Before the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, FKA Twigs, Stormzy, Anohni and the Johnsons, and Nine Inch Nails artists arrive, Roskilde festival kicks off with a First Days lineup showcasing 42 of the most riveting and promising new acts from the Nordics.
Featured names include critically acclaimed Danish avant-pop artist Molina, electronic music producer Tonser and the genre-blending producer and DJ G2G. G2G has earned the praise of artists like Charli XCX and HorsegiirL, and will present an explosive rave on Tuesday 1 July.
From the rest of the Nordics, Norwegian producer and singer Fakethias, R&B multi-instrumentalist Hillari, and songwriter Øyunn bring cutting-edge sounds, while Swedish rappers L1NA and Biji add fierce energy to the lineup. The festival also spotlights Greenland’s Andachan, Gróa from Iceland and Danish-Faroese talent Lea Eyðbjørg.
“Roskilde Festival’s First Days is a tribute to musical discovery. It’s ingrained in our DNA to spotlight new voices, musical environments, and musical tendencies, and First Days is a unique chance to experience artists at their most exciting moment, some on the brink of breakthrough, some taking their very first steps. As a participant at Roskilde Festival, you might come for what you know, but hopefully you end up exploring something new, inspiring and unexpected,” said Roskilde Festival’s Head of Music, Thomas Sønderby Jepsen.
Roskilde Festival also reveals that Danish singer/songwriter Annika, one of Scandinavia’s most talked-about new popstars, will open the festival’s legendary Orange Stage in 2025—an honour reserved for artists on the verge of major breakthrough.
At just 20, Annika has already made a name for herself across Denmark and Norway with the chart-topping singles Så længe jeg er sexy and Sammen, a collaboration with Norwegian rapper Marstein. Known for her raw lyricism and infectious hooks, she now steps onto Roskilde’s biggest stage, joining a legacy of past openers who have been on the verge of superstardom.
“I’ve watched so many incredible artists play Orange Stage. Now, I get to be up there myself – it’s absolutely surreal. I’m beyond excited!”, said Annika.
Roskilde Festival also announces that the organisation’s many initiatives to support new voices in music and art—giving space to those who challenge the status quo and push culture forward—will be unified and strengthened under the name Rising.
Rising is an opportunity to give momentum to some of those who deserve to be seen and heard. Rising takes place when an artist in the First Days programme debuts at Roskilde Festival, when a visual artist is given a platform in unconventional settings, and when other unique experiences and formats are presented throughout the year.
