North by Northeast (NXNE) 2023

About:
Annually held in Toronto, Canada, North by Northeast Festival, also known as NXNE is an annual music and arts festival that has since grown into one of Canada's premier cultural events, attracting musicians, artists, and performers from across North America and beyond.

NXNE typically takes place over several days in June, with concerts and events held at various venues throughout the city.

NXNE has featured various musical genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic music, and more. The festival has also provided a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their talents and gain exposure.

In recent years, NXNE has evolved into a year-round organization that supports the Toronto music and arts community through various initiatives, including artist development programs, industry networking events, and more.

The festival was founded by Michael Hollett, who is also the co-founder and publisher of Now Magazine, a well-recognized newspaper in Toronto. Michael created the festival in 1995 as a way to showcase and promote independent music and culture in Toronto.

The festival has also hosted notable performers such as The Flaming Lips, Iggy Pop, Billy Talent, and others.

Famous For:
NXNE is famous for its focus on the arts, including film screenings, art exhibitions, and other cultural programming. The festival attracts a diverse audience of music and culture lovers, industry professionals, and media from all over North America and beyond.

Creation Purpose:
Michael, the event's founder, saw an opportunity to create a platform for independent musicians and artists to showcase their talents and reach new audiences, and thus North by Northeast was born. At the time, Toronto's music scene was dominated by mainstream, commercial acts, and there were few opportunities for independent artists to perform and connect with audiences.

Fun Facts:
In 2020, NXNE pivoted to an entirely virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring online performances, panel discussions, and other digital events.

NXNE has partnered with various community organizations to offer free concerts and other events to underprivileged youth in the Toronto area.

Impact on the Music Industry:
The festival has helped to launch the careers of several notable Canadian musicians, including Feist, Arcade Fire, and The Weeknd. In addition to its annual festival, NXNE operates a year-round artist development program and hosts industry networking events and other initiatives to support the Toronto music and arts community.