Your NXNE MUSIC MATCHMAKING GUIDE
NXNE 2026 is fast approaching, and with over 300 artists performing, figuring out who to see can feel a little overwhelming. So instead of scrolling through the entire lineup for hours, we put together a list of which artists you should check out based on who’s already on your playlists.
Think of it as musical matchmaking ;)
If you like Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes and The Foo Fighters,
then you need to go see A Weekend At Ramonas.
If your playlists are filled with punchy guitars, messy late-night energy, and the kind of indie rock that makes you want to drive around with the windows down, A Weekend At Ramonas should absolutely be on your NXNE schedule. Their sound pulls from that early-2000s indie rock feel without sounding like they’re trying to copy it. It’s gritty, catchy, and feels made for sweaty, packed venues.
Want a preview of their sound? Start with this song.
If you like Bo Diddly, The Beatles and Oasis,
then you need to go see The Satisfactory
The Satisfactory feels like the kind of band you accidentally discover at a festival and then spend the next week wondering why nobody told you about them sooner. Their music blends old-school rock ’n’ roll charm with jangly Britpop-style guitars and hooks that stick almost immediately. There’s a little bit of Beatles melody, a little Oasis swagger, and a whole lot of personality packed into their songs.
Want a preview of their sound? Start with this song.
If you like Tegan & Sara, Haim, and The Breeders,
then you need to go see Bebe & Oona
Bebe & Oona make the kind of indie rock that feels equally suited for dancing around your room or screaming along to in a crowded venue. The twin-led Toronto/Montreal band mixes melodic post-punk with catchy pop hooks and loud fuzzy guitars in a way that feels both chaotic and incredibly fun. If you love the sibling chemistry of bands like Haim or Tegan & Sara but want something a little grittier, this is probably your next favourite discovery.
Want a preview of their sound? Start with this song
If you like Beach House, Slowdive and Alvvays,
then you need to go see Swiims
Swiims make dreamy indie rock that feels perfect for cloudy weather and staring out of car (or transit) windows dramatically. Their songs blend soft hazy vocals with fuzzy guitars and catchy melodies that sneak up on you after a few listens. If you like the dreaminess of Beach House mixed with the guitar-heavy side of Slowdive and the indie-pop charm of Alvvays, you’ll probably end up leaving their set to immediately queue up more songs.
Want a preview of their sound? Start with this song
If you like Tanika Charles, Daft Punk and Jessie Ware,
then you need to go see J3M
J3M makes the kind of music that feels impossible to stand still to. Pulling from disco, funk, and pop, his songs are packed with huge hooks, smooth vocals, and enough groove to turn any venue into a dance floor. If you love the polished disco-pop side of Jessie Ware or the funky electronic energy of Daft Punk, J3M’s set will probably end up being one of the most fun nights of the festival.
Want a preview of his sound? Start with this song
If you like Gigi Perez, Phoebe Bridgers, and Maggie Rogers,
then you need to go see Alanna Matty
Alanna Matty writes the kind of songs that feel quietly devastating in the best possible way. Her music blends soft harmonies, emotional storytelling, and deeply personal lyrics that feel like reading somebody’s diary at 2 a.m. Live, she builds songs in real time using looping, which makes her sets feel really intimate even in bigger rooms. If you love artists who make heartbreak sound weirdly comforting, don’t skip this one.
Want a preview of her sound? Start with this song
If you like SZA, Tyla and Jorja Smith,
then you need to go see Morgan
Morgan moves between pop, R&B, and dancehall so effortlessly that every song feels a little different while still sounding completely like her. Some tracks feel soft and vulnerable, others feel made for getting ready to go out with your friends, but they all have the same confidence and personality running through them. If you like the smoothness of Jorja Smith mixed with the energy of Tyla and the emotional honesty of SZA, Morgan’s probably about to become your newest obsession.
Want a preview of her sound? Start with this song