[MXD Networking @ SPOT 2026] Meet Oskar Strajn

In the weeks leading up to SPOT Festival 2026, we’ll be introducing you to the international industry professionals who have been invited to this year’s festival by Danish artists and music companies through MXD’s new invitation pool.

Here, you can meet:

Name: Oskar Strajn
Company: ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag)
Title: Head of Bookings
Based in: Amsterdam, NL

Can you tell us a bit about the company’s history and its roster?

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is an independent platform that puts European music talent in the global spotlight. ESNS offers European artists career-defining opportunities to break through and become the headliners of tomorrow. Every January, Groningen (NL) transforms into the beating heart of the European music industry when ESNS hosts its showcase festival and music conference. Only the freshest European acts are invited to perform for passionate new fans and industry pros, helping them pave the way to the stages of major European music festivals. Founded in 1986, ESNS celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2026.

And can you tell us a bit about the acts you personally work with at this moment?

ESNS has an impressive track record. Many European artists played their first international show in Groningen or were discovered through ESNS by their label, talent agency, or a large summer festival. ESNS alumni include AURORA, Agnes Obel, Stromae, Christine and the Queens, Bæst, Buraka Som Sistema, Eee Gee, Fontaines D.C., Sigrid, Marina Satti & Fonés, MØ, Altin Gün, Priya Ragu, The Haunted Youth, The XX, Robyn, Efterklang, Tramhaus, Sam Smith, Hozier, Alyona Alyona, Viagra Boys, Zaho de Sagazan, freekind., Kaleo, Iceage, Chalk, Fat Dog, and many more.

What was the moment you decided you wanted to work with music?

I was raised with music and music was always a topic in conversations in our home. Later on as a teenager I went straight to the DIY concert venue in town and volunteered to mop the floor to get free entrance. Soon that lead me to organizing my own concerts, working for a DIY radio station and later on promoting larger shows and festivals.

Which acts are you looking forward to seeing this year at SPOT?

On Friday; Barbro, Spawner, Laura Lee & the Jettes, 100%WET, A good year On Saturday; I still have to finish the check I’m really excited to discover new artists from Denmark and the region. Our festival is open to all genres that are played live.

Best show you’ve ever seen hands down? 

Kneecap, Glastonbury 2025

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