Check out these East Coast Music Award nominees as we approach awards weekend
The 34th annual East Coast Music Awards (ECMA’s) are kicking off in Fredericton tonight and will feature 40 shows and 14 stages.
The performers include evAndrew Waite (PEI), Chloe Breault (NB), Hillsburn (NS), Kelly McMichael (NL), Morgan Toney (NS), One8tea (NB), Quote The Raven (NL), The Town Heroes (NS), and Zamani (NS). There will be special guest performances by Lisa Leblanc (NB) and Patsy Gallant (NB)
The awards will be hosted by Maestro Fresh Wes.
Here are some of the nominees in the categories we follow.
African Canadian Artist of the Year
“Dummy” – King Sway
“Feelin’ Myself” – LxVNDR
“Here’s Looking at You Kid” – Mark Riley
“I’m Right Back” – One8tea
“SELFISH” – Zamani Folade
Blues Recording of the Year
“Who Works for Who” – Beauwater
“Bittersweet” – Campbell and Johnston
“Late All Day” – JP LeBlanc
Down to Funk – Jon Hines
Elmore`s Blues – Wayne Nicholson and John Campbelljohn
Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year
Until One Day – Dave Carroll
“Sitting Tight” – Leona Burkey
Modern Magic – Nathan Wiley
Live in Halifax – Ocean Playground
Country Recording of the Year
“Soaked in Whiskey” – Carolina East
When Country Gets the Blues – Charlie A’Court and Witchitaw
“Sure Beats a Good Time” – Jason Fancy
“Stupid Cupid” – Scott Mackay
“Drop of Blood” – The Divorcees
Folk Recording of the Year
Covers – Mo Kenney
Canvas – Rosemary Lawton
Chasing Rabbits – Terra Spencer
“Tell Me” – The Gilberts
Global Recording of the Year
“Hope” – Ana and Eric
Day Dreaming – King Sway
“The Drift” – Weak Size Fish
Indigenous Artist of the Year
“Signal Fire” – Alan Sylboy and the Thundermakers
“Brothers” – Blake Francis
“Ko’jua” – Morgan Toney
“Hometown” – Shift From Tha 902
“Exit Rebound” – Wolf Castle
The ECMA Music and Industry Conference is returning this year. The “Our Music Means Business” conference will be in person for the first time in two years. Workshops will be available in a hybrid model for those who wish to attend online. They are taking place over three days between May 5 and 7. There are a variety of workshops including Help From My Friends: ECMA Peer Support Network, facilitated by Errin Williams. The pandemic has been difficult for many, and this program works to support mental health by discussing strategies and providing peer support to improve wellness.
Breaking Down Racial Barriers – What We Heard and What’s Next is a workshop that hopes to raise awareness of the racial barriers that Black artists and music industry professionals experience. Speakers Ian Andre Espinet and David “Click” Cox will share conversations and present actionable strategies to support Black people in the industry.
Other festival and conference performers and events can be found here https://www.ecma.com/news/2022-ecma-showcasing-artists.
Wonderful article – crescendo after crescendo in the selections. I wish I could be there!