mustbejohn: International Showcase Fund for Eurosonic 2026
Short Project Title: mustbejohn full live band ESNS 2026 Groningen
Bio: mustbejohn is a boundary-pushing UK artist whose sound blends raw storytelling with infectious production, evolving in 2025 into a bold indie-alternative direction. Drawing from his surroundings and everyday experiences, he crafts relatable, catchy, and emotionally honest music that continues to resonate with a fast-growing audience.
Originally known for a genre-blurring mix of rap, house, and electronic music, his early work captured the realities of city life, friendships, parties, and personal growth. Influenced by The Streets, Gorillaz, and Arctic Monkeys, his style pairs introspective lyricism with a sharp British identity and energetic, genre-defying production.
In 2025, he entered a new creative chapter, leaning into indie-alternative and earning viral momentum as his latest single reached #11 on TikTok’s Viral 50. Anticipation built toward his new EP Hope Came Last, which surpassed 9,000 pre-saves and has since earned over 4 million streams — marking his most impactful era to date.
A powerful live performer, mustbejohn has sold out two UK headline tours and appeared at major festivals including Dot To Dot, NASS, and NOS Alive. He has also sold out the iconic Jazz Cafe, further cementing his reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting rising acts. With rising momentum and his debut album arriving in 2026, he is poised for his biggest year yet.This fund will allow mustbejohn to travel with his full live band and showcase an ambitious new set in 2026 for ESNS in Groningen. Without this support, taking the expanded live show on the road wouldn’t be possible.