Billboard Canada Parent Company AMG Acquires Major Stake in NXNE

Artshouse Media Group (AMG) has acquired a major stake in Toronto music festival North By Northeast (NXNE).

The media company — which publishes Billboard Canada, Billboard UK and Rolling Stone Quebec and also owns Arts Help, Waveland Canada and the Climate Library — will own 50% of the long-running festival. The acquisition begins a long-term partnership, starting with NXNE's landmark 30th anniversary edition from June 11-June 15, 2025.

“This partnership with NXNE comes at an exciting time for both Billboard Canada and AMG. As NXNE marks its 30th anniversary, we are aligning our shared goals of elevating artists and engaging music lovers," says Amanda Dorenberg, CEO of Billboard Canada and AMG. "Together, we’ll amplify the festival’s impact, providing artists with a broader platform to reach audiences and creating new ways for fans to discover fresh talent.”

Michael Hollett will continue as NXNE's President and CEO, while Barbara Hefler serves as Managing Director.

"I have tons of respect for the team at AMG and Billboard Canada and look forward to the expertise and global exposure they bring to the festival," says Hollett. "In addition to their very apparent business expertise, I also appreciate the shared values between our two organizations particularly our ‘artists first' approach and our mutual commitment to diversity and inclusion for artists and audiences."

NXNE launched in 1995 and quickly established itself as the heart of Toronto's live music scene. Originally formed in partnership with Austin's SXSW, it evolved its own identity for recognizing and showcasing emerging talent in the early stages of international success. Artists from Lizzo to Daniel Caesar, Feist, Grimes, The Beaches, Mac DeMarco, Haviah Mighty, Sam Roberts and Billy Talent have played critical NXNE showcases at breaking points in their careers.

The festival has also been responsible for some legendary headlining shows from acts including Iggy Pop & The Stooges (one of the biggest free shows ever in downtown Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square), Vince Staples, the Flaming Lips, The National, Post Malone, Tyler, The Creator and many more.

The collaboration with AMG and Billboard Canada will grow the festival's reach in its landmark 30th anniversary edition with new co-produced programming and activations to be announced soon.

"In this highly significant 30th year of our festival, I am delighted that Billboard Canada will help us significantly raise the profile of NXNE and the artists we present as well as our ability to connect them with audiences," says Hollett. "Billboard Canada’s key role in the music industry will help us authentically build our connection with the industry and our ability to introduce them to new artists."

Billboard's authoritative platform for music industry coverage, charts and industry events will help strengthen NXNE's conference component and bring in major talent. NXNE will also be able to amplify opportunities for emerging artists and discovery showcases with unparalleled cross-border reach.

"This is such an exciting partnership for Billboard Canada and for me, personally," says Richard Trapunski, National Editor of Billboard Canada. "NXNE was my introduction to the Toronto music scene and introduced me to more bands than I'm able to count. I've spent many late nights over the years hopping between venues in the city with my NXNE wristband. Billboard Canada is the perfect platform to revitalize this important festival and introduce Canadian artists to a global stage."

Artist applications are open now at nxne.com. 2025 venues will include The Garrison, Drake Underground, Collective Arts brewery and more, plus a new official festival headquarters at The Theatre Centre on Queen West.

The 30th anniversary edition will celebrate the festival's rich history and the big acts who have played over the decades, while staying committed to its "Listen to the Future" tagline and its commitment to always looking for the next big thing in music.

"We want to meet and exceed NXNE’s 'glory days' as a citywide, community-engaging discovery festival," says Hollett.