FESTIVAL FAQs
1. When is the Halifax Pop Explosion? What’s it all about?
The Halifax Pop Explosion is an international music festival and conference that presents 150 bands in 18 venues over 5 days to over 22,000 fans and industry delegate from around the world. It will be held from Oct. 16th – Oct. 20th 2012. Check out our ‘about’ section for more info!
2. Who has played at HPX in the past? Who’s playing this year?
It would be almost easier to answer, “who HASN’T played?” ! We’ve had fantastic artists over the past 19 years. Arcade Fire, Sloan, Hot Hot Heat, K-Os, Joel Plaskett, Matt Mays, Dog Day, Hawksley Workman, GZa, Girl Talk, The Maynards, The Constantines, Jimmy Swift Band, Jenn Grant, Plants & Animals and more and more and more..2012 line up to be announced soon!
3. How do I get a Pass? What are my options?
To find all the pass and ticket info, including packages and pricing click here
4. How do I advertise with HPX?
For all info on advertising with the Pop Explosion click here
5. Where do the shows take place? Where can I find a schedule?
The shows are in venues throughout Halifax. You can find the full line up and locations here
6. What Art Exhibitions are happening during HPX?’
Click on the events to find out more!
7. Do I need a pass to get into the shows? Can I buy tickets at the door?
Festival wristbands are cheap cheap cheap so you should really just buy one and get all the Pop Explosion fun that you can. If there’s just one show that you really, really want to see though, you can pay at the door. Advanced tickets are extremely limited and are only available for a few weeks prior to the festival. Get a pass and join the party. Click here for more info!
8. Where can I find a Bus schedule to help me hop around Halifax?
You can see all the route maps and their schedules here. You can also call the City of Halifax, tell them your current location and your destination point, and they’ll help you out! 902-490-4000
9. I bought a pass/wristband – where do I pick it up?
Passes and wristbands must be redeemed at the Box Office starting Tuesday Oct 16th. Our Box Office hours are 11am – 8pm but we will have a late night pick up table for your added convenience.
10. I’m under 19, is it worth it for me to buy a wristband?
Yes. We have a number of venues that are open to all ages including a few of our larger ones. We also try whenever possible to offer 2nd all ages performances by some of our biggest bands.
11. The show I want to see doesn’t have advanced tickets available, what do I do?
We sell limited advanced tickets to a limited number of shows due to the killer deals we offer on festival passes. Buy a pass and see the whole festival for as little as $50 but if you still want to see your favorite band and can’t get advanced tickets cash is accepted at the door for all shows and if you arrive early you’ll be fine.
12. I see that advanced tickets for a specific show have sold out, does that mean the show is sold out?
Absolutely not!!! We only put on a very limited number of advanced tickets (in most cases under 10% of the rooms capacity) for those folks who just can’t make it out to more than 1 show. If advanced tickets are no longer available there is still LOADS of room in the venue for walk up cash tickets, wristbands and passes.
13. I have other questions. What do I do?
Best thing is to try our social media channels first as we have a number of staff monitoring Facebook.com/halifaxpopexplosion and @halifaxpopx on Twitter. You can also email info@halifaxpopexplosion.com or try calling our office at 1-902-482-8176.
BAND FAQ
1. How do I apply to perform at HPX?
Follow the “Submit to Us” link on our website- do it early and get our early bird rate!
2. What is the deadline for applying?
Our early bird submission deadline is: February 3, 2012
Our final deadline for ALL submissions is: May 21, 2012
3. I am in a band from outside of Canada, what do I need to know about showcasing?
We are aware of stringent visa and travel requirements, so, to the best of our ability, we prioritize processing of international band applications. However, International artists are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
5. I work with several bands, do I have to apply separately for each one?
Yes. You must submit a separate application and pay a separate entry fee for each artist.
6. I submitted my band last year and it wasn’t chosen. May I resubmit?
Yes! We welcome it! Try again!
7. My band played at HPX last year, May I resubmit?
Yes! We welcome it!
8. If selected to showcase, does my act receive any compensation from HPX?
If accepted, you will receive more details about your showcase, including compensation and logistics, in your notification e-mail.
9. What is the difference between a Music Festival “registration” and a Music Festival Showcase “application”?
An “Application” is the way to be considered for a showcase performance slot at Halifax Pop Explosion. A “registration” is the wristband purchased by individuals to attend the various HPX events (music conference panels workshops, music festival showcases, ZINE Fair, and more).
You do not need to purchase a wristband to apply for a showcase, and if you are offered a showcase, you will receive an Artist Wristband and be able to attend the festival and conferences for free.
If you applied for a showcase but you weren’t selected, you will still be able to purchase wristbands if you choose to do so. There are no refunds (and no exceptions) if you purchase a conference pass but decide not to attend.
10. When will I find out if my band has been accepted for a showcase?
You will be contacted approximately a month after the final deadline.
11. How are bands chosen to play at the music festival?
HPX has a committee of people who listen to and grade recordings according to originality, technical ability, songwriting skills, career establishment, and overall artistry.
12. I’m playing HPX! Where are the cool spots to hit up in Hali?
Halifax is a great city with lots of cool stuff to see! Check out our staff picks http://halifaxpopexplosion.com/visiting/