Each year, the East Coast Music Association bestows honorarily awards a number of groups, individuals or organizations who have made in impact in one form or another on the local music industry. Today, they announced the 2018 East Coast Music Awards list of Honorary Award recipients.
Director’s Special Achievement Award:
The Director’s Special Achievement Award, which is awarded only under special circumstances to those who have demonstrated an exceptional contribution to the music industry on a national or international level, is being awarded to both Sloan and to Kevin Macmichael.
Sloan has been kicking ass for 25 years, 200 songs, and 30 singles. They’re one of Canada’s most readily identifiable bands, with their place in history solidified with the inclusion of their hit song “Money City Maniacs” on Big Shiny Tunes 3. Need we say more?
Macmichael (1951 – 2002) was highly regarded as a natural talent with an ability to make music from anything. He was best known as a co-founder of the 80s band Cutting Crew, whose hit “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” was released 30 years ago. In addition, he played an integral role in Robert Plant’s 1992 solo effort Fate Of Nations and he supported many other East Coast musicians.
Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award:
Awarded to individuals who have had profound and lasting effects on the Atlantic Canadian music industry, The Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award is being awarded this year to Lynn Horne.
As a dedicated publicist, promoter and artists manager to many big names in the Canadian music scene, Horne has undoubtedly made her mark in the industry.
Industry Builder Award:
The Industry Builder Award is awarded to those who have made significant impacts on the welfare of the music industry in Atlantic Canada. It recognizes genuine contributions made to the East Coast music scene for the greater development of the industry.
This year, this award is being given to Louis Thomas, who has dedicated over 30 years to managing the careers of Atlantic Canadian artists through his company, Sonic Entertainment Group. Many of the artists Thomas has managed have gone on to achieve international success. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors for Music Canada Live and is a persistent advocate for the live music sector of Atlantic Canada.
Musician Achievement Award:
Awarded to side players or session musicians who exemplify professionalism and quality musicianship on recordings or live performances of East Coast music, this year’s Musician Achievement Award is being given to Geoff Arsenault.
As a drummer, singer, songwriter, performer and illustrator, Arsenault is a multifaceted artist who has made distinctive musical contributions to multiple genres.
Stompin’ Tom Awards:
Honouring those who have made a long-term contribution to the east coast music industry and paved the road for many successful east coast artists, The Stompin’ Tom Award is presented to one individual or group from each of the East Coast Music Association’s five regions (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Mainland Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Cape Breton).
This year, the awards are being handed out to John Rehder of Prince Edward Island, Gordie Tufts of New Brunswick, James McQuaid & Richard Grey of Nova Scotia, Liz Solo of Newfoundland and Winston “Scotty” Fitzgerald of Cape Breton.
The East Coast Music Awards will be taking place on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018, at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.