Since its launch in 2003, the European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP) has played a crucial role in making the 'exchange' of emerging European artists across the continent more possible than ever.  An initiative of the showcase festival Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), ETEP facilitates the bookings of European acts at festivals outside their home countries.

ETEP also generates extensive media exposure for these artists, with the help of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), export offices and local media – giving an important boost to the international careers of European artists.

ETEP was first launched as a way of combatting the substantial difficulties facing European pop artists, in terms of international promotion and distribution. Despite its great diversity and quality, European music has lagged behind releases from Anglo-American artists.

That's where ETEP comes in – to stimulate cooperation on the cultural, business and media levels in the European music industry, in order to develop a solid network to promote, support, motivate and encourage the free flow of creative European music talent across the continent.

At ESNS, international music industry delegates gather to watch the performances of the selected artists, including bookers from festivals that are part of ETEP.

Celeste, David Keenan, whenyoung, Seamus Fogerty, Jade Bird, Sam Fender, Sigrid, IDLES, Dua Lipa, Shame, The Murder Capital, Daði Freyr and Tom Grennan are just some of the artists who have benefitted from the exchange programme.

whenyoung. Copyright hotpress.com / Andre Aravena

Fontaines D.C., meanwhile, were the most-booked act of 2019's programme – playing 14 participating festivals, which placed them ahead of black midi and Flohio.

Due to the pandemic, many ETEP festivals were cancelled or postponed in 2020. As such, the programme had to adjust its strategy. Although festivals were unable to take place, they still promoted the emerging artists on their platforms, which resulted in 124 promotions for 74 acts from 21 countries – as well as a total of 45 shows by 40 acts from 26 countries, playing at 12 festivals in 12 countries. In total, there were 102 different emerging artists from 31 countries supported by bookings or promotions by ETEP festivals.

This year, ETEP also decided to give the 2020 acts another chance at being booked by participating festivals.

Despite the immense challenges of the past 18 months for the international music industry, ESNS is currently gearing up for its 2022 edition – which will take place in Groningen from January 19–22. Irish acts already confirmed to play the 2022 showcase festival include CMAT, For Those I Love, Kynsy, Denise Chaila, Enola Gay, Fears, Smoothboi Ezra, 49th & Main, Cian Ducrot, Dea Matrona, John Francis Flynn and Sprints. They join an impressive line-up of European talent, including Daði Freyr, Mimi Webb, Sylvie Kreusch, Travis Birds and more.

For further information about the work of ETEP, see etep.nl

Find out more about ESNS 2022 visit esns.nl