NORTH BY NORTHEAST Music & Film Festival and Conference
NXNE 2006 - TORONTO
Most people do not know what NXNE stands for or even what North By Northeast is period! I am here to enlighten those that do and don’t know, it’s up to you to spread the word of all the great things NXNE has to offer. North By Northeast is the sister festival of South By Southwest (SXSE). Growing up in the city of Toronto and being fascinated with music I loved being a part of the music and entertainment scene. Whether I was at Much Music, the Mike Bullard Show (Now cancelled) or going to see various artists at legendary music venues. For as long as I can remember 12 years to be exact, since 1994 the year of NXNE’s birth, I have always wanted to be a part of NXNE some how. When I finally got a computer, I was able to find out more information about volunteering. I had a marvelous time when I did volunteer at North By Northeast it was a great experience, all the fun, interesting people I met, I felt right at home. This year we are movin’ on up!! (Hard work pays off my friends!) I actually had the chance to look at North By Northeast through the media’s eyes.
Let me tell you, all of the stuff NXNE has going on gets overwhelming in a good way you do not know where to start. Which bands should I check out, what conference to attend or which film to catch. (Breathe…..Ok exhale, remembering my journey makes my head spin.). The 2006 NXNE directory was my best friend for three days. The directory was my main source of guidance, I was so glad that it is extremely easy to follow, and without it, I would have been lost in the sauce! This year the theme for the 2006, North By Northeast Festival was DIY (Do it Yourself). North By Northeast is Canada’s largest and most successful Indie Music & Film Festival and Conference. NXNE is about helping those underdogs get a chance to shine. Of course, majority is all about music, music and more music. They added some new things this year for instance the Galaxie daytime stage that gives showcasing artists the opportunity to be seen, this was held in the Regency Ballroom of the Holiday Inn from 12 to 4 pm Thursday. For music lovers it is a must thing to do when you are lucky enough to be in Toronto while it is on. Actually, I suggest you come and visit Toronto just for NXNE and of course, you can check out the CN Tower too. (I love it!) NXNE usually takes place the second week of June, this year NXNE took place from the 8th to 10th. The kickoff began Wednesday June 7 when Toronto’s mayor David Miller made the opening speech, which was then followed by a free concert with performances by Quebec based band “Kobayashi” (Performance review later in the article) and Toronto’s own “Turn Off The Stars”. The 12th annual North By Northeast opening night gala party was held at the historic Palais Royale, which was home away from home to the Rolling Stones for their many tour rehearsals. The Toronto landmark was recently renovated, The landmark was just re-opened with the help of NXNE, Chart Magazine, and NOW Magazine to bring music back to the Palais Royale. I did go to the party and it was quite enjoyable although I probably would have done a better job than the DJ, he did not play danceable music except “Pon Da Replay” by Rhianna that is it, and a person can only rock out so much. I like the way they did up the place, a job well done considering before there was no air conditioning and it looked so run down and shabby. Finally, the Palais Royale looks like a palace once again credit to the extreme makeover that was much needed.
On Thursday the first part of my day was to hit up the first ever Town Hall. The whole point of this “Town hall” was to have a meeting with everyone music industry oriented. With over 250 people in attendance, this affair brought together the major and Indie label heads, broadcasters, managers, artists, and media all in one place to discuss the future of the music industry. The host of this unique meeting was Terry McBride the head of Nettwerk Records, some of the panelists included: Steve Page of the Barenaked Ladies, Michael McCarty of EMI Publishing, Randy Lennox of Universal Music, David Kines of Much Music, Chris Taylor of TMB Layers, Ralph James of the Agency Group. Everyone had a great time talking about the future of the music industry. Later that evening was the opening night film for the NXNE film festival, The VideoFACT showcase was the opener. Four directors Micah Meisner, Harv, Marc Ricciardelli, and RT with three videos each, the first director’s work to be shown was Micah Meisner his pieces were: Metric- Poster of a Girl, Broken Social Scene – 7/4 Shoreline, Buck 65 – Devil’s Eyes.
