NXNE joins forces with AMG and Billboard Canada

Canada’s discovery music festival signs partnership deal with major music media company

Toronto’s North by Northeast (NXNE) Music Festival and Billboard Canada’s parent company, ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG), today announced a strategic partnership that sees the Canadian company become a major shareholder in the 30-year-old discovery music festival that has helped launch the careers of acts like Billy Talent, the Arkells, Feist, Lizzo and thousands more.

“As we enter our 30th year, we are thrilled to welcome AMG and Billboard Canada as partners in NXNE. In addition to sharing ambitious, entrepreneurial goals, we also share values, including our foundational commitment to diversity and an ‘artist-first’ approach to serving our communities,” said NXNE president and founder Michael Hollett (who is also editor/publisher of NEXT).

“The Billboard Canada and AMG partnership allows NXNE to authentically increase the level of music industry participation in Northby while still prioritizing showcases and empowering emerging artists at the festival.”

“And, of course, we are excited by the media properties AMG brings to the mix. These media partnerships will raise the profile of the artists as well as connect with audiences eager to experience the next big thing at NXNE.”

These sentiments are echoed by Amanda Dorenberg, CEO of Billboard Canada and ArtsHouse Media Group, who said, “This partnership with NXNE comes at an exciting time for both Billboard Canada and AMG. As NXNE marks its 30th anniversary, we are aligning our shared goals of elevating artists and engaging music lovers. Together, we’ll amplify the festival’s impact, providing artists with a broader platform to reach audiences and creating new ways for fans to discover fresh talent.”

AMG is a music media company and publisher producing bilingual content across Canada and beyond. AMG is the parent company of Billboard Canada, Billboard UK, Rolling Stone Quebec, Waveland Canada, Climate Library and Arts Help.

NXNE runs from June 11 through 15 in 2025 at close to 20 Toronto venues featuring over 250 acts. Free applications to play the festival are now open at nxne.com.

NXNE also announced its Festival Headquarters will be at the Theatre Centre on Queen West, across the street from the Drake. The Centre will be a live music venue at night and serve as a welcome centre and hangout for Northby artists during the day as well as festival operations HQ throughout the festival week.

“It’s important for us to create an inviting space for Canadian and international artists to feel welcomed, meet and network,” says NXNE Managing Director Barbara Hefler. “And we love having a footprint right on Queen West — close to the Ossington clubs as well. The Theatre Centre is an amazing space, and we’ll be showcasing it along with our artists.”