Snap, crackle, HPX: this year’s fest brought in the usual pile of hot buzz with much- anticipated shows by Holy Fuck, Land of Talk, Cadence Weapon and Great Lake Swimmers, as well as a bunch of local rep, CanZine East and the Music Matters conference. “I personally do get surprisingly nervous every year, waiting for the results!” says fest director Waye Mason. “It is a wonderful validation of what we try to do. Two thousand six was massive. Between 2005 and 2006 the budget was double the size, attendance was almost double, the number of bands grew from 80 to 115.” This year marks the Halifax Pop Explosion’s 15th anniversary.

1st runner-up: Evolve Music and Awareness Festival, 2nd runner-up: North By North End