10 Can’t-Miss NXNE Artists

New Friends posing on train car

1. New Friends (Toronto)

Rivoli, Thurs., June 15, 10 pm

These pop pranksters are about to burst, their catchy tracks and upbeat vibe proving increasingly irresistible.

Missy D posing

2. Missy D (Vancouver)

Its Ok, Wed., June 14, 9 pm

Originally from Cote d’Ivoire, Missy D raps and sings in French and English, her jazzy vibe bolstered by a killer band.

Fionn band members posing in front of pink background

3. Fionn (Vancouver)

Monarch Tavern, Wed., June 14, 10 pm with MBG, Borito and Pillow Fite.

Vancouver folk-pop sisters bring fresh sound to packed new-music festival.

Garrys band members posing

4. The Garrys (Regina, SK)

Monarch Tavern, Fri., June 16, 10 pm

Another sister act, The Garrys pump up clever and irresistible surf tunes by way of Saskatchewan.

We Are Domi bandmates posing

5. We Are Domi (Prague, Czechia)

Bar Cathedral, Wed., June 14, midnight

Dreamy Euro pop from synth masters who once played Eurovision.

Zeroscape band members posing

6. Zeroscape (Toronto)

Bovine, Fri., June 16, midnight

Ever heard of reggae punk-rock? We hadn’t either until listening to this stunning band. “Get up, stand up” — no, seriously, get the fuck up.

Jordan Occasionally posing

7. Jordan Occasionally (Memphis, TN)

It’s Ok, Sat., June 17, 8 pm, also Little Tennessee, Sat June 17., 6 pm

Lush neo-soul and R&B from Tennessee.

We Demand Parachutes band posing

8. We Demand Parachutes (Boston, MA)

Garrison, Sat., June 17, midnight

Fun, hook-happy indie rock from Massachusetts/ Live shows look like a blast.

Sadé Awele posing outside

9. Sade Awele (Toronto & Lagos)

Jean Darlene, Thurs., June 15, 10 pm

Erykah Badu meets Lauryn Hill as this Nigerian-Canadian artist deftly blends Afrobeat, jazz and more. Worth going just to check out the amazing venue.

St Arnaud posing in bowling alley

10. St. Arnaud (Edmonton, AB)

Horseshoe Tavern, Thurs., June 15, 9 pm

Alberta indie darling St. Arnaud brings upbeat, wise, inviting and fresh pop-infused sound.

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