Hit the City festival 2025 blokkenschema dag 3 - Saturday 30 August 2025

Pol’s sound takes clear inspiration from new wave legends like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Visage, blending shimmering synths with driving rhythms refreshed with a modern edge. On stage, brothers Matthijs and Ruben Pol, both professional models, effortlessly shift between guitars, synths, and percussion, immersing the audience in a sleek ‘80s-inspired synthwave experienc where music and fashion collide.

From their early singles like “Devil’s Jam” and “Sunburnt”, Teenage Dads set out to do something different. The Melbourne four-piece broke free from the typical Australian indie sound, blending elements of ‘80s acts like Devo and Talking Heads, the energy of early 2000s NYC indie, and the infectious drive of bands like Two Door Cinema Club. The result is a unique mix of catchy rhythms, unexpected twists, and an undeniable originality that sets them apart.

Fred Gata sits somewhere between soul and hip-hop, warm tea and a smoky Sunday night. His voice pulls you in, his lyrics make you stay. Since casually bagging both the jury and audience prizes at Sound Track 2023, he’s been sharing stages with big names and giving the spotlight to new ones. No smoke machines or over-rehearsed moves, just presence, straight-up honesty, and the kind of energy that speaks for itself. Fred makes space for feeling, for dancing, and occasionally, for just the right amount of chaos.

Swaggy. Sexy. Supercharged. Babymorocco isn’t just performing, he’s detonating dancefloors. Imagine the chaotic ecstasy of a 2AM basement rave: sweat dripping, bass rattling your ribcage and you’re still only halfway to what he’s about to bring. A sonic sugar rush of trash-pop, 2-step, happy hardcore, and BPM chaos, Babymorocco is hurtling full speed into his solo era with zero brakes. Think Justice meets Lindsay Lohan, with a heavy dash of glitter, distortion, and dirty pop rebellion. He’s melted minds on stage with Dorian Electra, Jockstrap, Frost Children, and even at Shygirl’s Boiler Room. Now, he’s bringing his genre-smashing, style-drenched madness to Hit The City. If you’re looking for subtlety, stay home. If you’re ready to sweat, scream, and lose yourself in the most unhinged party of the year; we’ll see you front row.

Charlie Avalon is the DJ duo that derails your night in the best way possible. Chaos, curated to perfection. Charlie Rombach and Avalon Peters spin anything that gets the floor moving. From alternative bangers to electronic slammers, pop anthems to indie gems. Their only rule? No rules. After sharing the stage with icons like The Dare, 2manydjs, and LYNKS, and performing at festivals such as Best Kept Secret, Lowlands, Down The Rabbit Hole, and Into The Great Wide Open, as well as venues like Paradiso, Tivoli, and Melkweg, there’s no escaping them. Not that you’d want to. Expect chaos, sweat, and pure dancefloor euphoria during their set at Hit The City.

Step into the cosmic world of American indie folk band Little Moon, the dreamlike project of Utah’s Emma Hardyman. What began as a romantic album for her husband evolved into Dear Divine. A breathtaking exploration of love, grief, and spiritual rebirth, written in the wake of her mother-in-law’s passing and her own departure from the Mormon church. Her soaring vocals and lush, future-baroque arrangements evoke something between a Zelda soundtrack and Vashti Bunyan. On stage, she’s joined by close friends Bly Wallentine, Bridget Jackson, Chris Shemwell, Grace Johnson, and Nathan Hardyman, weaving a rich, emotional soundscape. It’s a transformative, celestial experience. An act of radical love and healing. Don’t miss it.

This is your must-see moment: the electrifying Allman Brown is hitting the stage. The London-based singer-songwriter channels the spirit of legends like Springsteen, Bon Iver, and Tracy Chapman with his soulful, heartfelt music. With three acclaimed albums – ‘1000 Years, Darling, It’ll Be Alright, and Second Son’ – he’s racked up over a quarter of a billion streams worldwide. His songs have featured in hit US TV shows like The Good Doctor and Criminal Minds, adding emotional depth to key moments. Brown’s heartfelt storytelling and captivating voice have taken him on tours across Europe, Asia, and North America. His latest album, Second Son, produced by Grammy winner Peter Katis, showcases a fresh, electronic-infused sound while staying true to his signature style.

