Well after an one day extension in Fredericton due to the weather I am back in Halifax.
The ECMAs were great this year – not an abundance of “OMG You should have been there moments”, but not one bad experience which in my books is even better, an all around positive event [ok the 6+ hours for the Industry and Music awards combined bordered going the way of bad experience, except well they also accounted for some of the best highlights - and one young man is lucky I don't have the pics from my cell phone handy right now].

The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra

The above pic was taken from Alison Giovannetti’s Photos – ECMA Fredericton 2008 on Facebook, where she commented:

all i can say is… wow.

Exactly. The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra [winners for Classical Recording of the Year] opened the Awards portion of the evening in grand style receiving a well deserved standing ovation. If you ever have the opportunity to see them perform, I do not care what genre of music you enjoy, you should do so. I look forward to the opportunity to see a full performance from them in the future. They have also instilled a curiosity in seeking out other live orchestra performances, as I have never gone to such a performance. They were that good [they're that good that young, what does an orchestra comprised of adults having played for longer than some of those youth have probably been alive sound like?].

The People of Fredericton
I could go on all night about the people of Fredericton [all good]. The number of locals that were out was stellar. Beyond the actual participation at events though, the people in Fredericton definitely put their best face forward – I have never experienced so much politeness, helpfulness and general positivity from so many people in one place. Kudos to Fredericton.

Music Nova Scotia
Music Nova Scotia had one of the strongest stages going this weekend packing them in both Friday and Saturday nights. They found a great venue in the Back Nine – too bad it is normally a restaurant that doesn’t feature live music. Excellent job MNS folks!
Also: MNS’ Weekend in their own words

Host Mark Critch
Mark Critch of This Hour Has 22 Minutes made a lengthy evening both bearable (and the butt of many of his jokes throughout the evening). Quite hilarious – too bad none of his performance will make it to the broadcast.

Why I Don’t Blog More about the ECMAs
Iain made a post the other day from which the following was taken:

After all, when the ECMAs finally got an “Urban” category in 1997, Buck 65 inexplicably lost out to Ashley MacIsaac. He lost again in 2001, this time to Francophone singer Annick Gagnon*. One had to wonder if the jury was on crack.

From: http://www.thickspecs.com/my_weblog/2008/02/ecmas-dorky-sch.html

I would love to be able to question the jury’s drug usage but as a board member I do not think that would go over very well. And due to the perceived sensitivity [and unfamiliarness with blogs] of some ECMA associated folks I felt it was better to avoid writing plenty about the event/association and having even a throw away comment interpreted differently by someone involved. There are plenty of people involved [the event in Fredericton had over 600 volunteers!!] and therefore plenty of different views and opinions and it would be easy to step on toes.

*Annick was once at one of my apartments in Halifax – why and with who, I have no idea but I do feel special now!

The benefit of my situation is that I am in a position where I can try and impact some changes from within. I plan on assisting Josh Hogan of Diminished Fifth Records with his attempt to have metal and heavier styles of music recognized by the ECMAs. If anything I feel the ECMAs are on the losing end by excluding the metal community. The issue though will be a chicken or egg situation as the need to involve the metal community into becoming members and seeing benefits will take time and could hamper the ECMA embracing of metal. Josh however is a fine representative for the genre, he has his shit together, his attitude is dead on and he takes responsibility for his actions. If getting metal recognized by the ECMAs can be done I am certain he can pull it off.

If you are a member with concerns about any aspect of the association, or if there are issues that have keep you from becoming a member of the ECMAs please get in touch: info at aquietrevolution . com

Where was the Awards show on CBC?
If you tuned in looking for the awards show on CBC Sunday you would have been out of luck:
The 2008 East Coast Music, Awards, Festival & Conference will be featured in a one-hour national TV program titled BARENAKED EAST COAST MUSIC! hosted by Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies. The special will celebrate Canadian Music, East Coast Style featuring the very best musical performances captured at various locations and events throughout the weekend. Performers include, Meaghan Smith, Jenn Grant, hey rosetta!, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Tom Fun Orchestra, Dave Gunning, and Ron Hynes. It will also include segments from a special ECMA 20th Anniversary Concert featuring Lennie Gallant, Damhnait Doyle, Ashley MacIsaac and Bruce Guthro. The program is produced by Dream Street Pictures in association with CBC and the East Coast Music Association. BARENAKED EAST COAST MUSIC! will be broadcast Sunday, March 2nd at 7:00 pm on CBC Television.

