16 Artists I’m Excited to See at NXNE 2025
Out of the Hundreds performing next week AT NXNE, these are the top 16 I’m most excited to see
Thirty, flirty and thriving~
NXNE, a.k.a North by North East, is celebrating its 30th birthday as it steps into a new era. The iconic Toronto music festival, taking place June 11- 15th downtown Toronto, is now majority owned under ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG), Billboard Canada's parent company, and is returning this year with a fresh slate of genre-spanning talent and the same indie spirit that’s defined it for decades. As always, the festival offers an exciting opportunity to discover rising stars and underground gems before they break into the mainstream.
Some NXNE artists that have made it big in the past include Kaytranada, Father John Misty, Grimes, Lizzo, Post Malone, and The Lumineers, to name just a few.
With hundreds of artists performing across multiple venues downtown, and only five days to do it all, it can be overwhelming to figure out who to catch. To help you plan your week, I’ve put together a list of 16 artists I’m especially excited to see.
And while this list focuses on emerging and buzzy talent, I’m also looking forward to some of the bigger-name acts hitting the stage this year, including The Beaches, Daniel Caesar, and Khalid, as well as speaker events featuring Diljit Dosanjh and deadmau5.
Äyanna
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 @ INFINITY ROOM (10PM)
All artist photos courtesy of NXNE website
Äyanna is a vibrant artist known for her big smile, powerful voice, and fearless approach to life and music. Raised in East London by English and Jamaican-born parents, she draws inspiration from a rich mix of reggae, R&B, classical, and soul.
J3M
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 @ GARRISON (1AM)
J3M is a queer pop-disco artist, JUNO-nominated pianist, and seasoned performer who's shared stages with icons like Cyndi Lauper and The Arkells. Having played major festivals like Osheaga and Toronto Pride, he's backed artists like Lu Kala and Tanika Charles while building a dynamic solo career.
Talking Violet
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 @ COLLECTIVE ARTS (11PM)
Talking Violet is a Windsor-based band blending shoegaze, grunge, and dream-pop into a bold “dreamo” sound on their 2024 sophomore album Everything At Once. Their intimate lyrics and textured soundscapes create an emotional, boundary-pushing listening experience.
Lost Faculty
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 @ DUFFY’S TAVERN (8PM)
We saw Hamilton indie rockers Lost Faculty last year, and they’re sweet guys with an electric live presence. With shows at iconic venues like the El Mocambo and two NXNE 2024 slots under their belt, they’ve been tearing through Canada with unstoppable momentum. Check out our Awkward photoshoot with them last year.
The Deadnotes
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 @ INFINITY ROOM (11PM)
The Deadnotes released their new album Rock 'n' Roll Saviour on February 21, 2025, via Hamburg’s Grand Hotel van Cleef, marking their first wider release. Known for their relentless touring across 25+ countries, the band has earned features on BBC6 with Steve Lamacq, Rockpalast, and Alternative Press, and released a live session with Audiotree Worldwide.
Seago
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 @ GARRISON (9PM)
Brampton-born Seago is crafting a sound uniquely his own, blending indie, pop, hip hop, and soft rock. The Toronto-based artist debuted with his EP Lawn in 2022, followed by the independently released “Cheapshot” in 2023, which earned over 1.7 million streams and a spot in Rolling Stone x Spotify RADAR’s Global Artist Program. In 2024, he released his second EP Silver and was featured on Pigeons and Planes’ Best New Artists list.
Ramona Vee
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 @ JEAN DARLENE (12AM)
Ramona Vee is a Mexican-Canadian artist whose sound blends Toronto’s indie music scene with vibrant Latin American genres like Mexican folk, cumbia, bachata, and corridos. She began with piano and band as a child, later performing in an R&B/funk group and taking on vocal gigs before producing her own music.
playingwithfire
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 @ PADDOCK (8PM)
playingwithfire is an alt-rock duo from Ontario known for blending diverse influences with personal, relatable lyrics. Their high-energy live shows leave a lasting impact long after they’ve left the stage.
