SPILL FESTIVAL FEATURE: NXNE 2026 – SPILL MAGAZINE PRESENTS 5 QUESTIONS

PAITRA | THUNDEROR | AHSIA | VILE MURK | KAELEY JADE | ANIMAL WARFARE | CHASE THE BEAR | TIJUANA TAXI | XO JUMPO

ARTIST NAME: PAITRA

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

The diversity of talent that is showcased across the city. I love that festivals like NXNE aren’t limited to just one genre, or one type of musical group. You can walk into one venue and hear some calming folk music, and the next could be heavy rock. I love it.

2. What should we expect from your live show?

My live show is pretty fun if I do say so myself. My music is quite lively and feel-good, and even if an audience member hasn’t heard my music before, I always catch them dancing by the end. I do have a few emotional songs that seem to cause some tears, but for the most part it’s an upbeat experience.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

I’m originally from Timmins, ON, and was very much inspired by my hometown hero Shania Twain. I felt like if she could achieve what she’s achieved, then I could too because we’re from the same place. You can definitely hear my Shania inspo in my earlier songs.

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

Oh man… I’ve always wanted to have a song in James Bond, so maybe I’d choose that. I’d love to write some very dramatic songs with a full orchestra.

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

Tough one because I love them both. I’d have to go with Bruce because I’ve been listening to his discography a lot lately and selfishly just want to run on stage with him to sing a song or two during his set haha.

ARTIST NAME: THUNDEROR

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

Besides it being a great time and overall good vibes, the ‘discovery’ element is what makes it special. This is where bands can emerge and get noticed for what they’re doing.

2. What should we expect from your live show?

Arena Rock / Heavy Metal / Rock Opera! Hard hitting drums, guitar solos, synths, and soaring clean vocals. Come and live the adventure.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

We did a Rock Opera musical last year which premiered at Toronto Fringe. Our new album is the soundtrack to the musical!

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

Streets of Fire (1984) and it would sound pretty much exactly like our new album haha

The trailer of the film was a big inspiration to our own song ‘Streets of Fire’, mostly thematically. Although I never saw the whole film until after our album was done. But Jim Steinman had some songs on there, and he has also been a big inspiration for me as a songwriter.

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

So glad you asked that. Bruce Springsteen 100% haha. The Boss has been an enormous inspiration and influence for me as a musician and songwriter. I’ve looked up to him since I was a kid. There is a lot of Springsteen that seeps into my own lyrics.

ARTIST NAME: AHSIA

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

The sheer density of creative friction. There is something electric about a city like Toronto being overtaken by discovery, the fact that you can walk into a venue on a Tuesday night and stumble into your new favorite artist or a future collaborator! I love the whole idea of this festival. There’s always something going on.

2. What should we expect from your live show?

I like to think of my show as a conversation that happens to have a really good soundtrack. It’s Soul and R&B, sure, but it’s interactive and lively, I’m going to talk to you, I’m probably going to crack a joke, and I definitely want you moving with me.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

At the end of the day, it’s really just me up there with my closest friends. We aren’t just a band, we’re a community that has grown up together in this music. We feed off of each other’s energy, laughing at inside jokes between bars, and just being our truest selves. People see a polished show, but what they’re actually witnessing is a group of friends having the time of their lives and inviting the audience into that circle.

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

I’d love to soundtrack a classic spy or mystery movie. The songs would sound like a midnight session; dark, cinematic Jazz progressions, heavy bass, and soulful vocals that feel like a secret.

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

To be honest, neither. I would pick Erykah Badu or Lauryn Hill. I feel like my music lives in that realm of Soul, Hip-hop, Rhythm and Blues, and Jazz all melted together. Those are the artists who taught me how to tell my own story. Opening for one of them would feel so aligned with my nature.

ARTIST NAME: VILE MURK

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

My favorite thing about NXNE is how the whole city lights up. You’ve got emerging acts, established acts, all kinds of styles. In 2017, I bought tickets to see Tyler, The Creator. He’s my biggest inspiration. He got replaced by Kaytranada, but now I’m playing this festival myself. Full circle moment.