Harv was the only director not present, he was on location in L.A. filming his first feature with Jamie Kennedy. Harv’s video’s were: The Marble index - We can make it, Jully Black - Sweat of Your Brow, The Miniatures – Dead Flower. All the directors are extremely talented but one is my favorite and he is up next, Mark Ricciardelli! Mark’s work is very exceptional not like any others, his three videos were: Protest the Hero – Blindfolds Aside, City and Color – Save Your Scissors, Alexisonfire/Moneen – Passing Out in America. The headlining director was RT, his videos chosen pieces were: Sweatshop Union – Try, Kardinal Offishall – Everyday Rude Bwoy, and The Never Ending White Light - The Grace. I flew off to check out a band so I did not stay long enough to watch RT’s videos plus I don’t really have much of an attention span. I went to go see Panic and the Rebel Emergency I remember seeing them
perform at Canadian Music Week and they were not that bad so I decided to see them again. To see the crowd’s enthusiasm towards the band was riveting I wanted to jump on stage. No, I was there to observe Panic and the Rebels not put on a performance my self. Panic and the Rebels is a great live band from what I saw the crowd was going crazy and the music was first-rate!
Here are a few live shots from the Panic and the Rebels set at The Rivoli – June 8 2006.
Panic and the Rebels rocking out at the Rivoli
After Panic and the Rebels, I went to see Megababe at the EL Mocambo. Megababe is a trio of Japanese rocker chicks they are the real harajuku girls who can turn it out. The lead singer of Megababe could use some serious vocal lessons but she makes up for it with solid guitar skills. It is interesting to see how she works the crowd with her eccentric personality and broken English. These Japanese ladies won the Doritos Buzz Band contest but I’m afraid they don’t live up to their hype, I think you should check them out if you are curious but they are not worth traveling to see. If you do end up catching Megababe be prepared to “Speak Japanese All Day!” Slute was on my agenda after Megababe, they were playing at the Gypsy Co-op, which was too small of a venue for such a big band. I could not really hear or see the guys it was way too packed. For a full review, I am going to have to see them again but from what I could hear they sounded pretty good, I will get back to you if they were worth the wait. I stayed for two songs although I would have rather stayed longer but the shows must go on. I went up the street to go observe Reculver, a metal band from England that was a part of the British invasion of NXNE. Reculver was the only British band playing opening night that floated my boat, the rest of their comrades were to showcase the following night. By the time I got onto the street car and to the venue where Reculver was to play, their set was over, I knew I should have just walked, the Kathedral was just a few blocks west of the Gypsy. I hopped back onto the streetcar to head to the next venue, as of this time I still had four more bands to check out on that night, The Avatars at the Crowbar and Waking Eyes at the Rivoli both playing at 11pm and then two more bands to play at midnight both at different venues once again. If the venues were close to each other, it made things so much simpler. I didn’t make it to see Inward Eye I already saw them at Canadian Music Week they put on a very good show, I wish I could have caught them again but other bands need to gain some exposure as well and if they are good why not give them some. The Avatars and Waking eyes were not all that great the music could be a lot better especially with the Waking Eyes they were more of a Boy Band type of deal rather than a rock band. The Spectaculars were the last band of the night their set was not bad at all, I liked their fusion of Hip Hop and old school funk.
Day two the Friday was another adventure, the conferences started on Thursday and the film festival was in full swing, I still had the bands in the evening to check out. Not as much running around with the bands but now it was the jumping from films to conferences. *Here’s a tip if you are to attend NXNE do not get too excited by trying to check out everything! If you do not get to it this year, you will get a chance next year, NXNE is always growing so pace yourselves. The conferences usually are not offered to the public, some though you can purchase at NXNE headquarters which was the Holiday Inn on King right in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district. There were a few celebrity interviews by Stewart Copeland drummer for the Police, front man of the Buzzcocks Pete Shelley and Tom Verlaine singer/guitarist for the New York based band Television. If I were to sit here and write about all the interviews and conferences I attended, you all would definitely pass out if you have not already! Ok let us get down to business here is the break down: Demo Derby Conference this one is where artists/bands drop off their demos for the panel to listen to during the conference. The panel for this conference was Eddie Phoon, USA Songwriting Competition, Ted Seto, Universal A&R and Anne-Marie Smith, Lonestarmusic. All Demos were randomly selected, not everyone had a chance to be heard it is only an hour conference they don’t have all day. Another conference was The New D.I.Y this is where they talked about how you have to record your own album but also you have to be a multitude of others things like your own promotion team, publicist, retailer, distributor just to get yourself out there. I learned how to produce my own music but not because I want to be but because I have to in order to learn and grow, it’s all about being on the grind and hussling to survive you have to do everything on your own these days in order to reach you goals. The coolest part of the conferences is where you can get expert advice from someone already established in the industry this is called the Mentor session’s. Fifteen minutes to speak to anyone who interests you but you must sign up early they fill up pretty quick, the downer the mentor sessions it’s for registered conference goers only. All of these conferences are well worth going to if you are interested in being in the music industry but it’s also very informative to bands and artists. Most importantly, a band/artist who attends NXNE has the greatest chance of meeting key people to advance their careers some even walk out with record deals or you can find the newest talent world wide at North By Northeast.
