Launched in 2003, the European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP) was introduced to make the exchange of European artists across Europe possible on a greater scale than ever before. Now relaunched as the ESNS Exchange, 2023 sees a return to live programming after 2021 and 2022's restrictions pushed the festivals online.

An initiative of Eurosonic Noorderslag, the ESNS Exchange exposes European acts to an array of festivals outside their home countries, generating an extensive and impressive range of media exposure for these artists, with the help of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), export offices and local media. This way, ESNS Exchange aims to boost the international careers of these emerging artists.

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

ESNS Exchange was first launched to aid artists who faced substantial difficulties in the European pop scene – particularly surrounding international promotion and distribution. Despite its great diversity and quality, European music has lagged behind releases from Anglo-American artists.

This is what ESNS Exchange aims to fix. The exchange stimulates 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.

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.

The Murder Capital at Rock Against Homelessness at The Olympia Theatre. 3 March 2020. © Brenna Ransden

Forced to take place digitally in 2021 and 2022, the team worked extra hard to make sure ESNS went ahead – giving a multitude of artists the chance to perform in front of festival bookers and industry professionals, and to get exposure, despite it occurring virtually.

ESNS Exchange has proven in previous years to be extremely successful for European bands and artists – facilitating the booking of European musicians globally. Results from artists and details of the most heavily booked bands from over the years can be seen here.

In addition, a new initiative called ESNS Radar has been launched, in partnership with Creative Europe and powered by SoundCharts. All charts presented on ESNS Radar are border-breaking charts, meaning the new radar system focuses solely on the impact of ESNS Exchange outside of the artists' home countries. These charts can be viewed here.

The upcoming ESNS Festival will take place from January 18 - 21, 2023, in Groningen, Netherlands. The festival will feature artists like CMAT, House Plants, Selló, VLURE, and many more.

Tickets for the upcoming festival taking place in Groningen, Netherlands, are available to purchase - here!

Check out the playlist for the upcoming festival below.