Inside The Music – Michael Hollett

We were happy to get the chance to speak with NXNE’s founder/director, Michael Hollett in our new segment of Inside The Music. NXNE will be taking place this month in Toronto, be sure to check out their socials at the bottom of this interview to find out more!

Let’s start off by talking about your career path and how you got where you are. What were you doing in the music industry before you began working with NXNE?

I founded NOW Magazine and wrote about music there from day one.

When did you begin to realize that working in the music industry was the right path for you?

I’ve always loved music and I’ve been lucky enough to work only in things I love, media and music, from the beginning.

What was your very first experience in the industry?

Going to see the Beatles at Maple Leaf Gardens on a press pass as a little kid.

What are some of your responsibilities as festival director?

Im very hands on with an incredible team. Stick my nose into everything but always thrilled by great recommendations by the team.

Who are some of your favourite artists that have played NXNE?

Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Flaming Lips, Reakwan, Run the Jewels, Feist, the Tragically Hip, Pezz (who became Billy Talent) and so many more. It would be a huge list.

What have been the biggest challenges that come up when planning a festival?

The clampdown that happened in Toronto in 2014, when we had the re-united Iggy and the Stooges at Yonge Dundas Square was tough.

NXNE will be having their launch party at The Phoenix featuring The Peaches this month. How do you prepare for a big event like that?

It always helps to have one of the greatest stars to come out of Canada.

There’s been a lot of discussion lately about making Toronto a music city and providing more opportunities for artists. What do you think festivals/conferences like NXNE can do to help achieve this goal?

The Toronto festivals help create and understanding that this city is a music tourism destination and festivals show people, especially governments and sponsors, what music

What’s a piece of advice you would give for someone who wants to work in the live music industry?

Jump in if its something you love. Follow your passion and limitless rewards – and challenges — await you.

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