Laraw
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 @ COLLECTIVE ARTS (12AM)
Montreal-born Laraw, with Moroccan and Lebanese roots, channels her quarter-life experiences into raw, alternative pop. Her delicate yet rebellious voice captures authenticity and spontaneity in every track.
Juice Joint
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 @ GARRISON (8PM)
Juice Joint is a six-piece instrumental jazz, funk, and fusion band from London, Ontario, known for their smooth keyboard-driven grooves and vibrant brass lines. Since forming in 2023, they’ve performed with acts like Ahmed Moneka and SHEBAD, and appeared at festivals like Sunfest and Aeolian Jazz Fest.
Bad Skin
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 @ PADDOCK (9PM)
Formed in 2015 in Montreal, Bad Skin is a powerhouse punk band known for their vibrant presence and bold sound, with members Dope, Victoria, Maria, and Christine. They’ve toured globally, playing major festivals like The Rebellion in the UK, Spike Festival in Bulgaria, and Summerfest in the US, while also making a strong impact at Canadian events. Their mission to promote self-confidence and authenticity resonates deeply with fans, who keep growing as the band delivers unforgettable performances and connects personally after every show.
DAPHNE
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 @ BURDOCK (11PM)
Vaughan-based indie pop artist DAPHNE, winner of the 2024 SOCAN Foundation Young Songwriters Award, captivates with euphoric melodies and expressive lyrics. Having sold out the El Mocambo and performed at major festivals, she’s set to release a wave of indie pop anthems in 2025.
Bitter&Broke
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 @ GARRISON (11PM)
Bitter&Broke is a Canadian pan-Asian band and DJ trio from Scarborough, blending city pop, jazz, funk, neo-soul, and R&B to craft a unique soundtrack for daily life. Quickly making waves in Toronto’s music scene, their sound resonates with dreamers driven by relentless artistic pursuit.
Avery Jane
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 @ CAFE PAMENAR (9PM)
Montreal-based Avery Jane, originally from Victoria BC, is a folk-inspired Pop R&B artist who transitioned from performing in bands to a solo career starting in 2019. She released her first single in 2020 and two EPs by 2023, with genuine, clever lyrics that explore relatable everyday moments and emotions. Currently recording her debut album, Avery continues to craft insightful music reflecting the human experience.
Arenas
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 @ BABY G (10PM)
Arenas is a Toronto-based indie/alt-rock band founded by Winnipeg-born brothers Michael and Chris Scott, later joined by guitarists Kelly Steinhoff and Camila Milla. Influenced by Pavement and Paramore, they blend simple rhythms with emotive lyrics and played POP Montreal ahead of their debut LP Truth Come Alive releasing in March 2025.
A Weekend at Ramona’s
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 @ BABY G (8PM)
A Weekend at Ramona’s is a Toronto indie rock band formed by songwriting duo Chris Munro and Ben Nunes, who met as rivals in a Battle of the Bands before joining forces. Joined by Joyce on bass and Angie on drums, the group combines diverse influences with strong rhythm and dynamic playing.
That’s not all…
NXNE isn’t just about discovering new talent; this year’s lineup includes major headliners and speaker events.
Khalid will perform a free, public show at Sankofa Square on June 12 (VIP seating available here).
The Beaches are set to hit the stage on June 15, also free with RSVP here.
NXNE's speaker series is also turning heads: Diljit Dosanjh and deadmau5 will both speak on June 11 at the TIFF Lightbox.
Whether you're in it for the headliners, the hidden gems, or just the electric energy that takes over the city, NXNE 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet. With so much talent packed into five days, planning ahead is key so hopefully this list helps you discover a few to go check out!
Grab your festival pass here and get ready to explore the best of what Toronto's music scene, and beyond, has to offer!