Moving onto the Film festival portion, I already gave you a look at the opening night film well videos. Here is a few others worth mentioning. The 5th Annual Indie Music Video Festival was interesting it consisted of 20 plus videos from around the world. A few of the videos were pretty bad I mean if a person is falling asleep which I almost did I would think that is a definite sign of a boring music video. The last video Zap Zoo by ULO I must say was the most amusing video the best video in my opinion, the directors Claude Grosh and Yann Tonner all the way from Luxembourg their concept was original and entertaining exactly what music video should be. The most buzz worthy film in the NXNE Film Festival was “Everyone Stares” this was the closing night gala film and it also was the Canadian premier of the film. Did this film live up to the hype? Hmmmm… I would say yes, yes it did!! Although I was not even born when the Police were in their prime, I remember majority of their tunes they did not break up until the mid 80’s if my memory serves me correct. This film was not like your other documentaries it was personal, the director Stuart Copeland the drummer for the band recorded everything. From the bands first gig to their celebrity high life, I felt like I was a part of the band and the best part the other members had no clue Copeland was filming. If you can catch this film go see it, what are you waiting for?
Friday night was a good night I saw a young performer that I added to my list the afternoon of his performance, I am so glad for him and you that I decided to add him. I know all the young ladies will be interested. Justin Nozuka the 17 year old is from Queens, New York but now he is living in Toronto. Justin was the first act as a part of TMB Lawyers One Night Stand showcase. I came a bit early to get a good view so I decided to grab a beer whilst waiting. I had no clue if Justin was on stage I had no clue what he looked like but I got my answer soon enough he was in the midst of a mini sound check, tuning his guitar, checking the mic etc…. I went in blind expecting some James Blunt looker but nope he was a young dude about the same age as my little sister, I had a Curious George moment questioning if Justin was a waste of my time or if he was actually talented. He began his set, once he started singing I was shocked, he had such passion and character in his voice as if he was singing all his worries away. I was observing the crowd to see their response. At first people ignored him because he did not command their attention but the moment he got into his first tune the crowd was amazed, the heart, soul and charisma that emoted from Nozuka was baffling, all the girls were screaming and pushing each other to get a closer view of JN. As he got into his set at the end of each track the girls were screaming trying to get his attention, a wave, a smile whatever they could get from Justin. I decided right then and there that this kid will be a star, he may be a little bit rough around the edges but whatever his flaws, there is plenty of time and room for him to grow. I bet by the next time I see a show of his he will break it down like a seasoned vet! I will do a full review on his show when I have the chance to check one out and maybe we can get a little interview with him. As I was taking pictures for all of you to see moving in closer, some of the ladies were giving me nasty looks for getting close to the stage, relax ladies I am not a cougar, no Geezer Diaz or Demi here. It is so funny that the girls have already become possessive, I felt as if I was at a Backstreet Boys concert and sixteen again. To get more info on all the bands and artists I mentioned you can check them out at the end of the article. Now you too can hear what I am hearing. I am not done yet, here are a few shots of Justin Nozuka live.
