SaskMusic is pleased to present an official NXNE 2019 showcase featuring Saskatchewan artists. A call for submissions went out to the general membership, with a jury of industry professionals making the final selections. Our event will feature Saskatchewan artists Ava Wild, Joey Stylez, Marissa Burwell, The Pistolwhips, Arcana Kings (formerly known as the Johnny McCuaig Band), in addition to special guest Queen Suitcase (Taiwan), who was selected by NXNE organizers.
NXNE is an annual summer festival and conference, featuring music, gaming, comedy, and interactive taking place June 8-17, 2019. NXNE is celebrating its 25th year and takes over Toronto with showcases, panels, parties, installations, and more. In the Club Land Curator Series, top Canadian artists and organizations curate their favourite emerging bands in some of Toronto's top live music venues.
In addition to providing preparation advance for our artists, SaskMusic will be on-site to assist with marketing and promotion of the showcase and to help selected artists network with buyers.
Wednesday June 12, 2019 at Rivoli
- 6:30pm Doors Open
- 6:45pm Queen Suitcase (Taiwan)
- 7:30pm Ava Wild
- 8:20pm Joey Stylez
- 9:20pm Marissa Burwell
- 10:10pm The Pistolwhips
- 11:00pm Arcana Kings
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Ava Wild: What is your kind of party? For Ava Wild it is around a tea pot, dancing with a room full of hullabaloo. In her red shoe attitude and a honey sweet voice, she’s swingin’ with reckless perfection. Thanks to her song “White Toothed Bastard,” Ava Wild won the SOCAN Young Songwriter of the Year, got sponsored by PrimaDonna Linger, Blundstone Shoes, and has toured festivals including The Great Escape (UK), and venues across Canada. Set to release new music in 2019, Ava Wild is a determined and dedicated artist striving for mastery.
Joey Stylez: When The Weeknd cited “Joey Stylez is a big inspiration” in a now-famous video clip, it was a very fitting description. From the time he started his creative journey, to the present, he has always made music a tool to express his individuality. The Stylez part of his energetic persona says a lot about his ability to dabble in all genres of music including hip hop, indie rock & pop. His catalogue has tracks with the likes of Grammy Award-winning producer James Ho (Malay), band Dragonette and rappers Bun B & Ty Dolla $ign. In 2017, APTN released an hour-long special which aired for over a year, detailing his rise from a troubled youth to an internationally recognized artist. In 2017 his song “See You In Hell” was on Taylor Sheridan’s film Wind River and the following year his song “Save Your Soul” landed on the series premiere of Paramount Network’s Yellowstone.
Marissa Burwell: Marissa Burwell is an indie act from the heart of Saskatchewan, known best for her captivating yet endearing performances in basements and coffee shops. On her self-titled EP we see an artist starting to find her sound and it is clear that she is on the verge of something special. She has been writing songs for her own ears since 2010, however it was not until 2017 that she started to cut her teeth in the local scene. Attending local shows for years, this is where she met her now backing band. You can feel the power in Burwell's voice. Her tremendous control and laid back melodies make her first effort an easy listen. With big plans for upcoming tours and festivals, it is apparent that this won't be the last time we hear her name.
The Pistolwhips: It’s all about the moment. When you step into The Pistolwhips world, the moment is all that matters. Hailing from Saskatoon SK, the band has worked tirelessly to bring listeners out of the daily grind and into a series of life changing moments. Blending an incredible mix of indie rock hooks with monster rock choruses, this is a band that leaves it all on the table for you.
Arcana Kings: The Johnny McCuaig Band officially relaunches and rebrands themselves this month as Arcana Kings, with new album “Lions As Ravens” to be released at NXNE. The change from Johnny's original solo-act name to Arcana Kings symbolizes the band’s bond and tireless six year journey together, performing across Europe, Japan, Mexico, Canada and the USA. Lots of exciting changes are in store for the band in 2019-2020 but their supercharged, hard-edged, feel-good classic rock & roll meets East Coast kitchen party sound continue to captivate crowds around the world.
NXNE, presented by Aurora Cannabis, is bringing back the club-hopping wristband with a twist, offering festival-goers the chance to discover the hottest acts brewing in Canada’s music scene. Some of the best up-and-coming bands in the country have been hand-picked by a dream team of Canada’s music leaders.
