Image via blog.muchmusic.com
It's time to look north – NXNE, that is. In case you haven't heard, Sonicbids is the exclusive submission platform for the 21st annual NXNE Festival, Toronto's yearly summer music and arts festival and interactive conference. Bringing together big names in music and tech, emerging artists, and leaders from around the world, 2015's bash is scheduled for June 17-21. You might be wondering, why should I be thinking about summer and Canada in October? Because NXNE 2015 artist submissions are open now, and you can apply for only $30 before the December 31 early deadline.
After you apply, your EPK submission will be reviewed by a chain of NXNE music programmers before going through an extensive rating process by a team of industry professionals. If you're accepted, they'll reach out to you for next steps. So, are you thinking about applying? Want to stand out from the competition? Here are some wise words from a few very in-the-know folks.
What's your story?
"Our team is very interested in what's happening in artists' current arcs. Are they playing regularly in their local scene? Are they touring regionally or nationally? What is the story, and what’s been put in place to support it?" – Ryan Tonkin, music and comedy programming coordinator, NXNE
Show, don’t tell
"We can do without the flowery bio prose and staged 'band shots.' The first thing is always the music, and then we want more to be revealed, but in a cool and honest way. Stay away from the hard-sell pitch. We’re more likely to respond to the creative – both musically and in the ways artists promote themselves." – Crispin Giles, director of music programming, NXNE
Don't be a copycat
"Far too many bands are derivative. I know it sounds cliché, but we want to be blown away! We’re way more into being surprised by someone trying something new, something that stretches the norm a bit, rather than copying a trend or style. Fads come and go and are easy to see through. We’re looking for something real." – Ryan Tonkin
Apply to play NXNE 2015 by December 31 for the early submission fee of just $30!