In other music award news did you see this hilarious cartoon/graphic: Should You Watch Sunday Night’s Grammy Awards?

Continue reading for a complete list of the award winners [Industry followed by Music]

ECMA 2008 hands out 23 Industry Awards today
(Fredericton, NB) – The people who work diligently behind the scenes to make the East Coast Music industry strong and vibrant were honoured today, by their peers, during the 2008 ECMA Industry Awards Show, sponsored by FACTOR and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters. The event was held at the Aitken Centre as part of the 2008 East Coast Music Awards, Festival and Conference.

The Industry Awards winners are as follows:

Broadcast of the Year: East Coast Countdown (Syndicated Radio)

Event of the Year, sponsored by Lansbridge University: Celtic Colours International Festival

Graphic Designer of the Year: Jessica Rhaye (Jessica Rhaye Design)

Independent Company of the Year, sponsored by Gibson: Sonic Entertainment Group

Industry Professional of the Year, sponsored by CARAS: John Poirier

Manager of the Year sponsored by Delta Hotels – Atlantic Canada: Lynn Horne

Media Person of the Year, sponsored by ECMA 2009 Corner Brook: Doug Gallant

Photographer of the Year, sponsored by Coca-Cola: Chr!s Sm!th (Funk Factor)

Radio Station of the Year (Small Market), sponsored by FACTOR: 101.5 The Hawk (Port Hawkesbury, NS)

Radio Station of the Year (Major Market), sponsored by FACTOR: Q104 (Halifax, NS)

Record Company/Distributor/Indie Label of the Year, sponsored by World Vision Artist Associates Program: Landwash Music Distribution

Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Covey Basics: CD Plus

Studio of the Year, sponsored by Musicstop: The Sonic Temple

Technician/Engineer of the Year, sponsored by the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology: Mike Sheppie Sheppard

Venue of the Year, sponsored by Sabian: Savoy Theatre

“These are the people who work hard all year to support East Coast artists and their music, regionally, nationally and internationally,” said Wade Pinhorn, chair of the East Coast Music Association board of directors. “Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations go out to all the winners and the nominees. The industry is thriving due to your efforts.”

The Stompin’ Tom Awards, sponsored by EMI Music Canada, are presented annually to one individual or group from each of the ECMA’s five regions (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Cape Breton and mainland Nova Scotia). Connors, one of Canada’s best-known musicians, was presented with the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. He accepted the award on the condition that he could return it and requested that an award be created to honour those who have made a long-term contribution to the East Coast Music industry, paving the way for the many successful artists of today. A committee of Atlantic Canadian folklorists, in consultation with the ECMA board of directors, determines the recipients.

The 2008 Stompin’ Tom Award recipients are:

For New Brunswick: Ivan and Vivian Hicks

For Nova Scotia: Oakley

For Cape Breton: Aldun MacVicar

For Prince Edward Island: The Tremtones

For Newfoundland & Labrador: The Ducats

The Musician’s Achievement Award recognizes a sideman/session musician who exemplifies professionalism and quality musicianship on recordings and/or live performances of East Coast Music. This recipient deserves to be recognized for his or her cumulative contributions. This year’s winner is New Brunswick’s Michael Doherty.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was chosen by the local event committee. The recipient this year is New Brunswick’s Valerie Hillier.

The East Coast Music Association is pleased to announce that New Brunswick’s Marc Chouinard is this year’s recipient of the Industry Builder Award, sponsored by FACTOR and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters. Chouinard has played a significant role in the fostering of the music industry and the arts in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. He has served the East Coast Music Association in many roles in the last 10 years. He led a bid to secure the East Coast Music Awards to Moncton in 1997 and worked as the Event Coordinator. In his day job as Manager of the Capitol Theatre in Moncton, Marc has helped promote many East Coast artists over the last 7 years.

