NXNE is a downscaled version of Austin, Texas' SXSW music festival which features more prominant acts at a pricier cost. Sometimes I wonder why NXNE has never become as big as its southern counterpart, considering that Toronto is a breeding ground for such large scale events like The International Film Festival, Luminato, Nuit Blanche and Gay Pride.
Is it because historically Canada has been viewed as a smaller version of the States?
Or, do we prefer to see the festival as a tool to help new emerging artists make it big so that one day they'll be asked to play at SXSW?
I love it how the festival is more personal and allows the average music fan to see as many acts as possible for only $29. At the same time, I'm still surprised that NXNE hasn't taken off yet on a larger scale.
In the meantime, be sure to take advantage of the accessibility of the festival and check out tons of shows. My recommendation for one of this year's highlights, is to see OPOPO, Friday night at Supermarket. These 3 local Torontonians, will be taking the stage at 1am but be sure to get there beforehand as the place will be swamped.
OPOPO's energetic stage presence, combined with their electro rock sound produces one hell of a live show.
I was first introduced to OPOPO at last year's Nuit Blanche Festival where they took over an abandoned car wash to stage an ad-hoc late night dance party. Their infectious DJ set kept the crowd dancing till the sun came up and spawned a new wave of fans who are impatiently waiting for another night of serious beats.
These black and white shots are from a recent house party that OPOPO DJ'ed. (Notice Ayn Rand's, The Fountainhead in the last picture. Definitely worth reading if you're looking for some inspiration.)
(photo courtesy of www.chromewaves.net)
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