Walking into NXNE Toronto on June 11 felt electric. It was the 30th anniversary of this legendary festival, and the entire downtown was pulsing with energy. I kicked things off at TIFF Lightbox for the Billboard Summit — a mix of panel talks and surprise guests like Deadmau5 — which gave a fascinating peek behind the scenes of music culture. Through networking over coffee, I met fellow fans and industry insiders, setting the tone for a connected, communal experience.
By evening, I was hopping between intimate “Clubland” venues across Queen West and Kensington, my wristband granting access to 25+ showcases from emerging artists: from gritty garage rock to soul‑driven R&B. Venues like The Theatre Centre and Rivoli had their own vibe—some cozy, others buzzing with energy, but every set felt like discovering the next big thing.
Thursday night barrelled into Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square), where Billboard Live powered a free headline show. Khalid’s performance under the summer sky was unforgettable—singing “Talk” with a crowd of thousands, totally free and electric, It captured the essence of NXNE: accessible, celebratory, and rooted in community. VIP upgrades even offered a closer view in a dedicated viewing zone.
Saturday brought Daniel Caesar’s soulful reunion at Mod Club—a small‑venue acoustic set that felt deeply personal. Watching him stripped-down, guitar in hand, in a room packed with dedicated fans was surreal. The intimacy, genuine crowd sing-alongs, gave it an organic feel..
Throughout the festival—on Sunday’s surprise pop-ups, during the gear expo at Long & McQuade, or between shows hopping on TTC and squeezing in hydration—the city’s pulse never slowed. It was a whirlwind five days: sweaty, inspiring, Serendipitous. New discoveries, old favorites, and that collective thrill of being part of a storied Toronto music moment—NXNE 2025 delivered it all.
BKonthescene 