NXNE Music Festival
The Theatre Centre
NXNE Official Headquarters
NXNE joins forces with Billboard Canada for the nation’s most important discovery music festival – presenting thousands of essential emerging artists, often before they break – from across Canada and around the world – since 1995.
From June 11-15, 2025, over 20 of Toronto’s iconic live music venues will host the best new bands in a skillfully curated program for fans to discover in the ultimate club-hopping experience. This program is supported by industry panels and Billboard special events including surprise acts throughout the week.
Head to nxne.com to see their full schedule.
Location: The Theatre Centre (NXNE 2025 Official Headquarters) - 1115 Queen St West
Time: 11am
Description: What is my radio strategy? Chances of getting played are slim – but indie artists are still motivated to try. With so many outlets these days to promote your music, why is Radio still one of the most talked about and the most desired by Indie artists? As playlists at commercial radio shrink and Radio stations being programmed directly from Head offices, how do you even get on the radar? Our panel of experts will walk you through the reality of Radio Airplay in 2025, the “Do’s and Don’t’s”, what’s still possible and some unique and simple strategies for success.
Alen Vitasovich (Moderator)
Michael Religa, Assistant Program Director / Music Director, Indie88
David Tysowski, Owner Canvas Media
Siobhan Woodrow, Senior Music Director, SiriusXM Canada
Time: 12pm
Description: Generative AI (GAI) is everywhere. It’s changing how music is made, distributed, and marketed. Is this good or bad for artists, the industry and fans? How can GAI help make business areas like marketing, audience analysis, and distribution more efficient? This panel will discuss ethical and practical issues around how GAI is used in music, and give examples of AI tools in use in the industry.
Kelly Wilhelm (Moderator)
Barnaby Marshall, Chief Technology Officer, Slaight Music
Dr. Richard Lachman, Professor, TMU
Time: 1pm
Description: In today’s streaming-driven music economy, artists are reclaiming their independence by engaging fans directly—and getting paid for it. This panel explores emerging tools and technologies that empower musicians to monetize their art on their own terms. From fractional ownership of songs to exclusive merch drops and Patreon-style fan engagement, discover how creators are unlocking new, sustainable revenue streams without sacrificing ownership or control.
Marvin Gotti (Moderator)
Denny O’Dowd, Chief Product Officer, NEWM
Gina Kennedy, Artist – Altered by Mom
Zack Werner, Head of Business Development, LyricFind
Time: 2pm
Description: Screw America, Finding Reliable Neighbours. We need better friends with high costs, tariffs, visas, and wait time. Time to find the real bridge to new fans, the bridge to Europe and Asia. Tensions between the US and Canada are at an all time high. Tariffs are being discussed and many have already been implemented in a world where the exchange rate and high VISA costs are discouraging for many bands looking to tour or do business in the US. Is it time, as a country and an industry, we focus our energy and promotion towards other places in the world like Europe, Asia or even South and Latin America. Panellists discuss how labels, managers or artists can skirt the US and put energy and focus on countries that want to do business with Canada.
Sebastian Mair (Moderator)
Michael Lin, General Manager, Arts for Canadians Tomorrow Society (ACTS)
DJ ACE, DJ, KISS FM
Time: 11am
Description: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has come a long way in the last few years – at least by intention. But how much of it is virtue signalling and tokenism and how can we ensure there is genuine inclusion as opposed to insincere pandering. Join us as we discuss this topic with leaders who have experienced both and the work that they and their organizations are doing to create change in the industry.
Keziah Myers, Executive Director, ADVANCE Music Canada
Angela White, Senior Director, EDI, MLSE
Time: 12pm
Description: The passion and excitement of the music industry can often overshadow the significant mental health challenges faced by those within it. Shockingly, the Soundcheck Survey research indicates that over half of respondents have at some point felt life wasn’t worth living, while a large majority experience chronic anxiety, consistent fatigue, and persistent sadness.
This vital conversation, led by Catherine Harrison, M. Psych., lead researcher and local musician, aims to bring these realities to the forefront. We’ll explore the unique stressors contributing to these statistics – unpredictable schedules, financial pressures, self-doubt, and the relentless hustle – and discuss the critical importance of building a strong, supportive community.
Join us for an engaging discussion on how we can collectively increase awareness of mental health within the music industry, foster a culture of understanding and support, and advocate for the resources needed to ensure the well-being of all artists.
Catherine Harrison, M. of Psychology. Revelios [Mental Health Works]
Alex Exists, DJ, KISS FM
Time: 1pm
Description: When do I need a manager? Easy, When you need one. You are an Indie Artist, you have played the gigs, made the record and reached the point where you don’t feel you can go any further without some help. You think you need a manager to help you break through. But how do you find a manager? Maybe all you need is some help. This panel will discuss when you need a manager, how you find one, and/or how you identify what you really need?
Joe D’Ambrosio (Moderator)
David “Click” Cox, Manager, Sate
Susan de Cartier, Manager, Starfish Entertainment
Denz McFarlane, Self-Managed Artist
Time: 2pm
Description: “Date with a Tape”, the legendary Songwriters Association of Canada program, returns this year for a special live event at NXNE in Toronto! This is your chance to get honest, constructive feedback on your original song from industry pros in a supportive, live setting. Writers of all levels welcome—bring your demo, bring your questions, and bring your passion. Spots are limited.
Denise De’ion, Producer/Songwriter
Hill Kourkoutis, Producer
Jodie Ferneyhough, President, CCS Rights Management
June 11, 2025
to June 15, 2025
Thursday, June 12
7 PM – Doors
8 PM – Farah Léa
9 PM – Kajé
10 PM – Maya Killtron
Tickets are $15
Franco Boni Theatre
NXNE is taking place at over 20 of Toronto’s iconic live music venues.
NXNE is strictly a 19+ event. Accessibility information varies by venue, so please head to nxne.com and check under the “Venues” tab for full information.
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