up

Boost of Brainport

While everyone slowly returns to daily life in late summer, Hit The City invites the residents of the Brainport region – and beyond – to celebrate the city of Eindhoven together. With a recognizable, and accessible free music festival, an important impulse is given to the cultural offerings of the region.

Hit The City 2024 will take place from Thursday 29 August to Sunday 1 September at various indoor and outdoor locations in Eindhoven. Entrance is entirely free. Hit The City has been around for 11 years now and was the place where you could first discover acts such as Loyle Carner, Phoebe Bridgers, Viagra Boys, Fontaines DC, The Haunted Youth, Khruangbin, Joost, S10, Zwangere Guy, Alex G, Baauer, Wolf Alice, Glass Animals, Lander & Adriaan, Hak Baker, DITZ, Nusantara Beat and more.

Hit The City is programmed by Effenaar and Friendly Fire, and is made possible by ASML and Gemeente Eindhoven.

Info:
Hit The City 2024
Thursday 29 August – Friday 30 August – Saturday 31 August – Sunday 1 September
Eindhoven
Free entrance

Line-up announced so far:
MEROL / Sampa the Great / The Haunted Youth

Bokoesam & The Fam / Idaly / Mula B / Polyphonic / SPRINTS / Sylvie Kreusch / The Vices

Another Taste / ADF Antje / Ão / BLUAI / BOWL / Brintex Collective / Bumble B. Boy / CaitC / Carsick / Chardy / CHARLOT / Cherym / Crystal Murray / Debby Friday / Durry / FaceSoul / FIEP / Gespuys / Gustaf / H31R / Housepainters / Iris Jean / Iskander Moon / Julia Sabaté / Kabeaushé / Kans / Kirin J Callinan / Knives / Madster / Malice K / Maria Iskariot / Maryn Charlie / MC Drivah / Meltheads / milolaathetlukken / Min Taka / Narco Polo / PEUK / Porcelain Id / Promis3 / Sky Feliz / Snõõper / Somebody’s Child / Staatseinde / Talk Show / Tantron / The Royston Club / Vals Alarm / ViceByLara / Walt Disco / Yellowstraps / Zimmer90 + many more to be announced

by renia

MEROL, Sampa the Great, SPRINTS and Bokoesam & The Fam among the first 36 names of the renewed Hit The City festival

renia

8th May 2024 |

 

With a new date in late summer, outdoor and indoor stages, and a vibrant day and night program, free music festival Hit The City is back with a new look and bigger than ever. From Thursday 29 August to Sunday 1 September, you will see both established acts and emerging artists throughout Eindhoven. The first 36 names of this edition have been announced, including: Sampa the Great, MEROL, Bokoesam & The Fam, Idaly, Mula B, Polyphonic, SPRINTS and The Vices.

Hit The City has traditionally always taken place during Dutch Design Week in October. But as of this year, the festival is moving to the end of August. With the same DNA, in which experimentation and innovation are at the core, Effenaar, Friendly Fire and ASML are once again joining forces to broaden and strengthen the program with local and international acts. With a bigger program and new locations, there is a lot to discover about this edition. Starting with the first names of the line-up that will consist of more than 100 live acts. 

See the line-up

New outdoor area: Ketelhuisplein 

On Thursday 29 August, Hit The City kicks off with a big opening act in Effenaar, which will soon be revealed. The next day the festival will take place like before in eleven indoor locations in the city center of Eindhoven. During the weekend, two locations at Strijp-S and two outdoor stages on Ketelhuisplein will be added, where 7,000 extra visitors can enjoy great live acts. The Zambian and poetic hip-hop artist Sampa the Great has the honour of closing the main stage on Saturday. And on Sunday the honors go to The Netherlands’ favorite pop act MEROL.

Vibrant day and night programs 

During the day, you can let loose in the sun while you enjoy the acts of the moment, such as The Vices, Zimmer90, Meltheads, Bumble B. Boy, Somebody’s Child and The Royston Club. In the evening, we will continue the festival with acts from all genres at locations all throughout Eindhoven. Discover the garage punk band SPRINTS, hip-hop acts Bokoesam & The Fam, Mula B, Idaly and milolaathetukken, the R&B of Crystal Murray, indie-folk of BLUAI, or pop of Julia Sabaté, Kirin J. Callinan and Promis3. From the glam rock of Walt Disco, to (post)punk bands Snõõper, Gustaf or Talk Show.

The true night owl can dance the night away at a night hosted by Beats ’n Bass, a concept of NOX. The highlight will be Polyphonic’s 15-piece orchestra, which will play orchestral versions of well-known drum ’n bass hits.

Boost of Brainport

While everyone slowly returns to daily life in late summer, Hit The City invites the residents of the Brainport region – and beyond – to celebrate the city of Eindhoven together. With a recognizable, and accessible free music festival, an important impulse is given to the cultural offerings of the region.