Casey MQ mixes pop sensibility with classical training and a sharp ear for electronic production. After releasing his debut album babycasey in 2020, he’s collaborated with artists like Oklou, Eartheater, and Shygirl, and co-founded the queer virtual club Club Quarantine during lockdown. His latest record Later that day, the day before, or the day before explores memory and identity through rich, genre-blending songwriting. Expect a live show that’s honest, layered, and full of unexpected turns.

Nienke Leone chooses to sing what she’s afraid to talk about, while her music sounds like an invitation to be her best friend for a night. Dive into an energetic show where infectious enthusiasm, autobiographical lyrics and catchy choruses set the tone. Inspired by artists like Typhoon and Julia Michaels, she brings an ode to honest music, which you can feel in every line of her accessible popsongs.

Vampire Boyfriend serve up dreamy alt-pop with a bite. Think jangle guitars, gloomy aesthetics, and lyrics that flirt with darkness but always land somewhere tender. It’s the sound of a grown-up teen goth making peace with her past, wrapped in sixties shimmer and deadpan charm. Led by Janine van Osta, the Rotterdam-based four-piece bring introspective songs to life on stage with a wink and a ritual, offering a soundtrack for self-acceptance that knows the power of a well-placed ABBA reference, or a Satanic chant.

Kaat Van Stralen blends punk attitude with genre-bending chaos. What began as a solo project has grown into a full band, with snarling guitars, pounding drums, and basslines that hit like a gut punch—all beneath Kaat’s sharp, commanding vocals. From punk and psychedelia to spoken word, nothing is off limits. In early 2025, she released her debut single ‘Stop Met Wenen’, a punk rock anthem for all women, misfits, and feelers that instantly topped the charts in Belgium. Think Amyl & The Sniffers meets Wet Leg with a Flemish twist—raw, loud, and unapologetically weird.

Sometimes, all you need is a moment where everything falls still. A space where emotions run wild, hearts race, and a voice not quite of this world touches the deepest corners of your soul. Singer-songwriter Emma Hessels offers exactly that. Armed with nothing but her voice and guitar, Hessels walks a fine line between longing, love, and loneliness with disarming grace. Her presence is both fragile and fierce. An impossible balance that makes her utterly unmissable. Since being named a laureate of Sound Track 2023, Emma has been winning hearts across the country, show after show. On May 9, 2025, she released her hauntingly beautiful debut single ‘Insular’, the first glimpse of her upcoming debut EP, set for release in October 2025.

What started in a student room in Rotterdam with just an acoustic guitar has grown into a warm blend of indie, pop and folk. Inspired by artists ranging from Joni Mitchell and The Eagles to Dutch legends BLØF, singer-songwriter Julia Adriana crafts songs filled with melancholy tones and enchanting harmonies. Her single Where R U Now was featured in Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Her new EP Homemade Love is coming soon, and you can experience it live at Hit The City!

Straight outta Vlaardingen: Brunzyn! He’s is not just an artist, he’s the vice president of Albino Sports, an independent label making major moves. After a lifetime of vibing to hip-hop, he now spits relatable bars over blazing beats, always keeping the crowd on its toes. A true man of the people, Brunzyn builds a real connection with his audience and when he hits the stage, it shows. With explosive projects like ‘B2’, ‘Albino Sports Vol. 1’ (with Joost Klein), and ‘Meer Dan Een Meme’, you already know he’s about to tear it all down. Expect high energy, slick moves, and moshpits that’ll shake basement.

Amsterdam-born Oykie (Kyo Bijron) returned home at 17 to pursue music, quickly gaining millions of streams with hits like Geluk and Private Life—all without label support. Blending American styles with a distinct Dutch edge, his tracks like the viral Naar Je Toe and collaborations with Eves Laurent showcase his versatility. With over 20 million streams and recognition from FunX and Complex, Oykie is a rising star both on local and international stages.

Hiltje blends emotion, melody, and a healthy dose of weird into something strangely irresistible. He broke out with the jerseyclub banger Iedereen Is Onzeker – an anthem for overthinkers who still love a good dancefloor – and kept the momentum going with the genre-bending EPs Hillside and his latest, Brokken Piloot. Mixing raw trap with dreamy pop, Hiltje lays it all out: loneliness, growth, and trying to figure it all out (like the rest of us).

