#NEWMUSIC: NXNW ADDS 100 EMERGING ACTS

North by Northeast (NXNE), Canada’s premiere festival for music discovery, today announces a new wave of high-profile artist additions to its landmark 2026 edition, taking place June 10–14, 2026 in Toronto. Building on its earlier announcement of the first 100 emerging acts, the festival is thrilled to reveal a series of special performances, intimate shows, and industry events headlined by Fionn, Frank Walker, Covet, Yot Club, and Sickick, alongside a growing roster of the world’s most exciting emerging talent.

These additions join an already stacked lineup featuring over 300 artists across 30 iconic Toronto venues, confirming NXNE 2026 as the festival’s most expansive edition in its 31-year history. Tickets are on sale at NXNE.com

“We’re thrilled to announce 100 more great emerging talent, along with more established acts doing intimate shows, a trademark of NXNE. Acts like Yot Club, Sickick and Frank Walker will all give fans special up-close shows as part of NXNE 2026.” Said Michael Hollett, NXNE President and Founder.

Special Performances & Shows: JUNE 10: Fionn at The Rivoli

Rising indie sensation Fionn kicks off the festival week with an intimate night at The Rivoli, one of Toronto’s most beloved live music rooms.
Tickets on sale Thursday, March 26 at 10am ET.

JUNE 11: Frank Walker at SOUNDSTAGE (Q&A & Intimate DJ Set/Listening Party)

Canadian DJ and producer Frank Walker brings his signature electronic energy to SOUNDSTAGE for a special Q&A session followed by an intimate DJ set and listening party, offering a rare, up-close experience for fans and industry insiders alike.

Sign up at ca.billboard.com/frankwalker

JUNE 12: Covet at Lee’s Palace

Math-rock trio Covet brings their virtuosic, genre-defying sound to the storied stage of Lee’s Palace. Tickets are on sale now.

JUNE 13: Yot Club at The Mod Club

Indie bedroom-pop favourite Yot Club headlines The Mod Club for a night of dreamy, hook-driven songwriting. Tickets are on sale now.

JUNE 13: Sickick at SOUNDSTAGE

Multi-platinum Canadian producer and performer Sickick closes out the penultimate night at SOUNDSTAGE with what promises to be one of the festival’s most electrifying sets.
Tickets on sale Thursday, March 26 at 10am ET.

Today’s announcement builds on NXNE’s first wave of 100 emerging artists confirmations, selected from more than 2,000 applications. The lineup celebrates the best of Canadian talent alongside breakthrough acts from across the globe, including Teenage Joans (Australia), WHO SHOT SCOTT (New Zealand), nothhingspecial (Germany, and many more.

Highlights from the emerging artist lineup include: Akeem Oh, AloneKitty, Angelique Dancel, Blood Dealer, Clara Smallman, DESIIRE, Floating Mansions, GHOSTFORM, HEATER, Kaeley Jade, Kreesha Turner, Lauren Ash, Leila Dey, Maddee Ritter, Merv xx Gotti, NIA NADURATA, Phantom High, Rooky Kamiz, Sarah Jayne Riley, Sęwà, T3MPURA, Techno Westerns, The Wild Palominos, Will Clift, XO JUMPO, Yuzu, ZINA, and more – each performing signature 40-minute sets across Toronto’s finest venues.

About NXNE:
For more than 30 years, NXNE has been the heartbeat of new music in Canada — a cultural institution that unites artists, fans, and industry leaders while shaping what comes next. More than a festival, NXNE is a platform for discovery, a launchpad for emerging talent, and a global meeting ground for the most influential voices in music and culture. Generations of artists, from The Beaches to Post Malone, The Arkells, Lizzo, Daniel Caesar and Kaytranada, first stepped onto the NXNE stage before defining their eras.

North by Northeast (NXNE) has been Canada’s leading festival of music discovery since 1995. Canadian and international stars from Billy Talent, Haviah Mighty, and Sam Roberts to Lizzo and The Lumineers all performed critical NXNE showcases early in their careers.

Originally formed in partnership with Austin’s SXSW, founder Michael Hollett continues to lead NXNE as president and CEO, along with managing director Barbara Hefler. The festival’s primary goal remains to showcase and support emerging musical talent from Canada and around the world while promoting Toronto’s live music scene.
www.nxne.com

For more information, tickets, and the full artist lineup, visit NXNE.com.