Slow Crush
Slow Crush is a band that thrives on evolution. After their acclaimed debut Aurora they toured relentlessly, building a global fanbase drawn to their immersive, swirling soundscapes. Their second album Hush continued their ascent, leading to sold-out shows and international acclaim. New music took a back seat for a while as the band focused on life on the road, but the four-year gap between Hush and their latest release brought fresh perspective and creative renewal. Their latest work, recorded with Lewis Johns at The Ranch, layers dreamy vocals with gritty guitars, glitchy textures, and even unexpected saxophone, reflecting themes of emotional burnout, reconnection, and the search for clarity.
Elmer
Filled with humor, self-mockery, and sharp lyrics, Elmer consciously plays with expectations surrounding gender, sound, and appearance, thereby challenging the norm. Expect a show which moves between confrontation and tenderness, demonstrating that love and reckoning can coexist perfectly well. No redemption, but as a hand on your shoulder with room to doubt.
TJE
Belgian trio TJE turned the Dutch diminutive suffix “-tje” into a striking band name. With minimal gear, they create a powerful, atmospheric sound that pushes their instruments toward dissonance and friction. Their debut EP, IDOLS, blends off-kilter electronica, melancholic avant-pop, and experimental post-rock, drawing comparisons to Portishead and Fever Ray. Versyck’s voice has been described as balancing “between childlike naivety and brooding intensity.” TJE has already made a strong live impact in Belgium and the Netherlands and will show why at Hit The City!
Coalmine Canary
This bizarre mathcore/noise-punk outfit from Eindhoven knows how to melt together unusual time signatures, schizophrenic riffs and unhinged hardcorde punkbeats. Or as they call it themselves: ‘‘migraine-inducing math noise for (and by) people who need to go see a therapist.’’ Well… See you there!
Alice Olsthoorn
Emerging from internet and queer rave culture, Alice Olsthoorn thrives on pushing boundaries with unapologetic humor and unapologetic extravagance. Her signature sound fuses hyperpop and high-energy club music into a futuristic sonic explosion that feels like stepping into tomorrow’s dancefloor. With sharp, playful yet powerful lyrics and an undeniable presence, she has earned her crown as the hyperpop princess of the Netherlands. After blowing away crowds at Milkshake, the Amsterdam Pride mainstage, and as opening act for Pabllo Vittar, Alice is ready to turn Hit The City into her glittering playground.
S10
Sharing her most personal stories through song, rap and spoken word, S10 has established herself as the crown princess of Dutch alt pop. With millions of streams, collaborations with the biggest artists of our country she knows how to touch all of our hearts with her vulnerable and impressive stories.
Hex Girlfriend
London-based Hex Girlfriend, the electrifying duo of Noah Yorke and James Knott, fuses rave, heavy rock, and industrial grooves into a theatrical sonic storm. Their live shows are a visual and auditory spectacle. Think striking costumes, white armor, and beats that won’t let you sit still. Debut EP No Golf Cart Parking (2024) tackles rebellion, self-worth, and social critique with playful yet heavy energy. Expect chaotic danceability, unexpected twists, and a band boldly defying norms.
Mouth Ulcers
London’s Mouth Ulcers are the new pulse of dark post-punk. Drawing from legends like The Cure, Bauhaus, and Twin Tribes, they fuse tribal drums, moody baritone vocals, and atmospheric guitars into a sound critics call “music for vampires to dance to.” Already turning heads with sold-out UK and Netherlands shows, the quartet delivers music that’s urgent, intoxicating, and irresistibly cool. With their debut EP on the horizon via Lab Records and a summer live run set to ignite.
Frans Kalf
Frans Kalf is a cynically joyful life artist, half Amsterdammer, half Ghentian. With catchy songs and sharp lyrics, he guides you through a bittersweet world under the approving gaze of Shaffy and Brel. A place for heartbreaks and belly laughs alike. His debut single, “Terwijl Je Voor Me Stond”, out January 21, fuses chanson with indie and folk, instantly defining his signature sound. Already a Sound Track laureate, Frans captivates stages across the Low Countries and tours with Dressed Like Boys, Kaat Van Stralen, and Johannes Is Zijn Naam.
Fellatio
With their jagged, propulsive sound, Fellatio became a lightning-quick live sensation, spreading like a blight from Rotterdam’s underground scene to the great beyond. Their pilgrimage has just begun, make sure you don’t miss out!