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Brian Hetherman Joins NXNE As Head of Domestic and International Relations

Hetherman brings a wealth of experience in music innovation and promoting Canadian talent to his role at NXNE, where he will lead the festival's revitalized delegate program.

Brian Hetherman

Brian Hetherman

Courtesy Photo

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Music industry expert Brian Hetherman is joining the team at NXNE.


Hetherman will be the festival's new Head of Domestic and International Relations, leading the major Toronto music festival's revitalized delegate program in 2025, its 30th anniversary year.

Hetherman brings over 30 years of experience in the industry to the role. He previously founded Curve Music, Cerberus Management and Sonic Envy, working with artists across genres and managing Montreal new wave stars Men Without Hats and rock act Wide Mouth Mason. Hetherman has also headed A&R at American label MCA and served as Executive Director of the influential Canadian foundation Radio Starmaker Fund.

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"What an exciting opportunity to join such a cool and legendary music event and conference to work with the team to help expand it even further both in Canada and Internationally," Hetherman tells Billboard Canada. "Plus, it's ironically been exactly 20 years since I worked with NXNE on programming their 2005 year and hosting their first NXNE Town Hall.”

Hetherman joins NXNE heading into a major year for the festival. Billboard Canada parent company AMG acquired a major stake in the festival last year, building a long-term partnership with the tastemaking music event as it heads into its 30th anniversary.

NXNE CEO Michael Hollett is excited to welcome Hetherman into the team at a pivotal moment, with Hetherman overseeing the addition of VIP and Executive experiences to the festival's delegate experience. NXNE hasn't held a delegate component since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the program's return will bring a host of opportunities for industry members to engage.

"I have had the pleasure of watching and admiring Brian in action over his years in leading and innovative roles in promoting Canadian music around the world and I am thrilled to have him working on the amazing NXNE Team,” says Hollett.

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Stay tuned for more announcements about NXNE's 30th anniversary edition coming soon.

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Tyler Shaw at Eurovision Announcement at CBC in Toronto on Oct. 27, 2026.
Courtesy of CBC/Radio-Canada, photo taken by Shawn Goldberg

Tyler Shaw at Eurovision Announcement at CBC in Toronto on Oct. 27, 2026.

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