As the co-founder of NOW Magazine and founder of North by Northeast (NXNE) music and gaming festival, Michael Hollett understands that taking risks is part of the business and without risk, there is no reward. How do you find that fine line of success and not be too ahead of the curve? From interviews with Yoko Ono to travelling the world and looking for new music, Michael Hollett gives us a glimpse into the indie music scene in Canada and Taiwan and how culture is a big part in breaking down barriers and being heard.

Michael Hollett is president/managing director of the North by Northeast (NXNE) music and gaming festival. Hollett co-founded Toronto’s alternative newsweekly, NOW Magazine in 1981 and founded (NXNE) Music Festival in 1995. He has attended music festivals and live music events around the world including dozens in the US and Canada as well as many in Asia and Europe. Some of his memorable trips include touring Japan, travelling to China to cover the 2008 Olympics, and scouring Taiwan looking for emerging bands in 2011.