Hit The City 2024 will take place from Thursday 29 August to Sunday 1 September at various indoor and outdoor locations in Eindhoven. Entrance is entirely free. Hit The City has been around for 11 years now and was the place where you could first discover acts such as Loyle Carner, Phoebe Bridgers, Viagra Boys, Fontaines DC, The Haunted Youth, Khruangbin, Joost, S10, Zwangere Guy, Alex G, Baauer, Wolf Alice, Glass Animals, Lander & Adriaan, Hak Baker, DITZ, Nusantara Beat and more.

Hit The City is programmed by Effenaar and Friendly Fire, and is made possible by ASML and Gemeente Eindhoven.

Info:
Hit The City 2024
Thursday 29 August – Friday 30 August – Saturday 31 August – Sunday 1 September
Eindhoven
Free entrance

The first 36 names:

MEROL / Sampa the Great / Bokoesam & The Fam / Idaly / Mula B / Polyphonic / SPRINTS / The Vices

BLUAI / Brintex Collective / Bumble B. Boy / CaitC / Carsick / CHARLOT / Cherym / Crystal Murray / Debby Friday / Gespuys / Gustaf / Iskander Moon / Julia Sabaté / Kirin J Callinan / Madster / Maryn Charlie / Meltheads / milolaathetlukken / Promis3 / Sky Feliz / Snõõper / Somebody’s Child / Talk Show / Tantron / The Royston Club / ViceByLara / Walt Disco / Zimmer90 + many more to be announced

by renia

Hit The City festival tips from Effenaar

Hit The City festival tips from Effenaar

This weekend, free city festival Hit The City will take over the city centre! Discover the most promising acts of the moment at 11 cool live venues from 19 – 21 October. Thursday the festival will be kicked off by Dutch hip-hop greatness, Sticks and sor in Effenaar. And on Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy over 60 performances, from Naaz, Alex Vargas, Nusantara Beat, Lander & Adriaan, DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson, Reanny, Hak Baker, Deijuvhs and many more. That means you have some choosing to do! Already having sleepless nights? Our music fanatics are here to help you out with their tips!

Tip from Hit The City-programmer and Friendly Fire-booker Elvin: Bawo

Bawo

Fr 20 Oct, 21:00 h | Effenaar Kleine Zaal

Bawo is a rapper from West London who mixes grime, soul and garage. Interesting own sound and a warm clear voice. I expect to hear a lot from him in the coming years. Bawo touches me with his combination of a characteristic voice, to-the-point lyrics and interesting production choices (usually in collaboration with Oscar #worldpeace). This comes together nicely on ”Stay Close” – the last track from his debut album.

Tip from Hit The City-programmer and Friendly Fire-booker Elvin: Mon Rovîa

Mon Rovîa

Sa 21 Oct, 22:15 h | De Rozenknop

Music sometimes touches you on a deeper level when you know the story behind the artist and Mon’s story is special. An ex-child soldier from Liberia and fortunately able to flee from it through missionaries. After that he lived all over the world and finally landed in Tennessee, where he started making beautiful folk. He describes it best: “My music in a nutshell is a culmination of these experiences blended with the empathy I feel for the experiences with others. The mission of my music is to heal with others — with every nation and tongue, in due time.” Very happy that we can welcome him in De Rozenknop!

Tip from Hit The City-programmer and Friendly Fire-booker Pien: Chartreuse

Chartreuse

Sa 21 Oct, 21:30 h | Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

Chartreuse is an English rock band from The Black Country, England. The area – close to Birmingham – was one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution. Either the 9-meter-thick coal seam close to the surface, or the mix of coal mills, glass mills, and steel mills that produced high levels of soot and air pollution in the air at the time, led to the area’s name. When you hear the music of Chartreuse you also hear the darkness and gloom of that environment. At the same time, this band makes very warm, intimate and brooding songs that, according to the band members, also function as personal therapy. For lovers of King Krule – like me – an absolute must see. In addition, I would also like to tip the Dutch artists The Indien and Droom Dit. Two very nice Dutch bands of which I expect a lot from in the coming year.

Tip from Hit The City & Effenaar-programmer Robert: Porcelain id

Porcelain id

Fr 20 Oct, 21:30 h | De Rozenknop

Porcelain id from Antwerp gives an intense performance. The musical alter ego of Rwandan Hubert Tuyishime (23, them/their) once started from folk, but they continue with a more electronic and dark elusive music that touches the grounds of hip hop and indie pop. As a laureate of Sound Track 2021-2022, they were crowned as a musical promise, praised by the jury for their powerful lyrics, strong voice and unique performance. Moving between poetic and idiosyncratic vocals, with influences from classic pop and lo-fi, their authentic songs expose raw nerves.

Tip from Hit The City & Effenaar-programmer Robert: Lander & Adriaan

Lander & Adriaan

Sa 21 Oct, 00:30-01:15 h | Dynamo Main

The Belgian rave jazz duo Lander & Adriaan play in the middle of the audience. Bizarrely virtuoso musicians who combine rousing 90’s rave synts with jazz breaks and less obvious chord progressions. Incredibly cool and a once in a lifetime experience!

