Canadian R&B Artist Justine Tyrell Unveils Soulful 1960s R&B Era Inspired Ode to Unconditional Love With New Single “Proud”


Inspired by the unwavering love of her husband, Tyrell’s latest release blends vintage R&B melodies with her modern sound as she prepares for her highly anticipated sophomore EP release in Spring 2025

Release Date: Friday, February 14 2025


Now spinning on SiriusXM and CKUA!


Out Now!



Announcing the upcoming release of her sophomore EP this Spring, rising Canadian R&B sensation, Justine Tyrell has released a brand new, vintage inspired R&B single titled “Proud”, featuring Platinum selling producer, Eli Brown (Drake, Giveon, PARTYNEXTDOOR), Grammy Nominated producer Tarron Crayton, and Brendan Rogers. Tyrell’s music has reached all corners of Canada, with her debut EP “While You Were Sleeping” earning over 500,000 streams and receiving features on SiriusXM Canada, Virgin Radio, CBC Music, Strombo, Exclaim!, and Hockey Night in Canada - the country’s longest running show. Her modern take on 2000’s era R&B has earned Tyrell comparisons to some of the artists that inspire her most, including Summer Walker and SZA. Serving as opener for legendary R&B icon, Ashanti, in her home city of Calgary, Tyrell holds the official position of anthem singer for the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders, performing for crowds of 30,000+ attendees. A proud member of both the Blackfoot and Jamaican communities, Tyrell participated in the National Music Centre's Black Music Showcase as well as the SOCAN Foundation and Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Indigenous Song Camp, supported by Amazon Music. On the heels of two successful singles, “Ghost Town” and “LAST”, Tyrell presents “Proud”, an enveloping and romantic vintage R&B inspired track, dedicated to the growth she experienced from the unconditional love of her husband. “Proud” was just released on Friday, February 14 2025.


Produced by platinum selling producer Eli Brown and Grammy nominee Tarron Crayton along with Brendan Rogers, “Proud” was written by Justine Tyrell and longtime artistic collaborator, Terez.




About "Proud":

Inspired by the unwavering and unreserved love of her husband, Justine Tyrell's “Proud” beautifully captures her personal journey from self-doubt to self-love. An ode to the anchor that unconditional love can be in life’s uncertainties, “Proud” reflects on the powerful feeling of being loved through insecurities and imperfections, exploring the vulnerability of expressing one’s deepest emotions often left unsaid. In a notable departure from Tyrell’s 2000s era-meets-modern R&B style, sonically “Proud” references the 1960s R&B/Soul era with lush, romantic melodies and dreamy, string-infused arrangements. Creating an intimate atmosphere that mirrors the emotional depth of the lyrics, “Proud” features gentle and enveloping piano, layered textures, vocals, and melodic richness, enhancing the track’s ethereal quality. “Proud” is an open love letter that resonates with listeners navigating their own journeys of self-love and the transformative power of unconditional connection.


Quote: “Proud” expresses the ways I’ve grown from being loved unconditionally by my husband. I never really say these things, but the melody and music behind the track inspired me to write this musical love letter to the person who changed everything for me. Justine Tyrell

 

Biography:

Born and raised in the sweeping prairies of Calgary, Alberta, Justine Tyrell has rapidly made waves that stretch far beyond her west coast roots. Her alluring vocals, earnest and raw lyrics and early millennium influence have made her a multi-award nominated, R&B songstress on the rise. Her lyrical inspiration traverses her experiences with past loves, her Jamaican and Metis heritage, mental health and everything in between.


Her debut EP; While You Were Sleeping, independently released with support from FACTOR and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, went on to garner attention from some of Canada’s largest media platforms including CBC Radio, Exclaim!, Virgin Radio, iHeartradio, SiriusXM Radio, Strombo, and supported by Spotify Canada, Amazon Music and Apple Music in the form of her inclusion to several editorial playlists across platforms. With a unique sound that is all her own paired with a mesmerizing stage presence, Justine has performed extensively across North America, most recently opening for one of her own influences - Grammy Award Winning Artist, Ashanti. Justine was also honoured to take the stage for JUNOfest in Edmonton, AB as well as perform as a selected artist for the sold-out ‘Road to the JUNOs’ concert showcase – broadcast on CBC. Justine also holds the spot as the Canadian Football League’s Official Canadian National Anthem Singer for the Calgary Stampeders, opening each home game at McMahon Stadium for 30,000 people. 


