NXNE: Review

NXNE 2017 provided an indie option on an entertainment-filled weekend in the city. Between Toronto’s pride events, U2 in town, these festival revelers had a place to enjoy local and international acts. Although, throughout the festival it was evident the 3-day bash was competing with other events in lower than expected numbers nonetheless, NXNE provided a range of acts to witness live. On the opening day, the line-up consisted of GTA bred acts like Cold Specks, EMP with American rapper Post Malone closing the night.

Along with music, the festival provided ample food choices in food trucks lining the Port Lands as well as, a humble carnival area with two free rides. In the past years where NXNE would pack Yonge-Dundas Square for free shows and neighbouring downtown venues, ultimately, the feel of the festival was corporate-heavy. In times where Toronto has lost various music festivals like Edgefest, Riot Fest, Warped Tour and others, NXNE continues to seek a resurgence amplifying the festival’s relevance in a city struggling to find its musical groove.

Day two also provided local acts to enjoy as KID hit the stage, other acts from coast to coast touched down in the city as Montreal’s KAYTRANADA brought a lively DJ set with his remixes and renditions. Earlier, American acts like MUNA and Bleachers took the stage as well, Tinie Tempah from London.

On day three, set times were pushed back as a storm watch impeded the final day of festivities. Regardless, the show went on as the skies cleared and the sun shined brightly on the horizon. A major highlight of the festival came in the set of New Orleans own The Soul Rebels with featuring MC Talib Kweli, the horn section played a blistering set that had the crowd on their feet and enjoying the intricate sounds. With many messages paying respect to fallen MCs like Prodigy of Mobb Deep, it was clear the artists came to share their soul through the connection of music. Another spectacular set came from LIZZO, the boisterous singer brought her singles “Phone” and “Worship” to her set. The crowd was engaged from the opening to the end of the set, with the singer inviting festival goers to dance on stage including a young girl enjoying the energetic set. Finally, Passion Pit, the indie rockers from Boston concluded the 2017 edition of the festival, as the front-row fan base and throughout the crowd, many sang along word for word to lead singer, Michael. An observation as NXNE featured many female-fronted acts like The Regrettes, Sleigh Bells amongst others; in future years it would be a sight to see for more inclusive acts especially in headlining spots.

As NXNE closes it’s 2017 edition, one hopes these are lessons to be learned as the presence of music festivals in the city fluctuates, here’s to hoping the city embraces what music can do and implements sustainable planning for live music events.

PHOTOS & REPORTING
BY MARTHA SEGOVIA

NXNE: Day 01

NXNE DAY 01

AMIR OBÉ

COLD SPECKS

EMP

POST MALONE

SLEIGH BELLS

THE REGRETTES

TWIN PEAKS

NXNE: DAY 01
(GALLERIES) JUNE 23RD, 2017
PORT LANDS, CANADA
PHOTOS BY MARTHA SEGOVIA!

*CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER IF IMAGES USED, PLEASE! NO EDITING AND/OR REMOVAL OF WATERMARK(S)*

Must See Acts of NXNE

MUST SEE ACTS
OF NXNE

by Martha Segovia

With NXNE set to complete its 22nd year, the music and arts festival mirrored to the ever-popular SXSW is set to bring another exciting lineup to the city of Toronto. The three-day music festival will feature the likes of Post Malone, Passion Pit, Kaytranada and more. NXNE will also feature three ‘lands’; the Port Lands will be the base of the music performances, Club Land which will feature a curator series featuring some of the most well-known Canadian artists including Leah Fay of July Talk, Ian D’Sa of Billy Talent and others. Game Land will touch down at Yonge - Dundas Square to fulfill your e-sports and games dreams. Here’s a sample of the line-up as I list my picks for 10 “Must See Acts” during the music festival!

Tickets available now, purchase them here!

POST MALONE:

Through the release of “White Iverson” and his debut full-length Stoney, Post Malone has continued to climb through popularity. The 21-year-old joined Justin Bieber on his Purpose World Tour which only further skyrocketed his popularity, as his debut hit the charts so did his newest singles including “Go Flex” and “Congratulations” featuring Quavo of Migos with the latter going platinum. His debut release featured the likes of Metro Boomin, Pharrell Williams on production, with Justin Bieber, Kehlani & Quavo providing supporting vocals. Catch Post headlining Day 1 on Friday, June 23rd.