2. What should we expect from your live show?

Expect the unexpected. High energy, hard hitting production. The crowd’s part of the show. Call and response, maybe even a mosh pit. I’m inspired by performance art, so you’ll see that too. Just know you’ll get energy and surprises.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

Something you might not know: Last summer I opened for Ramriddlz and Riff Raff a week apart. But beyond that, I create from life. I’m not just an artist. I’m a human being sharing my real experiences. It keeps me connected to my listeners.

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

I’d score the 1995 film Kids. I’d bring synth heavy, spacey production. Think Mike Dean or Pharrell. I’d capture tension and hope. Some Tribe Called Quest vibes too. I’d make it feel both thrilling and real.

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

I’d open for Springsteen. He speaks to everyday struggles and big dreams, just like I do. Plus, I’d bring the energy to his crowd and make it a Vile Murk experience.

ARTIST NAME: KAELEY JADE

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

I just love getting the opportunity to discover some awesome artists and make some new buds! Especially with there being so many showcases, there’s never a shortage of incredible music.

2. What should we expect from your live show?

I’ll be presenting my duo for a more intimate and stripped-back show! I think audiences can expect soaring vocals, lush harmonies, and solid songwriting, and I’ve been told more than a few times that I remind folks of either Serena Ryder, or Kacey Musgraves, or Brandi Carlile (which are all such high compliments). Building a connection with my audience is something I really strive for at each of my shows, and I’m drawn to themes of growth, navigating relationships, and being a force of change.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

I asked each of my band members this question:

Kaeley (Me): I have a wicked superpower of finding four-leafed clovers. Like a homing beacon.
Katie (Pianist): I own and run an art business called Fun Gal Studio!
Gab (Guitarist): I did my basic training in the miliary.
Jordy (Drummer): I design and 3D-print custom pieces for my favourite game (Twilight Imperium).
Kelsey (Bassist): I go by my middle name!

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

I’m going to say The Knife of Never Letting Go because it was my favourite book series as a teenager and that would make younger me very happy. I feel like it could use something really epic and cinematic and heavy, kind of in a Hunger-Games-Trilogy-YA-dystopian-era vein. I also haven’t actually watched the film adaptation yet, so it would be fun to have a blank slate to work with. Otherwise, I would pick Disney movie all the way (thinking specifically of Phil Collins’ work on Brother Bear and Tarzan because he knocked both of those films out of the park, and I find both soundtracks really inspiring as a songwriter).

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

Neil Young if I’m playing with my duo, Bruce Springsteen if I’m playing with my full band. Literally have played “Harvest Moon” as one of my cover songs during an acoustic set and have played “Dancing in the Dark” with the whole band!

ARTIST NAME: ANIMAL WARFARE

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

Hopskotch (vocals, guitar): Lots of countries have a big showcase festival full of up-and-coming bands with some established artists playing and bringing attention to them as well. To be part of Canada’s for the second year in a row, performing alongside lots of other new
talent and getting to meet fellow musicians and make industry connections is a huge opportunity.

Corndog (drums): Getting to be a part of something important. It feels like we are moving up the ladder and that’s a special feeling.

Catscratch (bass): The sheer number of artists that get showcased, it’s cool to discover new art and see creative people get some spotlight.

2. What should we expect from your live show?

Catscratch: Expect to move: we bring a lot of theatrics and high energy in our music and stage presence to really get things bumping.

Hopskotch: We’re putting together a special set for NXNE. I would say predict unpredictability.

Corndog: Lots of energy, intense music, and tons of crowd interaction.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

Corndog: Our first album was recorded in one take in the guitarist and drummers mom’s garage during the COVID lockdown.

Catscratch: We all love The X-Files, except for the episode they did about us.

Hopskotch: I hope there are people reading this who don’t know anything about us. So, the fact that we exist.

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

Corndog: The Matrix. I mean how epic would that be? I think our vibe fits perfectly, and I could totally see us using drum & bass or breakbeat concepts mixed with something like techno-punk.

Catscratch: Hellboy. The dark urban fantasy aesthetic would pair well with some sinister, chuggy nu metal riffs, maybe a little industrial too.

Hopskotch: I think we could have done a nice job with Queen of the Damned, but unfortunately we were in diapers when it came out.