Justine is set to release her highly anticipated Sophomore EP in the Spring of 2025, featuring exciting collaborators including Platinum, Slaight Emerging Songwriter Award winning producer, Eli Brown (Giveon, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Drake) along with a string of new musical partners. With the generous support of Canada Council for the Arts, Justine’s upcoming project aims to  encourage listeners to feel less alone in their own dark spaces, and enter a place where they can see parts of themselves reflected. Justine effortlessly unites purposeful lyrics and unforgettable melodies, and executes them on the backdrop of intentionally crafted soundscapes, that are designed to move through a listener's moods with them.



Connect with Justine Tyrell:

https://www.justinetyrell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/justinetyrell/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/JustineTyrellMusic/

https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fjustinetl

https://www.tiktok.com/@justinetyrellmusic

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDDdY_ELNJOFLhkoOw4wbww

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0X4fb30ZeZnyuYILaXTxDd?autoplay=true

Visionary Canadian Alternative-Pop Artist, Elena Erin, Explores Ambition and Identity on Concept Album, “Roaring 20s”

Blending Dance, Electronic, and Hip-Hop influences, Elena Erin’s introspective storytelling unravels the pursuit of success and self-discovery in her most vulnerable and cinematic project yet!

“Impressed with Elena’s Voice and lyrics” - Unheard Gems

“Vibrant, creative flair” - Live in Limbo


Featured on SiriusXM, CKUA, Live in Limbo and more!


Release Date: Friday, March 21 2025


National Tour Dates Below!



Smithers, BC – March 4 2025 - Canadian Alternative-Pop artist, Elena Erin, has announced the release of her second studio album, “Roaring 20s”, set for release on Friday, March 21 2025.




A visionary force in modern music, Canadian Alternative-Pop sensation Elena Erin delivers a captivating and avant-garde musical journey on her sophomore album, “Roaring 20s”. Connecting the glamour of the 1920s with the glittering social scene of today, the concept album explores the elusive nature of fulfillment through a dynamic narrative of ambition, disillusionment, and personal reckoning. Rooted in Elena Erin’s own experiences, the album unravels the notion of “having it all” by navigating fame, self-identity, and the weight of past experiences. Sonically, “Roaring 20s” mirrors this emotional arc, weaving cinematic soundscapes with a bold fusion of Dance, Electronic, Alternative, Pop, and Hip-Hop influences. Across thirteen intricately crafted tracks, Elena Erin presents a dazzlingly creative album that resonates with authenticity, emotional depth, and thought-provoking storytelling.


With over 4,000,000 streams across platforms, Elena Erin’s music has received highly coveted global attention. Her breakout single, "Build A Ship," from her debut album “Holy Tender Artist” soared to #2 on the CBC Top 20, while her recent releases have been featured in tastemaking publications and playlists including Exclaim!, Live in Limbo, and Jonnica’s Jams, with an exclusive single premiere in Spill Magazine. Featured on SiriusXM, Elena Erin’s music has received widespread Canadian recognition from nearly all provinces in the country, including airplay on CKUA’s “Discoveries” and CBC’s “Mornings”. Additionally, the artist was selected to be the New York City face of the city-wide “Gonna Need Milk” campaign in support of female athletes.