Marketer Koen tips: Hak Baker

Hak Baker

Fr 20 Oct, 22:15 h | Effenaar Kleine Zaal

A few years ago, Hak Baker appeared on my radar after a friend told me about this artist. At the time, his project ‘Babylon’ (2020) had just been released, with ‘PC Plod’ and ‘Venezuela Riddim’ as my personal favourites. Recently the new G-Folk album, called ‘Worlds End FM’, was released and now Hak is also on Hit The City. What I like about Hak Baker is that he seems to be in control; from creating his own (sub)genre to various collaborations with acts such as Rudimental, The Streets or p-rallel.

Tip from marketer Renia: DITZ

DITZ

Fr 20 Oct, 23:30 h | The Jack

Grab the bio of DITZ and you will read: “they played festivals in less than 24 hours after the drummer dislocated his shoulder, jumped into the water during a set and were stopped by the French police during their in-store show due to noise complaints”. And that’s exactly what it sounds like: a blistering assault to your senses with the furious combination of noise rock/post-punk, 80s and 90s post-hardcore influences and poetic lyrics on themes such as gender, insecurity and queerness. Angry music about anything you can be angry about, such as homophobia on the sports field. If you’re not convinced yet, take it from IDLES’ Joe Talbot: “DITZ is the best band in Brighton, if not the world”.

Tip from marketer Nini: Yaro Mila

Yaro Mila

Sa 21 Oct, 20:45 h | Blue Collar Hotel

I saw Yaro Mila live during Popronde where she created a party, even in a bookstore. The singing with her band, her cool attitude and cool style – which is artsy with a punk edge – she really captivated the audience. I’m excited to see how she will make a lasting impression this time. It is guaranteed to be an evening of dancing to her avant-garde (hyper)pop.

Tip from marketer Lotte: Anna-Rose Clayton

Anna-Rose Clayton

Sa 21 Oct, 23:00 h | PopEi

Fans of Anne-Marie, Remi Wolf and Olivia Rodrigo: pay attention! This up-and-coming electropop talent knows how to create an infectious, danceable sound that keeps playing in your head. She previously starred as a support act of Kae Tempest and Carly Rae Jepsen and last year her first EP ”When I Call My Friends” was released. Tip from me: make sure to call your friends for this gig, because Anna-Rose will definitely get the sun shining in PopEi.

Tip from Effenaar-programmer Marco: Hammok

Hammok

Sa 21 Oct, 23:30 h | The Jack

Go to The Jack, where Hammok plays. It could be the last time you can admire Café The Jack in its current state, because the Norwegian trio is going to trash that place with its inventive hardcore punk. I saw the band at Eurosonic, where the guitarist stagedived to the bar to get a beer. That in itself is not so cool, but he didn’t miss a note, and that’s pure craftsmanship.

by renia

Sticks + sor: Hit The City 2023 Opening Night

Sticks + sor: Hit The City Opening Night 2023

Dutch hiphop legends Sticks and sor will play our biggest stage at the Hit The City Opening Night, a special event to kick-off Hit The City festival. Just as the rest of the festival weekend, entrance is completely free. Mark Thursday October 19th in your calendar!

Location: Effenaar, Eindhoven
Doors open:  19:30
Showtime sor:  20:00-20:50
Showtime Sticks:  21-15-22:45
Entrance: free, no ticket needed

Hit The City is a free music festival of all genres during Dutch Design Week. Discover the latest and most promising acts, ground-breaking music and a diversity of genres between 19-21 October, at more than ten exciting locations in Eindhoven

Click here for the timetable

Sticks

Sticks is one of the most influential figures in Dutch hip-hop. Over fifteen years ago, he bursted onto the scene with Rico and producer Delic as a part of Opgezwolle. Album such as ‘Spuugdingen op de mic’, ‘Vloeistof’ and ‘Eigen Wereld’ are now classified as hip-hop classics. You might also know him from collaborations with various artists such as Winne, Jiggy Djé, Wu-Tang clan producer Dr. Moon, Typhoon, A.R.T., and Zwangere Guy. He recently dropped a new album called ‘Alles Over Hoop’, which might just be a hint to the vibe of his upcoming performance at Hit The City. Revelry guaranteed.

sor

A moshpit on violin music? It’s not unthinkable with sor, who is one of the most promising and unique artists in Dutch hip-hop. This Amsterdam jack-of-all-trades (rapper, producer, composer) merges classical music with drill and trap hip-hop influences, accompanied by a whole orchestra. He recently won a contest in conducting music with Maestro, has gained millions of streams with his project Bae Doven, is a prominent member of Black Acid and is signed by Noah’s Ark. This all despite the fact of his intense hearing loss, which forced him to work even more creatively. This Hit The City, he will bring his impressive blend of styles accompanied by strings.

Click here for the entire line-up of Hit The City festival on 19-21 OctoberClick here for the Sticks + sor FB-event

by renia