Take it from one of our headliners two years ago, Sticks: NOAH is one of the most exciting new names in Dutch hip-hop and the multitalented force behind Noah’s Ark. Noah Defares, better known as NOAH, is a multidisciplinary artist who splits his time between the studio and the canvas. After the release of Mr. Blue in 2023, he made a conscious shift back to basics: fewer chords and melodies, more beats and bars. This creative reset led to the release of two punchy maxi-singles—Survival Of The Fittest / Noahlogie and Zeeziek / Kijken Kijken Niet Kopen—with a third one on the way.

Where house music blasts from the bathroom at 7AM on a Monday, where adrenaline is force-fed through kick and bass, and the gas bill hits harder than your hangover, that’s where you’ll find Luca St Feel the pressure rising? Good. With self-proclaimed “love songs, but my way,” Luca delivers raw emotion wrapped in relentless rhythm. Think spoken word caught in a rave, or as he puts it: “ritmisch gelul op een housebeat.” This is hip-hop reimagined. Catch him live at Hit The City, where love gets loud and lyrics hit like a strobe.

Emerging from Belgium’s fertile underground with the quiet assurance of those who know exactly what they’re doing, this trio has methodically carved out a space where atmospheric experimentation and razor-sharp pop sensibilities coexist in perfect equilibrium. The Antwerp-based trio debuted with a dreamy, shoegaze-infused style that evolved across releases into a nuanced balance of introspection and accessible hooks.

From the housing crisis to the impact of social media on young people: Chloe Slater packs a whole bunch of issues from the age of internet culture into catchy, and angst-driven guitar pop anthems.
The 21-year-old singer-songwriter on the rise, is carving her path in the realm of independent music. Born and raised in Bournemouth, she has been writing songs since she was 13 years old. After moving to Manchester for University, she found her voice in the effervescent open mic scene and has since been collaborating closely with writer/producer Jack Shute. As she continues to shed a light on overlooked issues, 2025 promises even more for her. Hear her out, she might just be the next big indie rock icon!
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Niels Orens is an electronic music producer with a knack for blending acoustic and electronic textures into a soundscape that feels deeply human. With deep basslines, warm cello harmonies, and a classical heart beating beneath rich electronic layers, Orens invites you into a sonic world where emotion takes the lead. His introspective yet dynamic live sets blur the lines between acoustic and electronic, calm and chaos. Following the release of his 2024 EP s/low nights, Orens continues to carve out space for reflection in a fast-paced scene. Fresh from collaborations with Max Cooper and performances across Europe, his AV live show will be featured at Hit The City.

Rapper Gotu Jim’s journey is nothing short of legendary. From student king to internet sensation to style icon, he’s been rising nonstop and if he weren’t so down-to-earth, people would be calling him a superstar by now. Secretly, maybe he always dreamed of being a DJ, but the hip-hop scene is absolutely richer with this charismatic rising star behind the mic. In 2024, he broke through with ‘Misschien Kwijt’, a viral TikTok hit that quickly turned into a full-blown festival anthem. His sound remains unmistakably Jim: dark and emotional, yet always wrapped in a smile, with those catchy, sing-along hooks you just can’t shake. With his raunchy lyrics and wavy beats, Gotu Jim has already teamed up with artists like Faberyayo and Merol. He’s rocked stages at Solar, Lowlands, and Pukkelpop, while his album ‘Niet Geslapen Wel Gedoucht’ earned a nomination for a prestigious 3voor12 Award. The hip-hop scene is lucky to have this genuinely talented and down-to-earth artist rising fast.

SUPERSTRINGS is a dynamic group of five emerging artists redefining the trance scene. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of emotional trance anthems, they mix nostalgic vibes with a playful twist, featuring all-white outfits, their ‘Show your emotions’- motto, all-caps captions, and a neon green dolphin mascot. While their approach is light-hearted, their DJ sets are deeply skilled, blending iconic 90s and 2000s trance classics with modern sounds. SUPERSTRINGS is also known for sold-out parties across the country, creating massive, euphoric events that attract new generations of trance fans. Their rise culminated in a collaboration with Armin van Buuren, remixing Prototype’s ‘Soundpiercing,’ paying tribute to the emotional core of trance. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this stirring movement.