Rooted in Elena Erin’s personal journey, “Roaring 20s” explores the complexities of chasing societal ideals while confronting long-buried emotions. Following a young singer rising through New York City’s glittering social scene, the album reveals the disillusionment that success never guarantees happiness, prompting the character to question her desires. Drawing from Elena Erin’s experiences—from a secluded childhood in northern Canada to navigating fame, love, wealth, and cultural identity—the album examines the tension between achieving success and questioning the systems that define it. Blending high-energy dance tracks with tender ballads, Elena Erin skillfully marries genres, textures, and environmental soundscapes to create a unique sonic journey. At its core, “Roaring 20s” reflects the vulnerability and struggles she faced as a child. Elena Erin shares, “I dove deeper into my emotions on this album than ever before. I chose to be as open and vulnerable as the thoughts that were coming to me.”


On cinematic focus track “Gatsby”, a group of partygoers contemplate their acceptance into high society - navigating the cost and status of fame while questioning the values of the world they find themselves in. The enveloping soundscape of “Gatsby” features an alluring mix of musical textures, from delicate electronic elements to claps, and layered vocals that offer a haunting call and response to the thoughts of someone wrapped up in a superficial system they realize would never support them. Inspired by the classic novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the song unravels the allusion of fitting in and the perception of what it means to be a part of the glamorous high society. 


Three previously released singles demonstrate Elena Erin’s expansive creativity and skillful lyricism. On the first single from the album, “Sick Rich Girl” the artist presents a moody-meets-chic Pop tune about the emptiness of the high society party scene via a The Gossip Girl-esque song which shares the message that all that glitters is not gold. Followed by “The Only Kink I Haven’t Tried” a song that contemplates love and intimacy on the premise of reimagining the modern dating narrative with a quiet vulnerability. “what are you doing here?” is a reflective piano ballad where Elena Erin connects childhood traumas to adult perspectives, exploring feelings of being an outsider and the struggle to hold onto good things. With poetic lyrics, delicate melodies, and powerful vocal delivery, the song invites listeners to confront the past to better understand the present.


Masterfully navigating the intricate realities of ambition, identity, and the search for meaning, Elena Erin’s “Roaring 20s” offers a bold and immersive musical experience. Through her honest exploration of fame, attention, and self-awareness, Elena Erin presents a conceptual narrative that echoes universally, confronting societal ideals while embracing her truth. More than just a collection of songs, “Roaring 20s” captures Elena Erin’s journey of growth and reflection, challenging convention and discovering her authentic self. With her second studio album, she continues to push musical boundaries and encourages listeners to question their own pursuits and perceptions, inviting them to reflect on their own dreams, desires, and the systems that shape them.



Upcoming Shows:

May 23, 2025 - Smithers, BC - Ticket Link Available Early March

May 29, 2025 - Vancouver, BC - Ticket Link Available Early March

May 30, 2025 - Victoria, BC - Ticket Link Available Early March

May 17 2025 - Calgary, AB - Limber Hollow - 

https://www.showpass.com/elenaerincalgary/

June 5 2025 - Ottawa, ON - The Rainbow Bistro - https://therainbow.ca/event/5955902/711443901/elena-erin-live-at-the-rainbow

June 7, 2025 - Kingston, ON - Ticket Link Available Early March

June 8, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Ticket Link Available Early March

June 13, 2025 - New York City, USA - Ticket Link Available Early March



"Roaring 20s" will be available everywhere on March 21 2025



Connect with Elena Erin:

https://www.elenaerin.com/


https://www.instagram.com/elenaerinofficial/



https://www.tiktok.com/@elenaerinofficial 




  

World premiere screening of STILL ALIVE IN KINGSTON featuring, MuchMusic icon, Bill Welychka.


The world premiere of feature film 'Still Alive in Kingston' presented to a full house at the 
Kingston Canadian Film Fest KCFF'25 on March 2nd at the Kingston Grand Theatre.  

Writer/Director, Jay Middaugh's 2nd made in Kingston film, showcases the leading man, Bill Welychka melding fact with fiction all throughout this comedic production that is built loosely on Mr. Welychka's 
MuchMusic career as an entertainment journalist.  
It takes you on a rollercoaster ride from stardom to loss to his return, as #BillsBack!

Photos by Production Assistant and BTS Photographer, Conlan Sleeth. 

