Estonian nominated for top European music award 

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Marii Kiisk

On the evening of October 2, the nominees for the prestigious Music Moves Europe (MME) Awards 2025 were announced. Among the 15 emerging European artists was the dream pop band Night Tapes, led by Estonian singer-songwriter Iiris Vesik.

The MME Awards, presented annually at the ESNS festival in Groningen, Netherlands, recognise outstanding solo artists and bands that have made significant waves on the international stage.

Night Tapes, comprising of Iiris Vesik, along with London-based Max Doohan and Sam Richard, released their EP Assisted Memories in June 2024 under the Canadian label Nettwerk Music Group. The band has performed across Europe, including at Tallinn Music Week. The band is also set to embark on their first headline tour in the USA this November, with shows already sold out in Chicago and Los Angeles. Additionally, the band will tour North America in early 2025 alongside the French band L’Impératrice, as they work on their debut album.

“We are incredibly honoured to be nominated for such a significant European award, which has previously recognised only two Estonian artists – Kerli and Ewert and the Two Dragons,” said Vesik. “It’s amazing to be competing for an award won by the likes of Dua Lipa, Rosalía, and Stromae. This nomination gives us great motivation to keep pushing forward.”

The winner of the MME Awards will be announced at a ceremony on January 16, 2025, with each winner receiving 10,000 euros.

Since 2004, the MME Awards, originally known as the European Border Breakers Awards (EBBA), have recognised some of Europe’s biggest stars, including Kerli (2010) and Ewert and the Two Dragons (2013), as well as international icons like Dua Lipa, Rosalía, and Stromae.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Dream Pop Band Night Tapes Emerging European Artists European Music Awards Iiris Vesik Music Moves Europe Awards 2025 Night Tapes Tallinn Music Week