Get ready to be swept away by the unstoppable force of TUKAN, Belgium’s genre-bending sonic explorers. Where raw electronic power meets the nuance of post-rock, TUKAN crafts soundscapes that pulse with energy, emotion, and unity. After their debut album ‘Atoll’ they solidify their rise with ‘Human Drift’ (2025), an album that pushes their musical exploration even further. TUKAN embodies the idea that unity is strength, showing that music can be both subtle and impactful, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the world. Defying labels, TUKAN navigates between electro, jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock, subverting expectations and creating a truly unique auditory experience. Their music is a collective journey that bridges generations, an invitation to let the movement carry you away.

Rapper, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist KiLLOWEN is one of the UK’s most exciting genre-benders, blending UK garage, hip-hop, dance, and soul into tracks that feel both deeply personal and universally infectious. After making serious waves online with the viral hit ‘Sober’, written and produced entirely by the 24-year-old himself, KiLLOWEN skyrocketed to 4.8 million Spotify streams and over 20 million TikTok views, landing at 20 on the UK Viral chart. But this is no one-hit story. From early SoundCloud experiments to collaborating with artists like p-rallel, Arlo Parks, and Finn Foxell, he’s built a sonic world that’s raw, reflective, and relentlessly fresh.

Parker Fans are a kinetic Dutch trio turning chaos into a dancefloor love language. Powered by groovy basslines, jagged synths, and crunchy drum samples, their sound feels like a high school mixtape gone off the rails—equal parts Boyz II Men, Beastie Boys, and Vengaboys. Live, they’re a sweaty, unhinged explosion of pop hooks and art-school mischief, delivered with charm and zero dead weight. What began as dusty MPC beats has grown into full-throttle mayhem across clubs and festivals. Tracks like “Pool Of Fish” and “Skincare” bounce between breakbeats and electro freakouts, designed to keep bodies in motion.

Step into a world where sound becomes emotion, and bass tells stories. Buunshin, the Dutch prodigy, is the genre-defying force behind some of the most forward-thinking bass music of our time. Mentored by legends like Noisia and championed by global icons such as Skrillex, Flume, Porter Robinson, and Chris Lake, Buunshin’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Drawing inspiration from the fragility of life, the light that exists in the dark, and the suffering inherent in the human experience, Buunshin translates musical ideas in a way that reminds us of the vastness of the universe. He studies relentlessly, experiments with new technologies, embraces enchanting vocals, maximizes bass sounds, and evokes nostalgia; all to tell stories that explore our deepest thoughts.

Straight out of Breda, CaitC is lighting up the scene as one of the most exciting new talents in electronic music. Known for her vibrant energy and fearless style, she blends crowd-favourite bangers, hidden gems, and her own explosive productions into every set. A CaitC performance is a full-on journey; colourful, uplifting, and impossible to stand still to. With a magnetic presence behind the decks, she’s already made waves across Europe, smashing stages at heavyweights like NOX, Rampage, and Liquicity. But CaitC isn’t just a DJ, she’s also a rising producer, with releases on respected labels such as Ridmic Records and Viper. Fueled by passion and driven by pure determination, CaitC is only just getting started.

Blanks delivers an irresistible blast of feel-good pop.The Dutch singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, also known as Simon de Wit, first lit up the global stage with his infectious YouTube covers, but quickly proved he’s much more than a viral sensation. With his signature blend of upbeat pop, retro nostalgia, and dancefloor-ready hooks, Blanks has carved out a sound that’s uniquely his own. His debut album ‘Nothing Lasts Forever And That’s OK’ became an instant fan favorite, and he’s been unstoppable ever since. In 2024, Blanks took his band on a whirlwind tour across the US, Canada, and Europe, and caught the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop with his latest single ‘Love Situation’. And when he’s not lighting up the stage himself, he’s co-writing with rising stars like MEAU and Pommelien Thijs.

Maan is without a doubt one of the most successful pop artists in the Netherlands. In 2022, she sold out the Ziggo Dome, and her smash hit ‘Stiekem’ (with Goldband) became the most streamed song in the Netherlands on Spotify in 2023. After taking a step back to reconnect with her musical roots, Maan returns with her brand-new album Eclips — a bold, emotional journey that showcases her artistic growth. Joined by her live band, Maan brings a fresh new show filled with stunning visuals, raw energy, and of course, brand-new music. Don’t miss this chance to experience the next phase of Maan.

