Many folks weren't happy this year when NXNE introduced a "radius clause," preventing artists from performing in Toronto within 45 days of the festival. A petition raised close to 3,000 signatures (as of press time), and now the "radius clause" has been eradicated.
This decision was reached in collaboration with Canadian Music Week; since CMW took place just last month, NXNE's "radius clause" meant that artists weren't allowed to play at both festivals. This was intended to ensure that NXNE's lineup was unique, but it proved to be an unwelcome obstacle for some local and emerging artists.
Although a press release doesn't go into the specifics of the new arrangement, it doesn't seem that NXNE is removing its "radius clause" altogether, and the rule will likely still apply to headlining acts. Rather, this means that it's no longer a blanket policy, allowing "emerging artists" to have "greater leeway" regarding local gigs. The new policy will come into effect for the 2015 edition of NXNE.
"We are so fortunate to have such an engaged and vocal music community," NXNE's Michael Hollett said in a statement. "Unintended consequences of our policy were pointed out. We are making changes that address these issues — changes that don't hurt up-and-coming bands, and yet still protect the integrity of NXNE's lineup."
Today (June 20), NXNE is is hosting a public forum on grievances about the festival called "Why NXNE Sucks" at the Hyatt Regency's ballroom.
This decision was reached in collaboration with Canadian Music Week; since CMW took place just last month, NXNE's "radius clause" meant that artists weren't allowed to play at both festivals. This was intended to ensure that NXNE's lineup was unique, but it proved to be an unwelcome obstacle for some local and emerging artists.
Although a press release doesn't go into the specifics of the new arrangement, it doesn't seem that NXNE is removing its "radius clause" altogether, and the rule will likely still apply to headlining acts. Rather, this means that it's no longer a blanket policy, allowing "emerging artists" to have "greater leeway" regarding local gigs. The new policy will come into effect for the 2015 edition of NXNE.
"We are so fortunate to have such an engaged and vocal music community," NXNE's Michael Hollett said in a statement. "Unintended consequences of our policy were pointed out. We are making changes that address these issues — changes that don't hurt up-and-coming bands, and yet still protect the integrity of NXNE's lineup."
Today (June 20), NXNE is is hosting a public forum on grievances about the festival called "Why NXNE Sucks" at the Hyatt Regency's ballroom.
