The East Coast Music Association kicks off their yearly Awards, Festival & Conference on February 7th in Fredericton, New Brunswick. As usual, Landwash artists find themselves at the centre of the action. 

Of course, the four-day spectacular is more than just an occasion to hand out some pewter. The event has become a key platform for networking and professional development, serving to connect Atlantic Canadian performers with an assortment of industry reps, as well as with one another. Aside from a number of showcase opportunities, offerings include master classes, clinics, workshops and performance-coaching sessions. Seminars and roundtable discussions feature an array of topics such as export readiness, music publishing, emerging technologies, and the like. In total, some 2500 attendees are expected.

Above all, the event is a party, a chance to celebrate the unique music and culture of our beloved East Coast. The hallmark event, the Awards Gala, is slated for Sunday, February 10th, and will be hosted by Mark Critch of This Hour has 22 Minutes.

Let’s take a look at the Landwash artists who are up for awards:

Ron Hynes (Entertainer of the Year)
With a 30+ year career, he has earned his share of honours. It is nonetheless a compliment for Hynes to once again find himself nominated in the prestigious category of Entertainer of the Year, the one ECMA award that is determined not merely by Association members, but by the voting public. The venerated storyteller has always been admired for delivering songs that come out of the local experience, songs that touch hearts via the timeless themes of tragedy and hope, struggle and survival. Regardless of whether he walks away with this year’s title, Hynes remains not only a “man of a thousand songs”, but most assuredly a man of the people. To Vote Ron Hynes for Entertainer of the Year go to: www.ecma.com or www.cbc.ca/eastcoastmusic

Hear a Sample from Ron Hynes


Jamie Sparks (African-Canadian Recording, Konica Minolta Male Solo Recording, Urban Single Track Recording)
This Halifax resident is jockeying for an impressive three awards, all stemming from his album It’s The Music. Already a five-time ECMA winner, Sparks sits at the helm of what could well become a music empire. Along with a steady schedule of recording, the multi-faceted musician and producer has opened for pop goddess Rihanna and has placed a number of his songs in television programs. Odds are he will remain busy as long as he continues pumping out his feel-good brand of R&B, the kind of music that compels folks to get up and dance. Hear a Sample from Jamie Sparks

Jessica Rhaye (Female Solo Recording)
Short Stories represents a real step forward in terms of Rhaye’s maturity as a writer and performer. And since the disc’s release, Rhaye has continued to grow. She recently returned from a UK tour (alongside Dave Gunning and Matt Anderson), where she received rave reviews for her concert appearances, as well as for her album. Of course, those acquainted with her are well aware how Rhaye’s talent doesn’t end with her music – remarkably, she has also been nominated for an ECMA Industry Award in the category of Graphic Designer. Hear a Sample from Jessica Rhaye

Kevin Chase (Country Recording)
Chase is certainly reaping rewards from his sophomore effort, I Won’t Fall, recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. The album was responsible for two singles that were put into country-radio rotation, along with his second career ECMA nomination. Yes, this singer-songwriter from New Brunswick is somebody who bears watching. Up-tempo and aggressive: that’s how best to describe Chase’s sound and his ascending career path. Hear a Sample from Kevin Chase

Rose Cousins (Folk Recording, Female Solo Recording)
Cousins garnered her nods for If You Were For Me, a collection featuring eleven original tunes and a premium cast of supporting musicians. Her work draws heavily upon folk and bluegrass traditions, and frankly it’s a great fit: her style is warm and intimate, and her songs radiate beauty and honesty that audiences find most endearing. Add to this a work ethic that is exemplary – Cousins is constantly on the road – and it is little wonder her fan base continues to expand and that the accolades keep rolling in. Hear a Sample from Rose Cousins

The Irish Descendants (Roots/Traditional Group Recording)
These “Kings of Celtic” earned their ECMA nomination for Southern Shore, their twelfth CD. Produced by Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle, this veritable seafood platter serves up everything for which the band has long been renowned. The disc bears testimony that, whether rendering a tear-jerking ballad or rip-roaring reel, the lads are at the top of their game. Even 18 years in, their trademark high energy and good humour are never far from hand. Anchored as always by Con O’Brien’s impressive pipes and by musicianship that is unfailingly crisp and clean, the Descendents continue to prove that they are the real McCoy.Hear a Sample from The Irish Descendants

And Coming Soon

Be on the watch for Damhnait Doyle’s upcoming release entitled Lights Down Low. Compiled with the help of producer/musician Danny Michel, the album presents a delightfully eclectic selection of cover tunes. The one constant throughout is Dav’s voice, an exquisite instrument with the capacity to move through all shades of earthy: flirtatious to passionate to sultry to downright smouldering.

Ironically, it is Dav’s maturity that gives rise to her playfulness, such as is on display with her quirky song-choices for Lights Down Low. As she recently explained to Lorianna De Giorgio of TownCrierOnline.ca, “I [feel] that as a songwriter, I don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore. I now make music for the sake of making music.”

For you ECMA watchers, Doyle has received two nominations – both of them as a consequence of her “other” job, as a member of Shaye (Pop Recording, VIBE Creative Group Single). She is also scheduled to perform in the SOCAN Songwriter’s Circle, as well as at the 20th Anniversary Concert. Hear a Sample from Damhnait Doyle

Landwash Music wishes to all our nominees a hearty Good luck! May you each enjoy continued success for the year ahead.

We acknowledge the financial support of Canada's private radio broadcasters as well as the Government of Canada through the Canada Music Fund for this project.