Since 2008, Fresku has been a cornerstone of the Dutch rap scene, and he’ll bring his honest, heartfelt voice back home at Hit the City. He broke through with ‘Brief Aan Kees’, a powerful track that landed him a deal with Top Notch, the Netherlands’ biggest hip-hop label. Fresku is a creative powerhouse and a storyteller who fearlessly shares his fears, doubts, and love. Beyond music, he acts, performs cabaret, and runs his own label. Through his work, he holds up a mirror to Hilversum, sparking reflection during times of division and tension. Expect deep stories, sharp rhymes, and the unmistakable spirit of a true original. Don’t miss this hometown hero shake the city to its core.

Yousef Gnaoui, better known as Sef, first burst onto the scene with the iconic hip-hop collective Flinke Namen, quickly cementing his place in Dutch music through chart-topping collaborations with The Partysquad and Dio. In 2011, he ventured out on his own. His solo debut marked the beginning of a fearless career defined by originality, introspection, and constant evolution. In 2023, Sef released the widely acclaimed ‘Ik Zou Voor Veel Kunnen Sterven Maar Niet Voor Een Vlag’. A powerful album that delves deep into the impact of capitalism, nationalism, and individualism on society. The record earned him the Edison Award for Best Dutch Album of the Year, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s most thought-provoking artists. With a brand-new album, Lieve Monsters, dropping this June, Sef is ready to take things to the next level during Hit The City.

Get ready for an electrifying afternoon as Ronnie Flex takes the stage at Ketelhuisplein with unstoppable energy, raw emotion, and hit after hit. Rooted in hip hop, but just as comfortable dropping pure pop, club bangers, smooth R&B or urban anthems — the Rotterdam native does it all, and always with style. With almost 3 million monthly streams on Spotify, Ronnie Flex continues to prove he’s one of the most versatile and beloved artists in the game. A new album is on the way, and on the recent single ‘Heel De Nacht Alleen’ we even hear a rocking Ronnie Flex like never before. And this time, he’s not coming alone — Ronnie Flex will be joined by The Fam, bringing even more energy, talent and love to the stage. We’re thrilled to welcome him.

After years of working as a producer, writer and guitarist for acts like Joost, multidisciplinary artist Dylan van Dael is creating his own audiovisual universe. With his works, he creates hybrid between indie, alternative pop, electronic melancholy and a visual world around the chrome-colored 3D character Pokka. The unique character embodies the balance between togetherness, individualism and the increasing loneliness that digitization brings. With the track Better If I Go, he adds a new part to his universe. In this mixed reality experience you gather around Pokka, and while the song is playing, the space around you slowly transforms into a dreamy digital world. Dive in and watch Pokka come to life!
 
HYMNE – Let’s go beyond the traditional stage
Within the project HYMNE, 4DR Studios and Effenaar Lab have developed four immersive virtual mini concerts together with artists Anneke van Giersbergen, WITT, CHARLOT and Dylan van Dael. Each experience revolves around one song, in which audio, image and technology come together in an AR, VR or MR experience. Dive into their projects and let music and digital elements surprise you in new ways.
HYMNE is a collaboration between the cutting-edge platform CORTEX2, tech pioneer 4DR Studios and Effenaar. The project is supported by the EU.

OK AI – Pilot Work-In-Progress
Step into the future of music and visuals. During Hit The City, you will be able to try out the very first version of OK AI – a new interactive installation where you become the composer, creator, and designer, making music and visuals together with technology. You’ll perform alongside real robots and smart software. This is your chance to help shape the development of a mobile concert hall packed with technology that will tour the world starting in 2026. Share your thoughts, take part in the testing, and prepare to be amazed.
Developed by DOMNIQ (artist Dominique Vleeshouders) and the WERC Collective, and supported by leading partners such as Adams, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, Effenaar, and ESNS, OK AI stands at the forefront of creative innovation.

Enter the enigmatic world of avant-garde artist Mirusi Mergina, who is known for her innovative sounds and otherworldly performances. During Hit The City she will present her newest work: Resonance of the Self. This immersive, ever-evolving sonic installation is linked in real-time to her own body, creating a living composition that blurs the boundaries between performer and performance. Step into a cocoon-like environment, and become a silent witness to her vulnerability.
 
Hybrid Music Vibes 
The Hybrid Music Vibes project offers artists the opportunity to discover how new technologies can contribute to their artistry. Together they look for innovative ideas, new sounds and groundbreaking experiences. What technical possibilities are there and how can they strengthen their art? Through inspiring sessions with experts and work sessions, they explore the possibilities and are challenged to apply the new technologies in their work with the support of Effenaar Lab and its partners.
Hybrid Music Vibes is an initiative of Effenaar Lab in collaboration with Rockacademie Tilburg, PopCollegetour, Thunderboom Records, Bureau Difficult Things, Studio Wotto and is supported by Cultuurloket DigitALL.

