Rijnbaart
Rijnbaart pushes the boundaries of Dutch pop. The Rotterdam producer crafts a magical sound, blending sampler, guitar, and captivating vocals to create digital emotion and poetry. His music resonates deeply. As a producer, he has achieved significant success, including an Edison Award nomination with Dave Budha for their work on "Raamuit" and "Tuinen Van Het Licht," and collaborations with Cero Ismael, who has since become a prominent and acclaimed artist. In his solo projects, Rijnbaart incorporates ideas developed over time, resulting in a unique mix of electronic, rock, jazz, and hip-hop influences, fused with highly musical lo-fi hyperpop.
Blue Bendy
Blue Bendy is a genre-defying band that embodies musical experimentation and bold creativity. Emerging from the vibrant Brixton Windmill scene, they effortlessly blend acoustic vibes, experimental guitar pop, and country influences into their sound. Their debut album, So Medieval (2024), marks a significant evolution from their 2022 EP Motorbike, showcasing a unique and fresh musical direction. Tracks like "Mr Bubblegum" and "Cloudy" highlight their creative peak, filled with intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythms. So Medieval is a daring and polished debut, embodying the band's genre-fluid approach and emotional depth. Catch Blue Bendy live at Hit the City for an unforgettable, genre-defying experience that will leave you captivated and inspired.
Charlie Bennett
Don’t miss Charlie Bennett, the 23-year-old indie/bedroom-pop artist from Birmingham, bringing his fresh single "Pretty Words" to Hit The City, released by the super cool London label Young Poet. Charlie was inspired by Dayglow, Beabadoobee, and Oscar Lang, and started making music during lockdown, recording from his bedroom. His DIY vibe is all about creativity and raw talent. But with "Pretty Words," he teamed up with producer Jack Hardman, blending his original demos with new, exciting sounds.
Charlie says, “This song is about finding unique ways to communicate with someone you like. I’m bringing back letters and soppy voicemails!”. With over 500,000 fans (the -Strawbennetts-) and 12.5 million streams, Charlie is a rising star. He’s been featured on Spotify’s “Our Generation,” and toured with Will Joseph Cook.
Charlie's live performances are a must-see! Known for his high-energy shows and genuine connection with the audience, he turns every gig into an unforgettable experience. Expect raw vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and a vibe that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with an old friend. Catch Charlie Bennett at Hit The City and vibe to "Pretty Words”.
YVES
YVES, born in Amsterdam and raised in Almere, has had a deep connection to music from an early age. His mother's mixtape collection introduced him to R&B, hip-hop, and soul, influences that are clearly reflected in his music. Teaming up with producer SHY, YVES masterfully blends different musical worlds. Early 2020 saw the release of his highly anticipated debut EP, SADDERDAYS, a rich tapestry of neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz.
Following SADDERDAYS, YVES continued to make waves with subsequent EPs HIGHSANDGOODBYES and GODSPEED, cementing his place in the Dutch music scene. Having debuted on several major stages and festivals, YVES is just getting started, with much more to come. His performance at Hit The City being one of those things.
Coco Cocaine
Looking for the ultimate festival experience? COCO COCAINE is about to blow your mind at Hit The City! Formed in The Hague in 2023, this powerhouse duo, Luna Becking and Kate Oram, are shaking up the music scene with their wild mix of post-punk, house, gabber, and techno. They bring a rich tapestry of influences to their collaboration, creating a sound that's all about breaking boundaries and pushing musical limits. Their debut EP, Party Pool (2023), is a must-listen, packed with bangers like "Breastpump" and "Gluesniffer (2Broke4Coke)". These tracks are edgy, danceable, and absolutely unforgettable. Plus, they've done it all independently—writing, recording, and publishing every track themselves. Talk about DIY spirit!
But the real magic happens live. COCO COCAINE’s performances are pure fire—think insane energy, art-infused stages, and vibes that’ll keep you buzzing long after the last note. Their on-stage chemistry and infectious energy create an atmosphere that captivates audiences, leaving everyone hungry for more. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Get ready to experience a show that's more than just music—it's a full-blown sensory overload.
Emmy d'Arc
Meet Emmy d'Arc, the new name you need to know. She's blowing up the music scene with her raw, real vibes. Think Joan of Arc, but with a guitar and killer stage presence. She’s played with some of the biggest names and hit up the coolest festivals. Emmy has opened for big hitters like Amy Macdonald, Birdy, Walk off the Earth, and Mimi Webb. She's also lit up stages at Roma in Antwerp, Ancienne Belgique in Brussels and festivals like Pukkelpop, Gent Jazz, Nostalgie Beach Festival, and M-Idzomer in Leuven. Her debut album is dropping in 2024, and it's all her – every track is straight from her soul. She's teamed up with the legendary Jean Blaute, and it's pure fire.
Emmy’s voice and guitar will grab you and never let go. On stage, she’s a force – not just the girl next door. Behind her smile is a serious artist with big ambitions. Her 2024 debut album is all about keeping it real – written, developed, and polished from her perspective. With Jean Blaute on board, it’s even more epic. Emmy sings about life, thoughts, and everything we all go through, with a raw honesty that's rare to find. Go find her at Hit The City!
Flaire
Experience the explosive energy of Flaire, the hottest new boyband straight out of The Hague. Max Lorenzo (Max van der Scheer), Holty (Boris Wentholt), and Yves Springer bring a unique blend of pop and electronic beats. Max and Holty have been jamming together for a while, but things got serious when they teamed up with the producer Yves in 2022. This dream team quickly went viral, and their tracks are now taking over the internet. It all kicked off when DJs Tjade and Moody Mehran closed their Lowlands set with Flaire’s banger “Oog in Oog", dropping it on Soundcloud.
Flaire’s live shows are something else. Think high-speed journeys from sweet love tunes to bass-thumping tracks that’ll shake the ground beneath you. They've played festivals like Life I Live, lit up their home turf at PIP Den Haag, and even opened for Goldband at AFAS Live. Max Lorenzo and Holty’s lyrics about love, lust, and nightlife, backed by Yves Springer’s killer beats, will turn the night into an unforgettable party.
Gaidaa
Gaidaa is a Sudanese-Dutch musician from Eindhoven who took the world by storm with her debut EP, Overture (2020). She quickly gained global recognition, amassing millions of streams and got featured in top music blogs, magazines, and platforms. Why should you catch her at Hit The City? Simple— she is playing her biggest show yet, and it's in her own hometown.
Influenced by icons like Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, and Anderson .Paak, Gaidaa blends soulful melodies with experimental beats. Whether she’s belting out the heartfelt tribute to the Sudanese revolution "Morning Blue" or the edgy single "I Like Trouble," her shows are a mix of tradition and innovation that you won’t want to miss. Gaidaa’s not just about the music; she’s about making a statement. Her songs tackle social and political issues, using her platform to spark conversations and inspire change. This is your chance to witness a rising star who’s as real as it gets.
Jet van der Steen
You’re in your twenties and realize that now is the time to discover more about yourself. You want more—more adventure and more pushing the boundaries. It’s time to give in to your darker desires. After releasing her debut EP, Door Mijn Ogen (2022), Dutch pop artist Jet van der Steen introduced her new sound with the single ‘Dans op het Mes’ at the end of 2023. This became her most-streamed single, thanks to her loyal fanbase on Instagram and TikTok. In the spring of 2024, she concluded her sold-out tour across eight Dutch venues. ‘Dans op het Mes’ was featured on the 3FM playlist and the covers of Made in NL and Je Moerstaal. This summer, Jet and her band will be performing at various festivals, including Hit The City.