NXNE is a great time for labels to show off what they’ve got: new signings, stacked rosters, licensed patios and important birthdays.
It isn’t an exaggeration to say that you can plan your entire festival week around label celebrations, starting with local DIY label Buzz Records’ Wednesday (June 18) showcase at Smiling Buddha, featuring Greys, Mexican Slang, Beta Frontiers and a slew of others. On Saturday (June 21), the Great Hall will also be a-Buzz for the label’s Day Party, featuring Perfect Pussy, HSY, Weaves, Anamai and more.
On Friday (June 20), Hidden Pony fetes its fifth birthday early at the Horseshoe to accommodate a second show that night in its hometown of Hamilton. Vancouver alt rock veterans Odds are playing the afternoon event running from noon to 5, along with Rah Rah, new signees Royal Tusk and PEI indie rockers the Danks.
Also on Friday, Toronto-loving UK label Tin Angel takes over the Drake, with sets by the incomparable Devon Sproule plus locals Bernice, John Southworth, Marker Starling (formerly Mantler) and Scottish folk rockers Trembling Bells.
Head to Hand Drawn Dracula’s night at the Garrison on Friday (June 20) for Wish, Tiers, Weeknight, Crystal Stilts and HDD’s experimental imprint Artificial Records’ Beliefs, North America and Doomsquad. There will be tacos!
On Saturday (June 21), Cameron House Records hosts an all-day patio party at the Cameron House Kind Snacks Stage headlined by rock faves Zeus plus alt-country go-tos Whitney Rose, NQ Arbuckle and more.
Finally, for a satisfying swig of Canadiana, celebrate Joel Plaskett’s recent signing to Pheromone at Pheromone Night at the Horseshoe Saturday (June 21). Also on the bill: Bidiniband, the Felice Brothers, Wilderness of Manitoba, Halifax’s Mo Kenney and newcomer Stephanie Cameron.