Dive into the rich history and iconic concerts of Effenaar through an interactive VR experience. History, music and fun: Get a sneak peek of Effenaar’s own VR experience! Stroll around nostalgic rooms and find objects that will let you experience bits of the tumultuous 70’s and 80’s, when bands like Joy Division, Talking Heads, and Red Hot Chili Peppers made their debut at Effenaar. The experience is built by 4DR Studios and supported by Podiumkunst.net.

WITT is an electronic music project led by Belgium singer Tine Théré, and known for its polyphonic vocals and futuristic live shows. Together with a choir consisting of singers Jens Pauwels, Edward Kuijken, Anna Dutoit, Leen Vanheers, and Lore Borremans, Théré experiments with the function and effect of choirs and vocals in spatial audio. The songs are about experiences in different types of relationships, this reflects both in the lyrics and in the atmosphere and sound of the music. Around the song Insomnia, WITT has now developed a dreamy world. Lay down in a hammock and immerse yourself in their scenes where virtual shadows, music and influences from online visitors come together.
 
HYMNE – Let’s go beyond the traditional stage
Within the project HYMNE, 4DR Studios and Effenaar Lab have developed four immersive virtual mini concerts together with artists Anneke van Giersbergen, WITT, CHARLOT and Dylan van Dael. Each experience revolves around one song, in which audio, image and technology come together in an AR, VR or MR experience. Dive into their projects and let music and digital elements surprise you in new ways.
HYMNE is a collaboration between the cutting-edge platform CORTEX2, tech pioneer 4DR Studios and Effenaar. The project is supported by the EU.

Enter the sonic universe of AURA, where classical textures and electronic soundscapes merge into an intuitive, sensory-driven composition. With her work she explores the physical and visual dimensions of sound. She presents her new installation where sound becomes visible, physical and deeply felt. Using laser beamers and smoke, real-time light patterns ripple through space in sync with her music. Each sound wave shapes a unique beam of light. Resonance becomes spatial — a vibration you can almost touch. Step inside, and experience a world where sound, emotion, and space become one grounding, tangible experience.
 
Hybrid Music Vibes 
The Hybrid Music Vibes project offers artists the opportunity to discover how new technologies can contribute to their artistry. Together they look for innovative ideas, new sounds and groundbreaking experiences. What technical possibilities are there and how can they strengthen their art? Through inspiring sessions with experts and work sessions, they explore the possibilities and are challenged to apply the new technologies in their work with the support of Effenaar Lab and its partners.
Hybrid Music Vibes is an initiative of Effenaar Lab in collaboration with Rockacademie Tilburg, PopCollegetour, Thunderboom Records, Bureau Difficult Things, Studio Wotto and is supported by Cultuurloket DigitALL.

Dutch singer Anneke van Giersbergen is known for her powerful voice and music versatility. With her VR experience, she brings her captivating stage presence to the digital world, where she presents her brand-new song ‘Passage Of Time’. Step into her world and walk alongside Anneke – who appears as a hologram. You can move through four parts of the day; morning, afternoon, evening and night. Each part is accompanied by its own version of the song and a different environment to explore.
 
HYMNE – Let’s go beyond the traditional stage
Within the project HYMNE, 4DR Studios and Effenaar Lab have developed four immersive virtual mini concerts together with artists Anneke van Giersbergen, WITT, CHARLOT and Dylan van Dael. Each experience revolves around one song, in which audio, image and technology come together in an AR, VR or MR experience. Dive into their projects and let music and digital elements surprise you in new ways.
HYMNE is a collaboration between the cutting-edge platform CORTEX2, tech pioneer 4DR Studios and Effenaar. The project is supported by the EU.

CHARLOT is a band around singer-songwriter Lotte Mulder, who is inspired by the stories behind art, books, films and life. By combining warm strings, synthesizers, her serene voice and dark electronics she turns these stories into music. With their VR experience, they bring their sound to life visually and invite you into their surreal Wonderland. Roam around scenes directly inspired by the lyrics of their song ‘Lost Like Alice’ from CHARLOT’s debut album. Immerse yourself in their story and find the right objects to move onto the next scenes. Forget logic and rules and lose yourself in the mystery of this dream world.
 