Next on the list was the British Showcase at Cameron, the artists were Tony Moore, Ade Payne, and Anna Neale, Lee Rogers and The Deadbeats. I heard a few of the artists on a compilation already and I wanted to see if they measured up and put on a great performance. The same time slot I also was to see The Endless at The Fox and The Fiddle, plus Friendly Rich & The Lollipop People at the Kathedral. Tony Moore at Camerons was also the mc for the evening and he was performing. I like his personality it was fresh and perky he was a comedian of sorts keeping the crowd entertained and his music was alright if you like Phil Collins and Eric Clapton his best tune was not on his current album it was called “Your Fine” amd am waiting to see if it will end up in a movie somewhere. Tony is worth checking out he will keep you entertained. I wish I could sing the praises of Ade Payne but I must say it was like torture, I have A.D.D to begin with and when you put some boring old man with a mediocre back up singer you get Payne! I took off mid way through his set I had to save my ears, the other performances I checked out that night were dreadful, I knew I should have went to see the Miniatures my intuition never fails me. Since the end of Friday night was a bust I hoped Saturday would be better at the Inide Music Market which was held at Dundas Square from noon until 8 pm admission was free and it was all ages. The Indie Music Market a new addition to NXNE this year, the whole purpose of the IMM was so that bands and artists could promote their music doing it themselves selling merchandise, cd’s and there were performances ever hour starting at noon. The line up was: October Guard, Jo Mango, Spiral Beach, Kobayashi, Megababe, Monopoli and Project Move. I have never seen so many artists in one place my whole life, there were over 90 of bands in rotation every 4 hours. I arrived at around three and caught Kobayashi’s performance who I really did not feel, they are more laid back and mainly instrumental. Where I see them unless of course they find a new vocalist because the one they have now is inadequate. Her tone was monotonous it dragged on forever, I thought the song was never going to end, although she may have a boring voice her pitch was right on and she hit all the notes intended although there was not much range or specialty to her vocals. With the vocalist they have at the moment they really won’t make it farther than the Omni Hotel bar in Montreal. The bonus feature of the Indie Music Market was I found two out of the four artists I was looking for plus two new bands that were side by side and are both equally awesome! The way they set it up was there were four to six artists sharing a couple of tables, they all had their half of the table from what I noticed. The first band that grabbed my attention was Reason Disappears, I honestly do not know how I happened to come across Reason D but I did and Bob played me the bands cd and I liked it. They have a nice sound, a mix of Three Days Grace and Linkin Park, Bob’s vocals are not too heavy or harsh to the ears the tone and pitch are good but his sound seems shaky a little suppressed as if he’s holding back or just not using his diaphragm. That is a minor issue anyway, with some vocal coaching his pipes will be crisp, but the band’s music overall is killer I am a fan for life. Next I met Slater and Chuck from Cauterize (Guitar/Vocals Both of them), Chuck was a very aggressive sales man he reminded me of a homeless guy harassing me for change but this time it was to buy his music. It worked I did buy Cauterize’s album, well my friend bought me one and I paid half for hers (I don’t know why I could have easily went to pull out some cash). Cauterize has a new yet familiar sound, you could not quite pinpoint what it is but it works. The lead singer Jesse, his singing voice is reminiscent of Nick Carter’s vocals without the nasal that Carter’s sound contains therefore making Jesse’s vocals pleasant, uncommon they are not. I recommend the two above bands that I found at the Indie Music Market and if you like chill music check out Crush Luther!
Catching some of the atmosphere at the Indie Music Market
Bob from Reason D.
Slater from Cauterize and Crush Luther dude, sorry names escape me!
There is a lot I did not talk about and some I talked too much about, one article can not sum up my experience at NXNE. I had a great time on the whole, everything was laid there out for you, if you had a question it was answered promptly with accurate information and no hassles. I liked the festival more on the media’s side than the volunteer’s, I had the chance to experience what NXNE is really about the music. I hope you all get a chance to go club hopping at NXNE one day, I guarantee you will be fond of at least one artist. The people to remember are all who put the festival together, Andy Mclean, Yvonne Matsell and everyone who participated in the creation of North By Northeast and those who truly want to help the world wide Indie scene thrive. Of course, thank god for music!
.:: NorthByNortheast - June 7, 8, 9, 2007 ::. .::Reason Disappears::. Panic & The Rebel Emergency ::: Official Site ::: || The Official CAUTERIZE website || www.cauterize.com MySpace.com - Justin Nozuka - Toronto, CA - Soul / Acoustic / Alternative - www.myspace.com/justinnozuka MySpace.com - SLUTE - Toronto, CA - www.myspace.com/slute CRUSH LUTHER The Spectaculars Inward Eye - Enter The Miniatures - Dead Flowers
©2006Fridae™
| 
#2 
NORTH BY NORTHEAST 2006
Re: NORTH BY NORTHEAST 2006