This film has a strong back to the future kind of feel as you see Bill Welychka 
trying to recreate nostalgia and his iconic past 
thanks to the assistance of his former flame Amy (Anna Sudac).

Director, writer and film maker, Jay Middaugh from Happy Kid Productions shares that 
'Still Alive in Kingston' is his follow-up to his 2017, 'Live In Kingston'.   

"Still Alive in Kingston is really a celebration of the whole Kingston arts scene," explained Middaugh. "We want to take this movie across Ontario and across the country. Having Bill in the movie and his character's point of view of Kingston lets us tell the story 
of the Kingston music scene in a way that will relate to everyone."
Part of Middaugh's motivation behind both Live in Kingston and the newly released follow-up film is to help expose Kingston acts to an audience who may not get the chance to see them perform live. 
"We're really spoiled in Kingston 
with how many great bands there are," remarked Middaugh."  
"A project like this takes all those great live (Kingston) bands 
and puts them in a movie theatre where people can watch them.
QUOTED by Jay Middaugh from KINGSTON LIVE! INTERVIEW

Quote from Bill Welychka's Facebook:
"Best part of film for me? The Tragically Hip's Rob Baker shows off his incredible acting abilities! Ohhh...and all the awesome musicians 
from Kingston that make up the film's thread."
Photo from 'Still Alive in Kingston'

Middaugh's film, 'Still Alive in Kingston'  included the ever engaging talents of
Oakridge Ave., Kasador, Kakaow, Abby Stewart, Emilie Steele & The Deal, Keaton, 
Monach, The Wilderness, Lu Luella, Anthea Feaver, Miss Emily, The Gertrudes, Lucious, Frank Ryan, Piner, with Emily Steel & The Deal, with 
cameo appearances by fellow MuchMusic VJ Rick Campanelli 
and The Tragically Hip's Rob Baker.

“I wanted to make something about Kingston that could have legs to go other places,
and certainly having Bill in it (helps that).  His story is a Canadian story, not just a Kingston story,” Middaugh suggested. “The idea is to expose these bands beyond Kingston. 
We wanted to make a movie that was able to do that.”
    QUOTED FROM INTERVIEW with THE KINGSTON WHIG's Peter Hendra.  

Comparing this film to his real life, I found similar traits regarding Bill's ability to bounce back and recover from a setback or difficult experience. His belonging, perspective, acceptance, hope, and humor are the pillars of his everyday resiliency, 
allowing him to reinvent himself while finding his peace and happy space once again. 

For me, I found this at first, hard to watch, as I felt bad, because I personally know Bill and the wonderful impact his incredible career has made on 10s of thousands of artists 
world-wide, and I know how he helped shape Canada's entertainment history. 
 But knowing it to be comical and loosely based around his past career, 
I was able to enjoy the energy and talent that poured into each scene. 

I was honored to be a background person in this film alongside 
my bff, Arlene and to see the film with much success, warms my heart.  

Professionally pieced together with top quality actors, breathtaking views of Kingston's beautiful scenic surroundings, and mind blowing performances, job well done!  

Stay in tune with Still Alive In Kingston as it comes to town film festival nearest you!

ONTARIO ARTIST APHROSE RECEIVES FIRST TIME JUNO NOMINATION IN ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR CATEGORY FOR ALBUM, “ROSES”

 

ONTARIO ARTIST APHROSE RECEIVES FIRST TIME JUNO NOMINATION IN ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR CATEGORY FOR ALBUM, “ROSES”


FEATURED IN THE TORONTO STAR, 

SIRIUSXM CANADA, THE MORNING SHOW AND MORE!


