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From Kannel to Metalcore: ESTonishing Night Returns to Reeperbahn Festival to Showcase Diverse Estonian Talent
Estonia’s second consecutive showcase at Reeperbahn Festival promises a compelling deep dive into the ESTonishing talent pool as four diverse acts—Duo Ruut, Alonette, mariin k. and Pridian—take the stage at Hamburg’s influential annual industry gathering on Wednesday 17 September.
The ESTonishing Kickoff at Hamburg’s Baalsaal features the ancestral zither minimalism of Duo Ruut, who share a single kannel to create globally acclaimed crossover beauty; Alonette’s tender, glistening folk-pop confessions; the tremolo-washed reveries of mariin k.; and the shadowy, crushing metalcore of Pridian. This diverse lineup offers a comprehensive showcase of Estonia’s current musical wealth and adventurous spirit that aligns with the Reeperbahn 2025’s “Imagine Togetherness” motto—reflecting how musical variety creates unity, from shared traditions to binding solidarity.
The ESTonishing Night, curated by Music Estonia in cooperation with Tallinn Music Week and Estonian Public Broadcasting, will be preceded by a reception at Baalsaal for international music industry representatives and media, hosted in partnership with e-Residency of Estonia and Tallinn UNESCO City of Music. Additionally, an Estonian music industry delegation networking event will take place at Alte Liebe St. Pauli on Thursday 18 September in collaboration with Hamburg Music and Music Export Ukraine.
Now in its 20th year, the Reeperbahn Festival is Europe’s largest club festival and international platform for pop culture, offering talent and conference programmes, meetings with leading figures from around the world, and in-depth insights into the German music market. Estonians who have previously graced Reeperbahn stages include last year’s ESTonishing artists Night Tapes, Ajukaja & Mart Avi, manna and Rita Ray, as well as previous performers like Tommy Cash and Holy Motors. The success of last year’s ESTonishing debut is further evidenced by dream pop outfit Night Tapes’ return to this year’s festival as part of the main programme, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness in launching Estonian talent to international recognition.
The ESTonishing Kickoff showcase and industry networking events are hosted by Music Estonia in partnership with e-Residency and Tallinn UNESCO City of Music, and in cooperation with Tallinn Music Week and Estonian Public Broadcasting. The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Estonia.