Image courtesy of @ThisIsEMP (IG) by @EmilyAcosta (IG)

EMP:

In the digital age, streaming Spotify often leads to discovering gems like EMP and their track “Rebellion”. The trio consists of Eestbound, Milly Manson, and Pree hence the inspiration of the acronym EMP. It’s no surprise the trio continues to make a name for themselves with producer Eestbound previously lending his talents on the massive hit “Antidote” by rapper Travis Scott. The track “Rebellion” is a nod to the layered, intricate sounds often heard with the contrast of Milly and Pree providing lines back and forth. EMP is another Toronto area band mapping their presence worldwide.

KAYTRANADA:

Haitian-born, Montreal-raised DJ and producer extraordinaire Kaytranada is slated to headline NXNE on Saturday, June 24th in place of Tyler, the Creator. Kaytranda will continue to celebrate the success of his 2016 release 99.9% especially following his Polaris Music Prize win for Canadian Album of the Year. He has solidified the reassurance of home-grown talents and surely will be a treat to admire. Don’t miss out on the performance by Kaytranada!

TINIE TEMPAH:

Not only will the lineup of NXNE feature home-grown talents but international talents too including Tinie Tempah from across the pond. The grime rapper will hit the festival stage on Saturday, June 24th as well as Kaytranada. Tinie Tempah will share his third full-length release Youth with the Toronto crowd, the record features a slew of artists lending their talents including Zara Larsson, MNEK, Tinashe, Jake Bugg and more. Tinie Tempah will bring grime to Toronto with what’s to be a must see set.

Image courtesy of Tinie Tempah's Facebook!

LIZZO:

Lizzo will bring her boisterous voice to the festival with her lively track “Good as Hell”; I can tell the track will definitely have us feeling good as hell. Her electro-pop, alternative sounds will be a sight to hear as her voice is set to have the Toronto crowds serenaded and energized. Lizzo’s energetic track “Phone” off her record Coconut Oil is one to check out, here’s to hoping it’s included on her setlist.

HEARTSTREETS:

Emme & Gab are the duo behind Heartstreets, the sultry alternative R&B sounds will surely be another act to witness live. The duo’s blissful track “Cruising with You” will have the crowds enjoying the summer days. Check out Heartstreets on Day 2! Make sure to give a listen to the 2016 EP release You & I that features five easy listening tunes for you to chill to as we wait for the festival weekend.

GRANDSON:

Toronto-based Grandson will grace a hometown crowd on the final day of NXNE, he’ll bring back the alternative sounds he discovered throughout his musical journey from growing up in the city to the sights and hills of Los Angeles. In April, Grandson released the riff heavy track “Best Friends”, the track emphasizes the mix of eclectic sounds he’s shared with the world. It’s clear his music features an authentic story to tell throughout the highs and lows of life. Check out our interview with Grandson reported by Maranda Risner. Grandson shared with CU the personal story behind the moniker, his musical influences and what’s next for the young musician.

YUKON BLONDE:

Indie rockers Yukon Blonde from Kelowna, BC will be gracing the festival on Day 3 of NXNE. The band will bring their indie sounds to the Port Lands with Yukon Blonde having previously played SXSW, Canadian Music Week for performances. With their groovy single “Saturday Night”, Yukon Blonde is another must see act and I cannot be more excited to check out some more Canadiana sounds at this year’s edition of NXNE.

SLEIGH BELLS:

Another rocking duo will be performing on the festival grounds, as Sleigh Bells will be bringing the noise. The duo consists of Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller with the Brooklynites slated to play tracks spanning their discography from the 2016 release Jessica Rabbit to their debut record Treats which features their track “Rill Rill”. With a few female leads gracing the stage, the festival will have its share of ladies bringing the heat including Alexis of Sleigh Bells.

K.I.D:

Hailing from Mississauga, the duo K.I.D are making a name for themselves in the GTA and beyond. Following the duo’s break after the release of “I Wish I Was Your Cigarette”, they have continued to grow a loyal fan base. Kara Lane and Bobby Lo started playing small sets in Toronto to now playing festivals in the city like Time Festival last year, where I first saw K.I.D, to this upcoming festival at the Port Lands on June 24th.

K.I.D released a four track E.P earlier in March titled Poster Child, the release features the duo’s recent track “Taker”. The track’s music video features a retrospective view of pop culture styles through a VR set, make sure to check out the video in all its glory. The tracks on Poster Child offer a personal story with themes of anxiety and depression through high-hitting beats, which present listeners an authentic narrative to be told via music.

K.I.D are slated to hit the festival stage on Day 2 of NXNE, check out the E.P available on iTunes and Spotify now.

These are just a select few bands playing at NXNE this year, so don't forget to get your tickets while you can! It's going to be a rockin' weekend! See you there!