The Industry Awards Show was hosted this year Cape Breton comedian Bette MacDonald

Joel Plaskett Emergency wins six 2008 East Coast Music Awards at 20th Anniversary Celebrations
(Fredericton, NB) – Joel Plaskett Emergency was the big winner tonight, winning six 2008 East Coast Music Awards at the ECMA Music Gala at the Aitken Centre in Fredericton, New Brunwick as part of the 20th Anniversary Celebrations; with Dave Gunning, The Rankin Family and Jamie Sparks winning two each.

The 2008 East Coast Music Award winners are:

McDonald’s Entertainer of the Year: George Canyon
*** This makes Canyon the winner of the Fans’ choice Entertainer of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year

FACTOR Recording of the Year: Ashtray Rock (Joel Plaskett Emergency)

Female Solo Recording of the Year, sponsored by Memorial University of Newfoundland: If You Were For Me (Rose Cousins)

Group Recording of the Year, sponsored by Stantec: Ashtray Rock (Joel Plaskett Emergency)

Konica Minolta Male Solo Recording of the Year: House For Sale (Dave Gunning)

CBC Galaxie Rising Star Recording of the Year: Brand New Skin (Stephanie Hardy)
*** This award comes with a cheque for $5,000.00 from Galaxie, CBC’s Continuous Music Network

Vibe Creative Group Single of the Year: “Fashionable People” (Joel Plaskett Emergency)

SOCAN Songwriter of the Year: Joel Plaskett for “Fashionable People” (performed by Joel Plaskett Emergency)

Video of the Year: “Fashionable People” directed by Randall Thorne (Joel Plaskett Emergency)

Pattison Outdoor DVD of the Year: Back Stage Pass (The Rankin Family)

African-Canadian Recording of the Year: It’s The Music (Jamie Sparks)

Alternative Recording of the Year: The City Destroyed Me (Nathan Wiley)

Bluegrass Recording of the Year sponsored by Musiplex: Saddle River String Band (Saddle River String Band)

Blues Recording of the Year sponsored by Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline: Into The Dirt (Thom Swift)

Classical Recording of the Year: Forbidden City Tour (New Brunswick Youth Orchestra)

Country Recording of the Year sponsored by Samsung: You Ain’t Gettin’ My Country (The Divorcees)

CBC Galaxie Francophone Recording of the Year: 11 :11 (Vishten)
*** This award comes with a cheque for $5,000.00 from Galaxie, CBC’s Continuous Music Network

Folk Recording of the Year sponsored by National Car Rental: Looking Back – Volume 2: House For Sale (Dave Gunning)

Gospel Recording of the Year sponsored by Taylor Printing: New Beginnings (Chelsea Nisbett)

Instrumental Recording of the Year: Live From the Music Room (Troy MacGillivray)

Jazz Recording of the Year sponsored by Greater Fredericton Airport Authority: For The Record (Bill Stevenson & Tom Easley)

Pop Recording of the Year sponsored by Tony’s Music Box: Little Jabs (Two Hours Traffic)

Rap/Hip-Hop Single Track Recording of the Year: Hard To Be Hip Hop (Classified)

Sirius Satellite Radio Rock Recording of the Year: Ashtray Rock (Joel Plaskett Emergency)

Roots/Traditional Group Recording of the Year sponsored by Western Destination Marketing Organization: Reunion (The Rankin Family)

Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year: Falling On New Ground (Kimberly Fraser)

Urban Single Track Recording of the Year: If You Were (Jamie Sparks)

In addition, the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to New Brunswick group 1755. The groupwas instrumental in popularizing Acadian music here in Atlantic Canada and have paved the way for many francophone artists over the last 25 years. 1755 was together from 1977 to 1984, having toured successfully in Canada, the United States and France. After they disbanded in 1984, band members Pierre Robichaud, Roland Gauvin, Ronald Dupuis, Donald Boudreau and Kenneth Saulnier went on to achieve success in solo careers or with other bands.

The ECMA Music Gala capped off a four-day extravaganza of multi-genre musical performances, conference events and workshops that attracted more than 2,000 delegates from as far away as Europe, Japan, Australia and the United States.

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