Hiigo
Hiigo is a Dutch pop band from Zwolle, formed by Koen Gardebroek, Dion van der Geest, Aart de Gier, Peter Terluin and Hans van der Werf. What started as a group of friends with a shared love of music has grown into a band bringing fresh energy to Nederpop. Their songs mix Dutch lyrics with modern influences from The 1975 and Bon Iver, exploring the joys and mild terrors of growing older in music that makes you think while you dance. Since their start in 2021, they have worked with producer Rob Peters, known for Bløf, Typhoon and Flemming, to release their debut EP Thuis in 2024. Singles like Tankstation became a Radio 2 TopSong and reached number one in both De Verrukkelijke 15 and the 3FM Verlanglijst, while their self-organised Tankstation festival has already hosted artists such as Lucky Fonz III, Wies, Droom Dit, Jet van der Steen and Gerson Main.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Vices
The Vices deliver a contrasting mix of Britpop and surf rock. Imagine the love child of The Strokes and Cage the Elephant with a live energy reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. These are great names, but above all, The Vices are uniquely themselves. With childlike fun and deadly serious ambitions, they can play tight and explosive just as easily as they are playful and danceable.