First preliminary round of the 2026 Zonneprijs kicks off
21 September, 2026
The dropping temperatures had already given it away: with autumn just around the corner, Zonneprijs is gearing up for a new season. On Thursday 1 October, Dear Valencia, The Places You’ll Go, Nose Shop & Tales will kick off the first preliminary round. If you’re curious about what’s in store, read on to find out more about the acts.
Zonneprijs is a development programme run by Indiestad in collaboration with Paradiso and ‘t Zonnehuis for up-and-coming local artists. From October through to May, on the first Thursday of every month, a new selection of acts takes to the stage at ‘t Zonnehuis, where they are given the opportunity to perform live. During the eight preliminary rounds, they’ll also be competing for a place in the final in Paradiso’s Grote Zaal. There, the winner of the €10,000 grand prize will ultimately be chosen.
Photo: The Places You’ll Go
Dear Valencia
Dear Valencia came about when three musical wanderers put their solo projects, other bands and adventures at home and abroad on hold for a while and discovered that, together, they actually make quite a good band. Their music ranges from dreamy indie pop and edgy post-punk to a certain melancholy that keeps you dancing all evening. Think Alvvays and Beach House, with a hint of Molly Nilsson in the distance. Since January, Dear Valencia have been writing and working on their debut EP, which they’ll be performing to an audience for the first time during the first preliminary round of the Zonneprijs.
The Places You’ll Go
The Places You’ll Go are a five-piece folk-rock band from Amsterdam, featuring bass, drums, two guitars, vocals and a violin. Their music sounds as though Big Thief, Black Country, New Road and Car Seat Headrest had all gone on a road trip together: compelling, quirky and with enough energy to make sitting still almost impossible. The Places You’ll Go are raring to meet new listeners, win hearts and, above all, make a lot of noise, in the best possible way.
The Places You'll Go on Instagram
Nose Shop
Nose Shop makes egg-pop for people who love to dance on the edge of the abyss. With electronic drums, an eight-string bass and a baritone guitar, they craft an uncompromising sound, stripped of all frills and with no safety net. Following Sniester’s main set, Nose Shop are ready to deliver an unpredictable live show laced with a healthy dose of existentialism.
Tales
In an age where everything has to be fast and tight, Tales opts instead for music that’s allowed to breathe. The band came together at the Herman Brood Academy and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and you can hear that in everything they do. A focus on the song, a love of ensemble playing and a sound that has been carefully crafted together. Their foundation lies in soul – think Motown/Stax – but there’s also a gospel fire to it, plus a raw edge of rock that makes it just that bit more exciting. No fuss, just feeling: stories, voices, harmonies and a band that takes to the stage as if it were the most important place in the world.
A glimpse of previous editions of Zonneprijs
Sign up for Zonneprijs 2026–2027
Fancy taking to the stage at ‘t Zonnehuis yourself? Entries are open until the end of May 2027. Enter via the form and who knows, you might just win the top prize.
