North By Northeast, more affectionately known as NXNE, begins today – running until June 21st, a variety of musicians, actors and comedians, as well as artists will be showcasing their work during one of Toronto’s most highly-anticipated events of the summer.
Over the course of the next several days, musical acts like Action Bronson, The New Pornographers, Rae Sremmurd, and Best Coast will take to one of many stages, as well as psych-rock quartet Warpaint, Bradford Cox’s solo project Atlas Sound, and 14-year-old mega star Willow Smith, who released her debut single, “Whip My Hair,” via Jay Z’s Roc Nation.
Also confirmed for NXNE 2015 is the soulful and dapper Nick Waterhouse, post-punk veterans Mission Of Burma, the charming indie pop band Lucius, garage rock foursome Heartless Bastards, and Dublin’s rising Girl Band. Female-led acts include U.S. Girls, Seattle’s Chastity Belt, Toronto’s own singer-songwriter Jennifer Castle, twin sisters Tasseomancy, Cassie Ramone of Vivian Girls, Lia Ices and more.
The Festival will also host shows by synth-pop trio Diana, the self-described Prince of West Coast hip-hop Casey Veggies, Toronto’s shoegaze masters Moon King, techno-noise artist Container, experimental metal group Sannhet, Mad Decent’s beat-driven Daktyl and garage rock trio Tijuana Panthers.
In regards to film and other mediums, NXNE will host the Canadian premiere screening of Asif Kapadia’s Amy at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on Saturday, June 20th. This haunting documentary by Asif Kapadia, which recently had it’s world premiere at Cannes Film Festival, tells the story of Amy Winehouse in her own words through archive footage and previously unreleased tracks.
There will also be performances by Copenhagen’s eccentric sound sculptor HVAD, experimental club DJ Rabit, signed to Tri Angle Records, Dominick Fernow’s project Prurient at the Pitchfork showcase at Berkeley Church, and rising Toronto rapper Jazz Cartier has been added to The FADER’s presentation of Rae Sremmurd at Danforth Music Hall.
Rapper Shad will be headlining at Yonge-Dundas Square on Sunday, June 21st as well.
For a complete list of artists playing NXNE 2015, visit www.nxne.com, and be sure to check out the NXNE Spotify playlist here.
Photo: The New Pornographers
