NETHERLANDS: Eurosonic Noorderslag has announced that its next edition will shine a spotlight on the emerging music scenes of both Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Working in close cooperation with Pohoda Festival CEO Michal Kaščák and Márton Náray, Director of Sound Czech / Czech Music Office, this represents ESNS’ first ever dual-country focus.
ESNS booker Robert Meijerink commented: “We are keen to showcase the unique, high-quality music from these two neighbours. Although two of the youngest countries in Europe, they both have diverse and growing music scenes, a great history and lots of amazing music to be discovered.”
Coordinator of the ESNS conference Ruud Berends is particularly excited to focus on these two countries, both from an historic perspective and because this focus is in many ways the culmination of what ESNS achieved with its partners and friends in the former CEE countries between 2011 and 2016 through the CEETEP programme. “I am confident that this will be a remarkable focus,” he said. “Especially with CR / Radio Wave and Radio_FM, Sound Czech / Czech Music Office and the ETEP festivals Colours of Ostrava, Metronome Festival, Rock for People, United Islands of Prague and Pohoda on board.”
Director of the Czech Sound music office, Márton Náray, asserts that the music scene in the Czech Republic has grown tremendously over the past five to ten years, with over 500 summer festivals, a booming club scene and dozens of great upcoming musical talents. “We are excited about the opportunity to show European professionals how much we have to offer,” he said. “I think it is the perfect moment to do that.”
CEO and booker of Pohoda Festival, Michal Kaščák, believes that this opportunity is perfectly timed. “It is great to be a music fan in Slovakia,” he said. “The whole world knows Metallica, PJ Harvey and The Sex Pistols. And we are lucky enough to know Čad, Jana Kirschner and The Wilderness. But don’t worry – thanks to the Czech-Slovakian focus at ESNS 2019, we will be sharing our hidden treasures with music lovers around the world. They deserve it!”
