Interviews: Talking New Friends Fest with max and Jazz of NFDIY

Toronto’s New Friends Fest is set to mark its seventh year as a vibrant hub for emo, screamo, hardcore, and punk enthusiasts. Orchestrated by the volunteer collective New Friends DIY, the festival unfolds over three days from July 31 to August 2 at the Lithuanian House, featuring a thoughtfully curated roster of established and emerging acts.

The festival’s lineup showcases a wide range of bands including Rainer Maria, Portraits of Past, Carissa’s Weird, and Reversal of Man, alongside newer names such as Body Nest and Underwater Basket Weaving. This year notably includes several artists performing in Canada for the first time, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to introducing fresh voices and unique reunions to the local scene.

Beyond the music, New Friends Fest fosters a strong sense of community through social events like trivia nights, karaoke sessions, and a pool day, designed to encourage attendees to connect and build lasting relationships. This communal spirit is foundational to the festival’s identity, aligning with the DIY philosophy that permeates every aspect of its operation.

Max Collins and Jazz Cook, who joined New Friends DIY as volunteers in 2023 and have since taken on organizing roles, emphasize the festival as a sanctuary for those who often feel marginalized. They describe it as a space where shared experiences and musical catharsis create a powerful, inclusive atmosphere. Their involvement has grown from assisting during event weekends to managing year-round planning activities including sponsorship acquisition, volunteer coordination, and artistic direction.

The festival’s curation process begins well in advance, often overlapping with planning for the subsequent year. The organizers maintain a selective approach, prioritizing bands that embody the festival’s ethos and offer something distinct to the audience. These include both venerable names with deep roots in the scene and promising new talents, ensuring a dynamic and varied program.

Sponsorship is approached with caution to preserve the festival’s integrity. Collaborations are sought with entities that support DIY culture and local music communities, such as Iodine Recordings, which has been a key partner since 2025. The team rejects offers that conflict with their values, underscoring their aim to keep the event authentic and community-focused.

Operating predominantly through volunteer efforts, New Friends Fest relies on a dedicated core team supported by various volunteers who assist during the festival. The collective also organizes local shows throughout the year, reinforcing their ongoing engagement with Toronto’s music scene.

Memorable moments from past festivals highlight the intimate and emotional connections fostered among performers and attendees. For example, last year’s reunion performances by Snowing and On The Might Of Princes left lasting impressions on the crowd, while backstage interactions reveal the profound impact of the festival on artists who find rare spaces of acceptance and support.

Both Collins and Cook draw from their personal experiences as musicians to inform their hosting approach, focusing on creating environments where everyone feels respected and included, regardless of background or identity. This commitment extends from hospitality for bands to ensuring attendees experience a welcoming atmosphere.

As New Friends Fest continues to grow, its organizers remain dedicated to maintaining its core values: a celebration of intense, heartfelt music paired with a nurturing community that supports diversity and expression. The upcoming edition promises to uphold this tradition while introducing new sounds and stories to Toronto’s passionate alternative music landscape.