WATCH “ROSES” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtRJ3jUdxDY


“HER VOICE. SHE’S JUST A VOCAL BEAST” - CBC MUSIC


APHROSE IS AVAILABLE FOR VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS




TORONTO, ON (February 27 2025) - Canadian artist Aphrose (Joanna Mohmmaed) earned her first ever JUNO nomination in the Adult Contemporary Album of the Year category for her sophomore album, “Roses”. Occupying the rare position as one of Canada’s greatest modern vocal talents with a stunning three octave range, Aphrose has provided backup vocals for Canadian Grammy, Soul Train, and JUNO Award winning artist Daniel Caesar, Grammy nominee Jessie Reyez, and Charlotte Day Wilson, and opened for Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida on their Moon vs. Sun tour at the invitation from Kreviazuk herself. With 500,000 streams and counting, Aphrose is a multi-award nominated artist who has received coveted features in the United States on BET (Black Entertainment Television), and The Fader; across European radio with prominent features on BBC, Italy's Radio Capital, and Spain's RTVE; and in some of Canada’s largest media outlets, including The Morning Show, SiriusXM, CBC Music, NOW Toronto, The Toronto Star, and extensively across Canadian radio. CBC Music selected “Roses” as one of their Elite 50 singles in the 2024 Searchlight program, and that same year Aphrose was a participant in the RBCx First Up music program.


Blending timeless sonic elegance with contemporary lyrical relevance, Aphrose routinely draws comparisons to legendary artists including Chaka Khan and Jill Scott, known for their unmistakable range and emotive delivery. Effortlessly oscillating between low and sky-high vocal registers using her stunning range, Aphrose offers listeners both a glimpse into her life and a mirror to their own, sharing her personal journey through love, loss, family, and the joys and challenges of parenthood.




About Roses:

Paying homage to the icons of Soul and R&B while drawing inspiration from the genre's modern iterations, and lyrically inspired by the range of emotions that come with love, loss, and new life, Aphrose innately undertakes the role of serving as both a sonic and familial link between the past and future. On "Roses", an album inspired by the strength and unconditional love from her late grandmother, Rose, the artist illustrates her relatable and personal journey of self-discovery through new motherhood, relationships, and ancestral strength, uniting the energy of the generations before her with her aspirations for herself and her young daughter. With unrivalled versatility, Aphrose constructs a lush and vibrant garden of sound and experience, with the roots of her history firmly planted beneath her. Collaborating with longtime production partners, SafeSpaceship Music (Chino De Villa, Scott McCannell, and Ben MacDonald) and guitarist Heather Crawford (Jesse Reyez), the album features some of Canada's leading vocalists, with background vocals provided by Claire Davis, Kyla Charter (Aysanabee, Alessia Cara), Nevon Sinclair (Daniel Caesar, LOONY), Marla Walters and Lydia Persaud.


About Aphrose:

Standing out as a top R&B/Neo-Soul vocalist, Aphrose (Joanna Mohammed), occupies a rare position as one of Canada's greatest vocal talents. A dedicated student of the diamond age of Soul music, Aphrose infuses her unique blend of classic and modern Soul/R&B with a historically informed touch. Her glistening melodies and rhythms offer the nearly tangible authenticity of analog recordings, and her exceptional and distinct vocal agility routinely draws comparisons to legendary artists including Chaka Khan and Jill Scott, known for their unmistakable range and emotive delivery. Effortlessly oscillating between low and sky-high vocal registers using her stunning three octave range, Aphrose offers listeners both a glimpse into her life and a mirror to their own, sharing her personal journey through love, loss, family, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. Creating music that serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of R&B/Soul, Aphrose blends timeless sonic elegance with contemporary lyrical relevance. 


Aphrose has sung backup for Grammy, Soul Train, and JUNO Award winning artist Daniel Caesar, JUNO Award winner Jesse Reyez, and JUNO Nominee Charlotte Day Wilson. After hearing her music on CBC Radio, Canadian icon Chantal Kreviazuk reached out to invite Aphrose to open for her Moon vs. Sun tour with husband and Our Lady Peace frontman, Raine Maida. Following the release of her debut album, "Element", Aphrose was featured on CBC Music's First Play, in Earmilk, and Exclaim!, and voiced the NBA Finals commercial for Rogers Sportsnet during the 2019 championship games. She was also featured in CBC's 2019 Sounds of the Season. She received her first feature on Black Entertainment Television (BET) in the Fall of 2023, with the video premiere of "Roses" on BETSoul. Her first single of 2023, "Good Love", was a featured selection in the CBC Top 100 Searchlight Competition, and later her song "Roses" was hand-picked as one of CBC Music's weekly "Songs You Need To Hear". "Good Love", and follow up single, "YaYa", both appeared across European radio, with prominent features on BBC, Italy's Radio Capital, and Spain's RTVE. They also received extensive airplay throughout the United States, and have been featured across the CBC Radio network, SiriusXM and non-commercial Canadian radio. With the release of her latest album, "Roses", Aphrose received national acclaim with features on Global's The Morning Show, in Fader, and was chosen as She Does The City's "Artist of The Month".


