With industry veteran Michael Hollett as editor-in-chief, the editorial platform and live music stage will launch in Toronto at NXNE from June 10 to 14 with the debut of the SPIN Canada Stage.
After operating for over four decades in the U.S., the long-running alternative music media publication has announced the expansion of SPIN into Canada, focusing on local artists, culture and live music experiences.
SPIN Canada will officially launch at NXNE from June 10 to 14, coinciding with the debut of the SPIN Canada Stage in Toronto.
While the publication’s U.S. edition — which launched in 1985 — is already available in Canada, this new edition will be a dedicated local operation, while serving as a foundation for future live activations across the country.
“SPIN Magazine has always had a distinct voice and cultural relevance that people want to be part of,” says Jimmy Hutcheson, CEO of SPIN. “Canada is a natural next step, and we’re excited to build something meaningful with a team that understands both the market and the opportunity.”
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Stepping into the role of SPIN Canada’s editor-in-chief is Michael Hollett. A veteran Canadian media executive and the founder of NXNE (which is owned in part by Artshouse Media Group, the publisher of Billboard Canada) and co-founder of NOW Magazine, Hollett will lead the publication’s editorial direction and develop its presence within the Canadian music scene.
”I’m excited to become part of the SPIN Magazine legacy of kick ass music journalism and use that platform to celebrate and raise the profile of emerging Canadian talent at home and internationally through the power of SPIN,” says Hollett. “I’ve spent decades in journalism championing Canadian artists and musicians, and finding fresh new voices to tell these stories in SPIN will be incredibly satisfying.”
Next month is set to be a major moment for Toronto’s cultural scene. NXNE is returning for its 31st edition after a landmark 30th anniversary, which launched a partnership with Billboard Canada and included performances from Daniel Caesar, The Beaches and Khalid, among other rising acts.
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This year’s edition is already off to a noteworthy start, with Rolling Stone Canada being added as a partner and announced performances from Fionn, Frank Walker, Sickick and more. Major elements of the festival lineup will be revealed in the coming weeks.
NXNE takes place during the same week as the FIFA World Cup, marking the city’s first-ever time hosting the global sporting event. A slew of Canadian acts have been tapped to perform at the opening ceremony, like Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé and Jessie Reyez.
Launching during this pivotal moment in Toronto’s cultural scene will SPIN's Canadian editorial and live presence face-to-face with one of the country’s key events for music discovery.
SPIN has also featured many iconic covers featuring artists like Madonna, Nirvana, Run-D.M.C. and many more.
Some of Canada's biggest artists have also graced the cover of SPIN over the years, including Tegan and Sara, Arcade Fire, Neil Young and Alanis Morissette.
SPINCanada's inaugural cover star will be unveiled soon.
