Category Archives: Gussapolooza

THIS MONTH: Relive 2025’s Greatest Hits

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Without question, 2025 has been a year for the ages. In fact, we’ve proclaimed it the best year of UMC’s life (so far), and we’re in a mood to celebrate.

P.S.: If you’re in Nashville, come celebrate with us this Wednesday night at Lowbar!

Whether you’re near or far, we’re going to keep things festive around here until the ball drops to ring in 2026. And, to show you how epic this year has been, we have an entire backlog of content captured throughout the year that we haven’t even rolled out yet!

We’ve got some catching up to do — and it gives us the opportunity to relive some of the year’s most magical moments with a series we call 2025’s Greatest Hits.

We have festival photos from Canada to New Orleans. We have special insights to share on the moments and lessons that made 2025 special. Throughout December, we’ll be popping in to give you a few last glimpses of this incredible year, while also providing a taste of what’s to come.

Stay tuned, because we’ll begin dropping these Greatest Hits later this week. We invite you to sit back, reflect, and appreciate the year that was!

Gussapolooza 2025: Day 3

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Note: This episode is released in loving memory of our original ProFX12 mixer, which perished during the making of this episode after 11 loyal years of Quinn Spinn service. Unfortunately, these technical issues mean that a couple of AWESOME interviews were compromised beyond reasonable repair and did not make this episode, while parts of others may be missing. We look forward to re-doing those at the next available opportunity!

Here it is — the long-awaited conclusion to our trilogy from Gussapolooza 2025!

This episode — coming to you from the final day of this year’s festival — touches on the creative journey, and the lessons it teaches us as we embark and continue on the path. We sit down withCo from Barrie Millennials, Jade Hilton, Sean William Dawson, & Francesca Panetta, giving you a full view of Ontario’s creative landscape.

Follow The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

Apply to These 2026 Festivals & Conferences

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After last week’s epic trip to New Orleans for NOLA MusiCon — and a year that saw UMC everywhere, from Austin to London — we’re already dreaming of more travels in 2026.

Fortunately, new adventures are always on the horizon, for both artist and educator alike. In fact, some of our favorite haunts from the past couple years have open submission processes ongoing right now. So, if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug — and want to scratch the itch by doing your thing in new markets — we’ve compiled information on a few of our favorites right here.

SXSW London

Dates: June 1-6, 2026
Location: London, UK
Deadlines: November 24 (Performer), December 7 (Speaker)
Notes: The European edition of SXSW — now in its second year — has an open application process for those looking to make their mark overseas in 2026. Both emerging and established artists, as well as organizers of forward-thinking lineups, are encouraged to submit for performance consideration. That deadline is coming up quick, but you still have time. If you’re a speaker, you have a couple extra weeks to get your proposal together!
Link to apply: SXSW London 2026 | Public Submissions Now Open

Musikfest

Dates: July 31-Aug. 9 (Festival); Aug. 2-4 (Conference)
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Deadlines: November 15, 2025 (Conference), February 28, 2026 (Festival)
Notes: Musikfest itself is entering its 43rd year in 2026, and is the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival, bringing nearly 1.5 million people to downtown Bethlehem in 2025. The Musikfest Industry Conference — now in its second year — aims to put world-class ideas and music industry knowledge (like yours) in front of the artists who comprise this growing, talent-rich regional arts hub (and UMC’s original hometown).
Links to apply: Festival | Conference

Gussapolooza

Dates: Aug. 21-23
Location: Cookstown, ON, Canada
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Notes: Our favorite weekend getaway is on for next August! This all-independent, three-day festival — nestled just an hour or so north of Toronto — brings some of the most notable rising acts from across North America together in the name of music, art, and community. Gussapolooza also invites vendors and artisans across the creative landscape to get involved. In that spirit, we’ll include the vendor application below, as well.
Links to apply: Festival | Vendor

Which events should we know about? Did we miss any? Let us know, and we’ll add them to the list!

Gussapolooza 2025: Day 2 (ft. Across Waves, Blast Toronto, and Jeff Gutteridge)

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The Quinn and Pierce are back for Day 2 of Gussapolooza 2025 after an exciting Day 1! We sat down with more of the artists and supporters who make Ontario’s music scene special for some exclusive conversations about the festival, their creative platforms, and the landscape of art, music, and creativity in 2025.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Follow The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

Across Waves: ⁠Instagram⁠
Blast Toronto: ⁠Instagram⁠
Jeff Gutteridge: ⁠Instagram

The Quinn Spinn: Live from Gussapolooza 2025 Day 1!

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In August, we traveled all the way up to Cookstown, Ontario, Canada to once again take part in Gussapolooza, one of Canada’s premier independent music festivals. We took it upon ourselves to bring the ol’ 12-channel mixer and invite attendees to chat with us throughout the weekend — whether artist, industry supporter, volunteer, vendor, patron, or any combination thereof.

On Day 1, we sat down with singer-songwriter John Peterkin, punk rocker (and 2025 Gussapolooza Battle of the Bands winner) Feura, Jake and Mike from Bad Music Club, and LA-based genre-bending artist Edi Callier.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Follow The Quinn Spinn: https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn
Gussapolooza: https://gussapolooza.com
The Peterkin Project: https://instagram.com/the_peterkin_project
Feura: https://instagram.com/feura.mp3
Bad Music Club: https://instagram.com/badclubmedia
Edi Callier: https://instagram.com/edicallier

A Korn Fan Goes ‘Hog’ Wild! (ft. the OG Fam)

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Previously, on The Quinn Spinn: Scotty Rock and L were about to head to the System of a Down and Korn concert at MetLife Stadium. Little did they know that the concert they’d attend would go down in history, thanks to the… um, antics of a gentleman in the front row of the upper deck!