The 54th Annual JUNO Awards will take place on
March 30 2025 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada.


Connect with Aphrose:

https://www.aphrose.com/


https://www.instagram.com/aphrosemusic/#


https://www.facebook.com/aphrose


https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Faphrosemusic


https://open.spotify.com/artist/2rmzhSK2Jh6O406qYuLrd6


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgYhqv8aBOnh6RIbLcY71Zg


https://www.tiktok.com/@aphrosemusic8?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc


Canada's Leading Music Discovery Fest is bbbback with NXNE30

 

CANADA’S LEADING MUSIC DISCOVERY FESTIVAL
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BILLBOARD CANADA PARENT COMPANY AMG
ANNOUNCE THE FIRST ROUND OF EMERGING SHOWCASING ARTISTS 
FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE IN TORONTO JUNE 11-15, 2025
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS: NXNE RETURNS TO SANKOFA SQUARE (FORMERLY YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE) JUNE 12, 2025
THE BILLBOARD LIVE STAGE WILL SPOTLIGHT CHART-TOPPING ARTISTS, HEADLINED BY A MAJOR GLOBAL STAR
NEW PARTICIPATING VENUES ANNOUNCED
NXNE promo image | download here
(Toronto, ON - February 27, 2025) Canada’s iconic music discovery festival, North by Northeast (NXNE), in collaboration with Billboard Canada’s parent company ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG), is proud to reveal the first wave of emerging Canadian and international artists performing at the 30th annual event, taking over Toronto’s premiere live music venues from June 11th - 15th. See below for the full list of confirmed artists for the 2025 season.
In addition to unveiling the first selection of performing acts, NXNE is thrilled to announce its return to Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) for what promises to be an unforgettable 30th Birthday Party musical celebration on The Billboard Live Stage. Scheduled for Thursday, June 12th from 4-9 pm ET, this exciting event will showcase an array of chart-topping talent, culminating in a highly anticipated headline performance by a global music icon. 
“We were honoured to present the first ever concert in the Square when Gord Downie played NXNE in 2003 and we had the biggest crowd ever for Iggy and the Stooges in 2010. With Flaming Lips, St. Vincent, Raekwon and so many great shows, we have a great history at Yonge and Dundas, and we are thrilled to return on our 30th anniversary to the freshly named Sankofa Square to again bring incredible, free live music to the city and the world,” says NXNE president and CEO Michael Hollett.
Adds Amanda Dorenberg, CEO of ArtsHouse Media Group and Billboard Canada; "For 30 years, NXNE has been a defining force in Canada’s music landscape, championing talent and shaping the future of live performance. As Billboard Canada and ArtsHouse Media Group continue to support music’s evolution, we’re proud to celebrate NXNE’s 30th anniversary with the Billboard Live Stage at Sankofa Square, further extending its legacy by giving artists a platform to reach new audiences and make a global impact."
Stay tuned, as more details about this extraordinary stage and celebration will be revealed in the months ahead.  
NXNE at Yonge-Dundas Square in 2010 | Download promo image here
NXNE at Yonge-Dundas Square in 2010 | Download promo image here
Known for being integral in identifying new talent and opening doors for artists on the brink of their big break, NXNE is where rising stars shine in intimate venues before taking their place on the world stage just like festival alumni’s Feist, Lizzo, and The Lumineers. For three decades, the dedicated NXNE team has curated a dynamic and diverse lineup of the most promising musical talent from Canada and around the world, driven by a commitment to provide an immersive, boundary-pushing, exceptional music experience. 
 
