Pori Jazz joins in the search for performers based on audience suggestions
Teosto and three top Finnish festivals – Pori Jazz, Provinssi, and John Smith Rock Festival – are once again inviting the public to help discover the future stars of Finnish music. Now in its third year, the New Sounds campaign offers an opportunity to showcase promising new performers who deserve a place on the festival stages in the summer of 2026.
Live performances are still one of the most important ways to become a favorite with audiences and build a career in music. The Uudet Soundit campaign brings together music lovers, festivals, and Teosto with a common goal: to discover and support new Finnish musicians who have the potential to become the stars of tomorrow.
“New Sounds is a great example of cooperation where the entire music industry can work together to help new music get noticed. For many, gigs are the first step towards gaining popularity with the public, and playing at a big festival is the dream of many young performers,” says Vappu Aura, Director of Communications and Public Relations at Teosto.
Three different festivals, three new opportunities
The campaign features some of Finland’s best-known and longest-running festivals, which attract hundreds of thousands of people to enjoy music every summer. In the summer of 2026, Provinssi (Seinäjoki, June 25–27), Pori Jazz (Pori, July 16–18), and John Smith Rock Festival (Laukaa, July 16–18) will each offer one Uudet Soundit performance slot to a fresh, up-and-coming artist.
The festivals are participating in the campaign out of a desire to support the future of Finnish music and give the audience a chance to influence who will be seen on stage next summer.
“Throughout its history, Provinssi has placed great importance on promoting new, up-and-coming artists who will become the performers of the future and enrich Finnish music,” says Provinssi promoter Marko Kivelä.
The audience suggestions from the campaign also provide an interesting overview of the current state of the Finnish music scene and its future development. Last year, a total of 3,800 suggestions were submitted to the campaign.
”Through the New Sounds campaign, we get excellent tips on interesting, up-and-coming talents, while further diversifying the musical spectrum of the festival,” says Pori Jazz producer Sanna Grönmark.
The festivals participating in the campaign have different profiles. You can submit a proposal for just one festival, or if you wish, you can propose three different performers. For metal music fans, the John Smith Rock Festival sees the campaign as an opportunity to build the future of the entire genre.
”The John Smith Rock Festival has a big heart for rock and metal music, and we are delighted to be involved in securing the future of Finnish heavy music,” says festival founder John Smith.
Submit your favorite by November 24
Anyone can nominate their favorite artist on the campaign page teosto.fi/uudetsoundit between November 10 and 24, 2025. The nominated artist or band must have released music, written their own songs, and have a professional approach to performing. Nominators can include a short explanation of why this particular artist deserves a spot on next summer’s big stages.
This is not a public vote; the final selections will be made by a panel of experts. The panel includes festival representatives and music industry professionals. The campaign shortlist will be published in December, and the final selections will be announced in early 2026.
The campaign aims to strengthen the future of Finnish music
The New Sounds campaign is part of Teosto’s and the festivals’ joint effort to promote the vitality and diversity of Finnish music. The campaign aims to give new artists visibility and offer them a concrete path towards a more professional career.
Nominate your future favorite between November 10 and 24, 2025, at teosto.fi/uudetsoundit
