UPDATE: The NXNE deadline has been extended to February 17, 2014.
Want to score a coveted performance slot at NXNE 2014? The renowned Toronto festival is looking to book 450 Sonicbids bands, and if you apply now, you’ll save $10 on your submission!
With 350,000 fans, over 800 accredited media, and thousands of industry professionals in attendance, NXNE has proven to be a huge career booster for up-and-coming bands. This year, the chosen acts will be on the same bill as St. Vincent, Danny Brown, Mac DeMarco, Rhye, Juicy J, Run the Jewels, Speedy Ortiz, and many more. Pretty awesome, right?
Besides being surrounded by incredible music in some of Canada’s best venues, another big perk of playing NXNE is the valuable networking opportunities that come along with it. The panel discussions feature some of the biggest influencers in the music industry – including Chris Kaskie (president of Pitchfork), Paul Rosenberg (president of Shady Records), and Oliver El-Khatib (OVO founder/Drake’s co-manager) this year – so with a little effort, there’s a good chance you’d be able to rub shoulders with people who can take your career to the next level.
If you’re not too familiar with what goes down at NXNE, it’s basically a 10-day takeover of downtown Toronto every June with music industry panel discussions, a film festival, and showcases of emerging acts as well as established artists at over 50 intimate music venues across the city. As of 2013, comedy and visual art have also been added to the festival experience, further establishing NXNE as the ultimate destination for innovators in any facet of the arts. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, NXNE will run from June 13-22, with the music festival beginning on June 18.
Music highlights from previous years include The National, Ludacris, The Flaming Lips, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Iggy and The Stooges, DEVO, and Cults. After playing NXNE last year, acts such as Serena Ryder, Blue Hawaii and White Lung have gone on to become some of the most buzzworthy artists in the industry – and you could be next! Make sure you check out these tips on what the festival programmers are looking for in a band, and after you submit your application, read up on how you can make the most of NXNE.
Good luck!