The first wave of confirmed showcasing acts for the 2025 festival features talent from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, Aruba, and Ireland. Notable highlights include Vancouver-based comedian and trained opera singer Toddy, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Avery Jane, Welland, Ontario rock’n’roller Andy Colonico, Newfoundland experimental hardcore band The Order of the Precious Blood, and award-winning producer and soul-hop artist B1GJuice.
 
NXNE performer Vancouver-based comedian and trained opera singer Toddy

 
NXNE performer Newfoundland experimental hardcore band The Order of the Precious Blood

 
NXNE performer Montreal-based singer-songwriter Avery Jane
 
This year, the festival is expanding its footprint in the city by adding nine new participating venues to its roster for a total of 23, including NXNE’s official headquarters for 2025, The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen St. W.). Lee's Dance Cave, Lee's Palace, Death & Taxes, Duffy's Tavern, Infinity Room, Rivoli, The Pilot and the Redwood Theatre will also be joining the 14 established locations from previous years. This growth broadens the festival's reach, offering attendees diverse spaces to discover new music and turning the event into a true citywide celebration.
For the 2025 festival season, NXNE offers three ticket options to make great music accessible and inclusive. Priced the same as the festival’s debut in 1995, the NXNE Festival Pass ($29) grants access to all Clubland shows and Artist Development Day panels. The NXNE VIP Pass ($149) includes additional events like VIP access to the 30th birthday party, exclusive networking opportunities, swag bags, and front-of-the-line access to Clubland shows. For the ultimate experience, the NXNE Executive Pass ($499) offers everything in the VIP pass, plus access to the VIP Lounge, exclusive receptions and dinners, and more, along with front-of-the-line access to Clubland shows.
 
