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”.
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.
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.
WIES
WIES is a Dutch pop trio based in Amsterdam, comprising Jeanne Rouwendaal, Tobias Kolk, and Dan Huijser. Their music blends influences from alternative rock and electronic genres, underscored by a strong Do It Yourself ethos. Their songs delve into both profound existential questions and the everyday concerns of young adults. Their debut album, Het is een WIES, was released in 2021 and featured standout singles like 'Soms Is Het Te Laat', 'Barman', and 'Meisje'. In 2023, they followed up with their second album, Alles Anders, which delves deeper into themes of life and death, joy and sorrow, love and pain. It includes pivotal tracks such as their 3FM Megahit and StuBru Catch of The Day 'Ik Zie Ik Zie'. A breezy pop band perfect to enjoy in the sun on Ketelhuisplein.
Sven Cilliers
Meet Sven Cilliers, is a young South African singer-songwriter and producer who brings a refreshing blend of pop and alternative rock, inspired by icons such as The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. His modern sound, akin to Harry Styles and Noah Kahn, is embraced on streaming platforms and has gained a substantial following on TikTok. Tracks such as ‘Phantom,' 'Hypnotized,' and 'Perfect Lie' have collectively garnered hundreds of thousands of streams. Drawing inspiration from his South African upbringing amidst the waves and his personal interactions. We’re predicting you’ll be hearing a lot more from this up-and-coming rock star, so make sure to catch him live!
The Pill
Simply giggling at the hurdles of life. Drawing from dire situations, like your scaffolder seeing you naked, and the woes of your hair being too blonde. Spending their time on The Isle of Wight, The Pill have been creating iconic ‘jank’ punk music since the beginning of 2019, and writing tunes that talk about the big issues with a fun sprinkle of satire. Consisting of two girlies, Lily and Lottie, on vocals, guitar and bass, with Rufus on drums. It’s intense relatability, extraordinary energy and lots of subjects that you wouldn’t share with your dad. Get in gear for giggles and wiggles with The Pill.
Sylvie Kreusch
Sylvie Kreusch is rapidly rising as one of the most impressive and electrifying performers in Europe, turning many heads in the fields of music, film and fashion. Kreusch is known for her brutal, expressive lyricism and keen ear for both experimental and pop stylistics and participation in past projects such as Soldier’s Heart or Warhaus. On her breakthrough album Montbray, she illustrated heartbreak with the suspense and thrill of a spy thriller. To say the Belgian artist has a flair for the dramatics would be a severe understatement. Wherever Sylvie sets foot, superlatives tend to chase her like a trail of fire.
For her upcoming new album, she abandons her lofty tenure as Belgium’s specter of the night, trading in her raging red locks for a dashing blonde. Finally in the driver’s seat with her lover sitting shotgun, she embarks on a horizon-chasing voyage where all fruits of life are savored and surveyed with wide eyes and luscious lip.
Durry
Durry is a duo consisting of songwriter Austin - a millennial - and his sister Taryn, a Gen-Z. By joining forces, they show just how much the neighboring generations have in common. The immediate result of their musical partnership was the pop-punk/alternative anthem 'Who’s Laughing Now', which leads with wry, tongue-in-cheek lyrics about the futility of young adulthood. After posting an unfinished version of it on TikTok, it swiftly took off, galvanizing thousands of viewers who shared their coming-of-age frustrations. Invoking alternative, pop, and pop-punk influences such as Weezer, Sum 41, the White Stripes, and the Killers, their album Suburban Legend (2023), contains songs packed with energy, gumption, and razor-sharp lyricism that explores themes around suburbia, capitalism, mundanity, ambition, perseverance, passion, mental health — and Taco Bell. Regardless of where you are in life — city or suburbs, school or work, or pursuing a creative dream of your own — Durry will meet you there with a wink and a high five.
Another Taste
Another Taste. Is it boogie? Is it 70’s funk? Obscure disco? Or an ode to Burgess? It’s neither and it’s all. Indefinable yet universal. The buzz started at an early recording at the home of Danilo Plesssow (MCDE). Experimenting with tape and analogue equipment only, Another Taste found their sound in the beauty of the imperfection. No computers, straight-up feels instead. Being responsible for several releases on the Space Grapes imprint (Mad Honey, GALXTC, Jambonne), Another Taste reinvents itself with every release to bring people together in delight. Let the vibe of this eclectic collective serve you Another Taste.