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

Hopskotch: I’d stick Canadian here and go with Neil. I don’t think he’d like our music very much though.

Catscratch: Probably Neil Young just for the most tonal whiplash.

Corndog: I would have to choose Bruce Springsteen because Neil Young is a misleading name.

ARTIST NAME: CHASE THE BEAR

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

The inspiration and excitement we get from being in the same rooms as so many incredibly talented musicians. Getting exposed to all these cool, up-and-coming artists, seeing them perform, then getting to hangout, interact and collaborate with them afterwards is just the icing on the cake. With NXNE specifically, we’re also super stoked to have an excuse to tour Ontario again after a very long 7 year gap!

2. What should we expect from your live show?

Whether we’re playing to a nearly empty bar on a Tuesday night, or a few thousand people at an outdoor festival, we play every show as if it’s a sold-out stadium. You can expect an energetic, jam-packed set, filled with catchy melodies, crunchy guitar riffs and hardly any gaps for the audience (or ourselves) to catch their breath between rocking out.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

We pride ourselves on being Nascar pit-crew levels of efficiency when we’re setting up or getting off stage between other acts. Anything to squeeze out even a minute or two extra of playing music.

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

Lord of the Rings. Its already a perfect trilogy of films with a stunning soundtrack, but maybe…just maybe, it could be even more perfect if Chase the Bear re-wrote it as a ROCK OPERA?!?

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

Neil Young for sure. The Canadian connection is great and his songs are just timeless with such beautiful depth and musicality. Both are absolute legends though. Maybe we do a 3-act bill with Bruce opening for us hehehe.

ARTIST NAME: TIJUANA TAXI

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

We’ve long attended NXNE as fans because of how great of a service it provides for the local music community from both the perspective of music fans and artists. It provides up and coming local acts with a stage to be heard and music fans an opportunity to see countless shows at a super reasonable price point. Getting to play it now after all these years is just a really cool and fun opportunity and we just can’t wait.

2. What should we expect from your live show?

We’re loud as hell and can get quite rowdy as we play. We also love the idea of mapping out our sets to feel like one really long song. We’ll put together a setlist weeks ahead of time and really work hard on finding transitions between songs to make the performance feel as seamless as possible. Nothing really feels quite as satisfying as when all of that comes together and stage banter is kept to an absolute minimum.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

I’m not sure we’ve ever actually put it out there that we were originally formed in Perth, Ontario. That was where Jim and Ryan went to high school and would have some jam sessions with friends. The earliest iteration of the group then put out a two track demo under the name “sigh ANNE” which I think is still up on YouTube. Proceed with caution if you plan to listen to it, we were still technically teenagers just trying to have some fun at the time and it’s pretty rough.

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

Doing the soundtrack for Mandy would’ve been awesome. There’s so much to that movie that really screams what we’re all about. It’s macabre, psychedelic, colorful, angry, and deals with a lot of the yearning, anger, requital and nostalgia theming that our music also does. Can just imagine our Ostinato tracks just blaring while Nic Cage goes ballistic on those crazy LSD mutants with his battle axe.

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

It doesn’t really fit our vibe really but just to get to share a stage with a Canadian icon, it absolutely has to be Neil!

ARTIST NAME: XO JUMPO

1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like NXNE?

An event like this is the perfect opportunity for underground talent to network, get discovered and potentially change their lives. I’m so excited to meet everyone.

2. What should we expect from your live show?

Well you guys are in luck because I’m performing a bunch of my unreleased tracks. And since I’m the only Bajan artist on the lineup I gotta bring some island heat. Hopefully I can keep my shirt on.

3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.

Back in 2020, my best friend said he would leak my first single if I was too scared to release it. That really helped me get out of my head, and I never second guessed myself again.

4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?

I’m definitely choosing The Matrix Reloaded (2003). Great movie but the soundtrack is pretty boring. I think my versatility would shine here because the city of Zion is such a diverse place. Personally I would have some high energy trap songs that sample computer sounds from the 90s during the combat scenes, but then for the scenes in Zion, I would mix in some afrobeat, soft rock, and a little bouyon.

5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?

I’m actually not sure who either of those guys are, but they sound pretty cool. I’d probably just end up flipping a coin and let the universe decide.

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