Who we are
The Next Big Thing is a musician-led festival that puts artists at the heart of its vision. Founded in 2022, our mission has always been simple: to highlight the full spectrum of emerging talent Ireland has to offer. From punk, hip-hop, and pop to rap, electronic, and beyond, TNBT brings something for every kind of music fan.
Organised by the passionate team of musicians and creatives at Ex Oh Promotions, TNBT is rooted in values of genuine inclusion, accessibility, and community. We’re committed to breaking down barriers in the industry and supporting up-and-coming artists from communities that have historically been excluded. In this way, TNBT reflects the true diversity and creativity of Ireland’s evolving music scene.
WhAT OUR ARTISTS SAY
“I had a fantastic experience working with TNBT Festival in 2025. It was the most professional small festival I have ever collaborated with. I was amazed by the contract, scheduling, promotion, and artist's support. It would be fantastic to see TNBT grow as a haven for emerging alternative music in Ireland. Alex, Dylan, and all the crew are passionate and professional and have a sharp eye for curating a diverse lineup with something for everyone.” - Amano
“The Next Big Thing was a pleasure to play, great atmosphere, a buzzing crowd and a brilliant team. The event ran seamlessly, from the first email to the second we got off stage, it was organised to a tee and made playing that much more enjoyable. Both as an attendee and as a performer TNBT is a festival not to miss and an amazing platform for upcoming Irish acts.“ - DREAM BOY
“From my personal experience with Ex Oh, I’ve had a great time working with them. They have been nothing but welcoming and friendly, and they’ve helped me represent myself not only as an artist, but as an artist of a foreign background very well. Ex Oh Promotions have been essential in terms of giving a platform for the Irish music scene, paving the way for indie, rock, as well as hip-hop, rnb and pop. Also putting on a platform for diverse communities such as the Asian-Irish and the queer and trans communities to represent their cultures in the form of music helps build voices for said communities. Alex and his team work tirelessly to make this all happen, and I for one am glad to be part of the process and I always look forward to working with him.” - KENDINO
FESTIVAL REVIEWS
“The perfect cure for those January blues - something to look forward to after the holiday rush, and a reminder of the incredible talent this country has to offer [...] From discovering new artists to vibing out with some amazing acts, it was three nights full of energy and fresh sounds.” - iliketravelandmovies, 2025
“Every single act offered something different, from smooth, intimate indie/jazz to thunderous experimentation. If [“The] Next Big Thing” is anything to go by, the future of Dublin’s sound is in incredibly exciting hands.” - Barry Fenton, University Observer, 2025
“As a festival as a whole it was run exceedingly well, with every act hitting their stage times without any delays and good crowds in for every night. All this has a lot to do with the planning, organisation and to the dedicated hard work on the nights [...] All of the acts put on a good show and gave a great account of themselves, and as I have said many times before, Dublin needs platforms like this, it’s what the music scene is built on, it’s the foundation for young bands to perform and hone their stage skills and craft." - Garry Baylon, The Goo, 2024
“A four-night run of musical successes." - Jillian Iredale, HOT PRESS, 2024
“A promising showcase for Dublin’s best up-and-coming acts.” - Caroline Kelly, HOT PRESS, 2024
Shortlisted for IMRO Small Music Festival of the Year Award 2023
Contact us
Interested in performing at the festival, or just learning more about TNBT? Fill out your info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!