INmusic Breakthrough winners announced – Dimitri’s Bats, Hayes & Y, and Bhukhurah join INmusic festival #17!

The public vote is now closed! Around 20 000 people from all corners of the world have made their choice, and the winners of INmusic Breakthrough are Dimitri’s Bats, Hayes & Y, and Bhukhurah! Their musical creativity and live energy stood out among numerous applicants, earning them a well-deserved spot on the festival’s main stage. INmusic festival continues to be a launchpad for emerging talent and a meeting point for music lovers from around the world.

Dimitri’s Bats is an exciting new voice on the Romanian alt-pop scene, effortlessly blending dancefloor energy with alternative flair. The four-piece band consists of Radu (vocals, guitar), Andrei (guitar), Marius (guitar), Dru (drums) and Ana-Maria (bass). Their latest EP, ‘the greatest pleasure and the greatest pain', released in March 2025, weaves longing and heartbreak into a rhythmic yet introspective sonic journey. Currently on tour across Romania and abroad, the band has played major festivals like Electric Castle, Tallinn Music Week, and Budapest Showcase Hub and shared stages with acts like The 1975, Son Lux, and Daria Zawiałow.

Hayes & Y is a Bulgarian-Finnish indie rock band whose journey spans from high school stages to some of the most prominent music festivals in Europe. Founded by Blago, Ivo, and Rado, the band found new momentum after relocating to the UK and adding drummer Dennis Hallback to the lineup. Their path has included performances with Kasabian, Nothing But Thieves, and Franz Ferdinand, and a landmark debut album released in 2022. With major festival appearances, Hayes & Y continue to expand their presence across the European alt-rock scene.

Bhukhurah, an emerging artist from Athens, Greece, brings a unique sonic blend of modern flair and vintage textures — sticky basslines, booming 808s, and psychedelic melodies that echo long after the music ends. Influenced by artists like Tame Impala, Travis Scott, Tyler, the Creator, and Mk.gee, his sound straddles the line between familiar warmth and innovative edge. More than just a performance, Bhukhurah delivers an electrifying, emotional journey that immerses the audience in colour, rhythm, and raw feeling.

Congratulations to all of the winners, and we wish all the best to the fantastic bands that applied to our open call for young aspiring musicians across Europe! Dimitri’s Bats, Hayes & Y, and Bhukhurah will perform at INmusic festival #17 at Zagreb's lake Jarun from June 23rd to June 25th, 2025! These exciting newcomers will join an incredible festival lineup featuring Kings of Leon, Massive Attack, Air, Fontaines D.C., Foster the People, Michael Kiwanuka, St. Vincent, Kim Deal, The Streets, Yard Act, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, The Murder Capital, Press Club, YARD, Sailor Honeymoon, The Pill, MAQUINA., Mitsune, KOIKOI, Ki Klop, Tidal Pull, Lika Kolorado, stereosister, Neven, Škofja Loka, Monohrom, Vagina Corporation, balans, and other artists! Three-day INmusic festival #17 tickets are available via the official festival webshop for just 119 EUR (+ transaction fees), as well as seven-day festival camping tickets for just 59 EUR, while already purchasing three-day tickets for INmusic festival #17. A limited number of day-to-day tickets is available exclusively via the official festival webshop.