We also share our thoughts on the current state of WWE, after the announcement that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In the middle of it all, we preview our forthcoming episode series recorded at Gussapolooza 2025. The Quinn and Pierce sit down with John Peterkin of Ontario-based band The Peterkin Project, whose new single, “Power of Life,” carries a touching tribute to a relative lost to cancer.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Follow The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https:instagram.com/thequinnspinn⁠
Follow The Peterkin Project: ⁠https://instagram.com/the_peterkin_project

Gussapolooza 2025 Countdown: Visit the UMC Media Booth!

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The excitement is building toward this weekend, as we get set to make the trip up to Cookstown, Ontario for our return to Gussapolooza!

Of course, you can tune into our YouTube and Instagram channels for updates throughout the weekend, and you can expect recap galleries to make their way onto The Blog the following week. However, we felt this year was a perfect time to kick things up a notch…

Enter the UMC Media Booth!

We’ll be onsite all weekend, welcoming artists, organizers, vendors, and guests to join us at the UMC Media Booth. There, we’ll have our 12-channel mixer at the ready to record short interviews and acoustic performances our Official Podcast, The Quinn Spinn. Swing by throughout the weekend and schedule a time to chat with us!

In addition, we’ll have information available on UMC and our UnderDogs Across Borders campaign, and a couple of special, this-weekend-only deals on select UMC merch and fall BRANDCAMP enrollment. It’s an opportunity for all those in attendance to tap in with us, as we develop a creator-centric music industry throughout the rest of 2025 and beyond!

Still need your weekend passes for Gussapolooza? Find ’em here!

Getting Ready for Gussapolooza? Here’s the Official Playlist!

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Pictured: “Sorry” from The Manic Boys and Girls Club

We are counting down the days — it’s four, as of this post — until the start of Gussapolooza 2025, all the way up in Cookstown, Ontario, Canada! We’re super excited to rejoin the Gussapolooza family this year, and they’ve just released something to get us even more pumped…

The Official Gussapolooza 2025 Playlist is here!

Below, you’ll find nearly 30 videos from this year’s lineup of Gussapolooza artists, giving you just a small taste of what’s in store when things kick off North of the Border later this week. From returning favorites to new friends, we know you’ll find something you love.

The best part? Later this week, we all get to enjoy these songs together! For now, your mission is to make sure you know them by heart in time for this weekend!

ONE WEEK AWAY: Gussapolooza 2025 Kicks Off Aug. 22

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The countdown is on! In just seven days, the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds will come alive with the sound of guitars, drums, and thousands of happy festivalgoers as Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival kicks off August 22–24.

This year’s lineup features powerhouse performances from Bleeker and Kasador, plus local Alliston fan favourite Grant Boyer, alongside dozens of emerging artists ready to make their mark. Add industry workshops, camping under the stars, mouthwatering food trucks, and activities for the whole family — and you’ve got one unforgettable weekend.

Festival Director Valerie Robson says, “Gussapolooza is where music and community come together. The energy is electric, the connections are real, and the vibe is absolutely unmatched. Whether you’re here to discover new talent, support your friends, or just soak up the atmosphere, you’ll leave feeling like part of the family.”

Tickets are going fast, so grab yours now and be part of one of Ontario’s most unique summer weekends.

Beyond the Music: What’s Happening at Gussapolooza 2025?

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Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival is turning up the volume—and the vibes—for 2025, with even more to experience beyond the stage. Taking place August 22–24, 2025, this year’s festival invites attendees to discover more than music, featuring an expanded Wellness Zone, an even bigger Kids Zone, and unforgettable outdoor camping fun for all ages.

Now in its biggest year yet, Gussapolooza continues to grow as one of Canada’s most exciting emerging festivals, spotlighting indie artists while building a creative, inclusive, and family-friendly environment. In addition to its stacked musical lineup, the 2025 event offers unique attractions for every kind of festivalgoer.

Expanded for 2025: The Wellness Zone

Back by popular demand, the Health & Wellness Zone returns with even more ways to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Guests can enjoy yoga and meditation sessions, breathwork classes, sound baths, healing arts practitioners, and wellness-focused vendors offering services and education in a peaceful outdoor setting.

The Kids Zone Returns—Bigger Than Ever!

Families are welcome at Gussapolooza! The enhanced Kids Zone includes crafts, face painting, music lessons, games, and child-friendly performances, making it easy for parents and little ones to enjoy the festival together.

Camping Adventures + After Dark Fun

Weekend passes include free tent camping, with upgraded RV and power site options available. Campers can enjoy the community vibe with a late-night fire, spontaneous jams, and exclusive after-hours sets on the legendary Rebel Stage—where surprises and secret sets keep the music going long after the main stage wraps.

“Gussapolooza has always been about creativity, discovery, and community,” says Festival Director Valerie Robson. “This year, we’re expanding what a music festival can offer—creating an experience where you can dance, learn, relax, connect, and explore, all in one place.”

Whether you’re a music lover, wellness seeker, parent, or just looking for a weekend escape, Gussapolooza 2025 has something for everyone.

Tickets are on sale now! Early Bird passes sold out quickly, but general admission and camping upgrades are still available at gussapolooza.com.

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