HYMNE – Let’s go beyond the traditional stage
Within the project HYMNE, 4DR Studios and Effenaar Lab have developed four immersive virtual mini concerts together with artists Anneke van Giersbergen, WITT, CHARLOT and Dylan van Dael. Each experience revolves around one song, in which audio, image and technology come together in an AR, VR or MR experience. Dive into their projects and let music and digital elements surprise you in new ways.
HYMNE is a collaboration between the cutting-edge platform CORTEX2, tech pioneer 4DR Studios and Effenaar. The project is supported by the EU.

Singer-songwriter YRSA creates alternative pop mixed with poetic Dutch lyrics, in which she amplifies the ‘small moments’. She has developed a live concept, in which technology is used to strengthen the bond between the artist and audience, without losing the intimacy of her music. With ‘Samen Alleen in het Clubhuis’, you become part of the show. Via your phone and of fellow audience members; light patterns will form, a glowing line will be drawn across the room or transform the scene into a starry night. It’s subtle, heartfelt, and true to YRSA’s mission — creating a space where people can feel together, alone.
 
Hybrid Music Vibes
The Hybrid Music Vibes project offers artists the opportunity to discover how new technologies can contribute to their artistry. Together they look for innovative ideas, new sounds and groundbreaking experiences. What technical possibilities are there and how can they strengthen their art? Through inspiring sessions with experts and work sessions, they explore the possibilities and are challenged to apply the new technologies in their work with the support of Effenaar Lab and its partners.
Hybrid Music Vibes is an initiative of Effenaar Lab in collaboration with Rockacademie Tilburg, PopCollegetour, Thunderboom Records, Bureau Difficult Things, Studio Wotto and is supported by Cultuurloket DigitALL.

Dutch band with a French name: C’est Qui? (No, not “Who’s that?”, it’s French slang for throwing someone out of a window). They deliver fast, chaotic garage punk with a political edge and just enough groove to get your hips moving. C’est Qui is a whirlwind of loudness and unpredictability, hitting like a punch in the gut. You’ll enjoy every noisy second of it.

Heavy-hearted and unrelenting. Dear Omen is a gothic rock band from Amsterdam that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. With thunderous basslines, relentless drum rhythms, and piercing organ tones, their sound is a dark, dramatic force. Their live shows are nothing short of unforgettable. It’s a full-body experience. Over the past year, Dear Omen has poured blood, sweat, and shadows into their new EP, ‘The S Tapes’, released in December 2024. A haunting collection that marks a bold step into deeper, darker territory.

Death Sells, a four-piece from Eindhoven, forges a fierce connection between grunge, noise, and punk that grabs you and won’t let go. Get ready to be pulled into a world of tinnitus-inducing dissonance, bone-crushing riffs, and songs that feel more familiar than your average TikTok scroll. Buckle up — their live shows are raw, relentless, and unmistakably real.

Waterschade is a young punk band from Haarlem, fusing raw hardcore energy with riot grrrl attitude. Their live shows are pure, unfiltered chaos with blistering riffs, pounding basslines and relentless screams. Here to make you move, but they’re not afraid to speak out, tackling sexism, racism and everyday struggles head-on in their lyrics.

Combi Magnetron is made up of four dry-humored friends and, like the name suggests, a combo microwave that loves hurling bapao buns and noise at your head. With a raw mix of grind, mincecore, and absurd humor, their music is as chaotic as it is fun. Think of it as a one-of-a-kind cooking show where the drummer suddenly dives into the crowd and steamed buns go flying. Definitely something you’ve got to experience at least once.

Violent Magic Orchestra (VMO) is the ultimate extreme visual art music project where techno, black metal, industrial, and noise converge into a blinding spectacle of sound and light. Imagine black metal meets Kraftwerk, or a blackened Aphex Twin, VMO is both and beyond. Known for their ferocious energy and staggering power consumption VMO delivers an electrifying audiovisual experience like no other. Their past collaborators include members of The Body, Sunn O))) and Mayhem, with releases on labels like Deathwish’s Throatruiner and Never Sleep (Gabber Eleganza). From Berghain to Roadburn, DARK Mofo to CTM, and now Hit The City. Brace yourself as the doors of the DEATH RAVE swing open