NXNE First Wave Announce Poster | download here
The first wave of artists to perform at the 30th annual NXNE festival include;
538st (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
A Cure for Love (Columbus, OH, USA)
A Short Walk To Pluto (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Absolight (Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada)
A Weekend at Ramona’s (Toronto, ON, Canada)
activemirror (Oranjestad, Aruba, CARB)
Adam Ambrose (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Alena Ciera (Washington D.C, USA)
Alex Dolphin (London, ON, Canada)
Andy Colonico (Welland, ON, Canada)
Attack the Sound (Chicago, IL, USA)
Ash Molloy (Torbay, NL, Canada)
Avery Jane (Montreal, QC, Canada)
B1GJuice (Part of the BitterJuice Collective) (Toronto, ON, Canada)
av club (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Basset (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Beach Season (Calgary, AB, Canada)
Bebe and Oona (Toronto, ON, Canada)
BIG MILK (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Bitch Stick (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Bitter&Broke (Scarborough, ON, Canada)
BlackBudget (Toronto, ON, Canada)
BongoBandana (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Boniface (Winnipeg, MB, Canada)
Bradley Hale (Heidelberg, ON, Canada)
BREE TAYLOR (Mississauga, ON, Canada)
Casual Cries for HELP (Halifax, NS, Canada)
CEC (Winnipeg, MB, Canada)
Certified Bad Guyz (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Chara Kai-Le (Toronto, ON, Canada)
City Circuits (Toronto, ON, Canada)
CMAGIC5 (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Cruel Hope (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Cure-Pipe (Saguenay, Québec, Canada)
Dandelion Highway  (Toronto, ON, Canada)
DAPHNE (Vaughan, ON, Canada)
David San Clair (Drogheda, Louth, IRL)
Dead Roots (Waterloo, ON, Canada)
DEREV (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Diamond Weapon (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Discontinuity  (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Dynesti (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Dov Beck-Levine (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Evan Denley (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Falls for the Elderly (London, ON, Canada)
Feura (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Fleeting Colours (Montreal, QC, Canada)
FRANKIE FLOWERS (Waterloo, ON, Canada)
Full Throttle (London, ON, Canada)
Garrett Neiles (Toronto, ON, Canada)
gee. (Mississauga, ON, Canada)
GODDESS (Hamilton/Toronto, ON, Canada)
Hendrika (Whitehorse, YT, Canada)
Honey Moon (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Hormoans (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Hotfix (Hamilton, ON, Canada)
Jade Hilton (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Jasmine Kiara (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Julie Title (Toronto, ON, Canada)
June Hawthorn (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Junko Daydream (London, ON, Canada)
Karen Lee Andrews (Sydney, NSW, AUS)
KING FALCON (New York, NY, USA)
Laraw (Montreal, QC, Canada)
LeeL (Hillsdale, NJ, USA)
Lennie Rayen (North Bay, ON, Canada)
LESS KILLJOY (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Lightkeeper (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Live Animals (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Living Dead Girl (Peterborough, ON, Canada)
Living Room for Small (Waterloo, ON, Canada)
Lost Faculty (Hamilton, ON, Canada)
Lostvoy (Toronto, ON, Canada)
LTtheMonk (Hamilton, ON, Canada)
LUELLA (Kingston, ON, Canada)
Lunchmeat (Toronto, ON, Canada)
magenta (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Matt Kristan and Elfrida (Hamilton, ON, Canada)
Mawzy (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Max Parker  (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Melo Griffith (Ajax, ON, Canada)
Merv xx Gotti (Regina, SK, Canada)
Miss Mae (Brantford, ON, Canada)
Monstrosa  (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Museums  (MontrĂ©al, QC, Canada)
Noise Hotel (Ottawa, ON, Canada)
Orlas (New York, NY, USA)
oui merci (L’Assomption, QC, Canada)
papaya noon (Cardiff, WAL, UK)
Permilla (Niagara Falls, ON, Canada)
Problem Patterns (Belfast, NIR, UK)
Raveen (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Rebecca Sichon  (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
RedFox (Montréal, QC, Canada)
Reno K.O.Q (Queens, NY, USA / Kingston Jamaica)
Sam Louis (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Sea of Lettuce (Calgary, AB, Canada)
Seago (Brampton, ON, Canada)
Shébani (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Spring Colours  (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Sudden Waves (Montreal, QC, Canada)
Summer School (Seattle, WA, USA)
SWiiMS (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Tatum Quinn (Montréal, QC, Canada)
The Blue (Calgary, AB, Canada)
The Codas (Kingston, ON, Canada)
The Holy Gamblers (Toronto, ON, Canada)
The Jailbirds (Mississauga, ON, Canada)
The New Hires (Ottawa, ON, Canada)
The Order of the Precious Blood (St John’s, NL, Canada)
The Satisfactory (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Toddy (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Tre. Charles (Durham, NC, USA)
TRUSS (Cleveland, OH, USA)
TWIST IT (Philadelphia, PA, USA)
VOYAGR (Buffalo, NY, USA)
Waahli (Montréal, QC, Canada)
Wedding (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Willem James Cowan (London, ON, Canada)
ZOCHI (Regina, SK, Canada)
 
About NXNE:
North by Northeast (NXNE) has been Canada’s leading festival of music discovery since 1995. Canadian and international stars from Billy Talent, Haviah Mighty and Sam Roberts to Lizzo and The Lumineers all performed critical NXNE showcases early in their careers. Originally formed in partnership with Austin’s SXSW, founder Michael Hollett continues to lead NXNE as president and CEO, along with managing director Barbara Hefler. The festival’s primary goal remains to showcase and support emerging musical talent from Canada and around the world while promoting Toronto’s live music scene.
 
About ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG):
 
ArtsHouse Media Group is a premier music media company and publisher producing bilingual content that resonates with audiences across Canada and beyond. As the parent company of Billboard Canada, Billboard UK, Rolling Stone Quebec, Waveland Canada, Climate Library, and Arts Help, AMG collaborates with diverse creators to elevate voices and deliver compelling narratives. Through innovative storytelling and strategic partnerships, AMG connects local culture with global audiences at the forefront of the new cultural economy, redefining the media landscape.