Swedish post-punk sensation Viagra Boys to perform at Tartu Punch

Having first performed in Tallinn years ago as an unknown emerging act and now risen to cult status, post-punk band Viagra Boys will finally return to Estonia this summer to appear at the brand-new international alternative pop music festival Tartu Punch. Half of the lineup for the ambitious new event, taking place on July 3–4 at the Tartu Song Festival Grounds, has now been revealed. Among them are two headliners – alongside Viagra Boys, the recently reunited HU?, who will play their only show of the summer at Tartu Punch.

 

“I think a Viagra Boys live show fits Tartu especially well. High-energy, new-school punk at full throttle. I’m personally looking forward to it even more than our own HU? performance. When I first heard their single ‘Sports’ and saw the video, I instantly knew it was 100% my kind of music. Incredible lyrics, and Sebastian Murphy’s image is priceless. ‘Ain’t Nice’ and ‘Punk Rock Loser’ are also insanely good tracks – overall, an amazing band! Highly recommended,” says Leslie Laasner, the driving force behind HU?, one of the festival’s headliners, describing the other headliner of Tartu Punch.

In addition to Viagra Boys, the second wave of artists announced today includes Night Tapes (Estonia/UK), EiK (Estonia), Yin Yin (Netherlands), maria kallastu (Estonia), and Holy Motors (Estonia). Previously announced acts alongside HU? include Baxter Dury (UK), Jack Garratt (UK), Frankie Animal (Estonia), Oscar Jerome (UK), and Rick Feds (Latvia). The final wave of artists will be revealed in May.

 

Viagra Boys (Sweden) are one of the most distinctive and provocative names in the Swedish post-punk scene, blending raw energy with socially critical irony and dark humor. The band is led by charismatic frontman Sebastian Murphy, whose unmistakable vocals and intriguing lyrics define their unique style. Their breakthrough album “Street Worms” (2018) brought them widespread international recognition. Tracks like “Sports,” “Ain’t Nice,” and “Punk Rock Loser” have cemented their status as one of the boldest and most memorable acts in contemporary alternative music.

Also performing at Tartu Punch is London-based alternative pop and electronic dream pop collective Night Tapes (Estonia/UK), featuring Estonian vocalist Iiris Vesik. The band is among the most internationally recognized acts with Estonian roots. Their music has received widespread global attention. Their sound is characterized by hazy atmospheres, soft and evocative vocals, and finely crafted production that moves between ambient, indie, and electronic music. Their work blends hypnotic rhythms with melancholic tones, creating a cinematic and timeless sonic landscape.

From Western Europe, the festival will welcome Yin Yin (Netherlands), an instrumental band influenced by psychedelic funk and world music. Their sound combines Southeast Asian sonic elements, groovy rhythms, and retro-inspired production. Characterized by hypnotic guitar lines, pulsating bass, and a danceable drive, their music takes listeners on an exotic sonic journey. Thanks to their distinctive sound and energetic live performances, Yin Yin have become a highly regarded name on the international scene.

The lineup also features singer-songwriter and producer maria kallastu (Estonia), who has emerged as a fresh voice in the local art-pop scene. She creates music defined by a digital sound, playful production, and personal lyrics. In 2023, maria released her debut EP WHITENOISE, which received attention from multiple music critics. In 2024, her video single “push it,” released with nublu, broke records by reaching 21,000 Spotify streams on its release day and winning both Song of the Year and Video of the Year at the Estonian Music Awards. Her debut album Digipalavik (2026) further established her as one of the most distinctive artists of the new generation.

Also taking the stage is EiK (Estonia), an artist pushing the boundaries of alternative hip-hop and experimental pop, with a strong focus on lyrics. His work combines honest self-expression, metaphorical language, and an atmospheric, often lo-fi sound. His music blends personal reflections, everyday details, and dreamlike soundscapes. His style is minimalist yet emotionally charged, highlighting a nuanced sound and a strong authorial voice that has secured him a clear position among Estonia’s new generation of artists.

On a stage curated by Paavli Culture Factory, Holy Motors (Estonia) will perform – one of the most distinctive acts in the local alternative rock and dream pop scene. The band blends hazy atmospheres, retro-inspired soundscapes, and melancholic cinematic qualities. Formed in 2013, the band is led by vocalist Eliann Tulve, whose airy and evocative voice has become a defining feature of their unique sound. Their sonic identity is characterized by reverb-soaked guitars, slow rhythms, and a dreamy, timeless atmosphere.

 

On both festival days, gates open at 2 PM and the program runs until midnight. In total, Tartu Punch will feature three live stages and one DJ stage. On both Friday and Saturday, music will also reach the streets of Tartu earlier in the day through pop-up stages as part of the city program.

Very Early Bird festival passes are sold out, but Early Bird passes are still available. Youth passes (ages 16–22) and children’s passes (ages 5–15) are also on sale. Children up to age 5 (incl.) can attend Tartu Punch free of charge. Visitors can sign up for the newsletter on the festival website tartupunch.com to be among the first to receive updates and access presales.

The event is supported by the City of Tartu.