Sampa the Great
Sampa the Great is a a poet, singer-songwriter, and global artistic visionary in the truest sense of the term, dedicated to catalyzing positive change and empowerment. Hailing from Zambia but raised in Botswana, she seamlessly blends abstract hip-hop beats with African influences, neo-soul, and R&B. Her delivery oscillates between assertive, confident rap and smooth soul-jazz vocals intertwined with poetic and introspective reflections. Following the acclaim of her debut album 'Birds and The BEE9' in 2017 and its successor 'The Return' in 2019, she now presents 'As Above, So Below' (2022). With an album so heartfelt and punchy, she proves she really is Sampa, the Great.
Mula B
Mula B, also known as the rapper from The Hague, is fiercely ambitious. Not only did he introduce the trap genre to the Netherlands with his own label, Wilde Westen, but his 2016 mixtape 'Drugs&Geld' has attained cult status and is still regarded as influential within the Dutch hip-hop scene. On his latest album 'Narcopop' (2023), he takes a completely different path and breaks all musical boundaries. The album combines trap and hip-hop with influences from pop, rock, and jazz, under a layer of exceptionally sharp lyrics that sometimes catch you off guard. Mula B elevates street life to pure art. No wonder that the album was chosen as the best Dutch hip-hop album of 2023 by Parool and made it into the top 10 album releases worldwide on Spotify.
MEROL
MEROL makes Dutch pop combined with 80’s disco influences. With her ruthless lyrics, she is a unique voice within the music scene by addressing topics as body positivity, sex and feminism. Put iconic costumes, interactive moments with the audience and self-mockery together and you have the thunderous live sensation called MEROL: an energetic powerhouse influenced by artists like Kylie Minogue, Donna Summer and Roísin Murphy.
Promis3
Carving out their space in the nu-rave scene, Belgian duo Promis3’s captivating productions, mesmerizing visuals and striking aesthetic are a tribute to European club and queer culture. The duo constantly pushes the boundaries of their recognizable, yet confronting identity. Shaped by Europop, hyperpop, y2k-trance, rave and so much more, it’s clear that Promis3’s shared influences span far and wide. They already shared the stage with big names like Shygirl, Dorian Electra, Cobra and Ascendant Vierge. Get ready for the sound of the future with a nostalgia touch of the past.
Snõõper
In the briefest of descriptions, Snõõper is a band who, in a 33 1/3 rpm world, make 45 rpm music they play at 78 and it completely works. Even at this incredible speed, Snõõper (the kinetic duo of musician Connor Cummins and visual/video artist, Blair Tramel) is super precise instrumentally and skillfully melodic vocally, even though, again, they’re flooring it almost the entire time. The overall effect is a megadose of extremely cool and unique songs that while at the speed of tomorrow, would lose their overwhelming fun factor if played any differently. Featuring one of the wildest liveshows out there, as well as the most promising punk debut in decades.
Polyphonic
Polyphonic is the most energetic orchestra you’ll ever experience! This booming orchestra has been throwing parties all across The Netherlands with their unique blend of classical music and drum ’n bass. Their unique covers were praised by the likes of Noisia, Netsky and Macky Gee and have gathered a dedicated following on YouTube. Polyphonic was developed by a large group of musicians, including the renowned Phion Orchestra, drummer Koen Herfst (Armin van Buuren), vocalist Diandra Faye (Da Tweekaz) and drum ’n bass rapper Wolf MC. Expect a euphoric multi-genre party.
Meltheads
Meltheads is a young band originating from Antwerp, with loads of talent and as much drive and swagger. Propelled by the metronomically tight rhythm section of Tim Penseart (bass) and Simon de Geus (drum), and fueled by the sharp and virtuoso guitar of Yunas de Proost. With frontman Sietse Willems as the glowing center, who resembles the incarnate bastard of Jim Morrison's charisma, Robert Plant's sex appeal and Iggy Pop's fury. No wonder the band storms every stage and plays every show like it's their last. Meltheads brings you infectious garage, smart post-punk and (cold) wave indebted to The Chats, Amyl and the Sniffers, Gang of Four and Wire.
SPRINTS
After releasing two acclaimed EPs and building a fearsome live reputation, SPRINTS’ debut album ‘Letter To Self’ is out there and not to be missed. Inspired by Savages, their sound matured into energetic and abrasive garage-punk, synthesising influences ranging from early Pixies, Bauhaus, Siouxsie Sioux, IDLES and LCD Soundsystem. The album is exhibiting their most vulnerable moments and imbuing their visceral garage-punk with a palpable sense of catharsis that we can all benefit from. As singer, guitarist and lead-songwriter Karla Chubb tackles her inner turmoil head-on, and uses her platform to address inequality and issues close to her heart. Women’s ongoing fight for bodily autonomy, struggles with self acceptance, identity, mental health struggles, sexuality and catholic guilt for example.
Madster
All it needed was one drum & bass show to get him hooked. The idea of a heavy hitting, rolling sound was the birth of Eindhoven-based Madster. Nowadays, with over 10 years of experience and shows like Rampage, We Are Electric and Korsakov, as well as a residency at NOX, his trademark mixing and big selection makes him a crowds favourite. Whether it's neuro, beats or halftime, Madster knows how to throw a party.
Bumble B. Boy
Bumble B. Boy is a fast-emerging art-punk artist and failed children's entertainer, pushing boundaries and pulling in shocked, awe-struck crowds with his unique blend of theatrics, storytelling and electric punk energy. If you’re looking for a musical rollercoaster ride to flip you on your head, take some surprising turns and bring you back safely to earth, then make sure you don’t miss this.