With an evening hosted by Jay Malone and Justine Williamson, the 2021 East Coast Music Awards took to social media for a cootie-free virtual award show. Featuring performances by Beòlach, Classified, Hauler, Jimmy Rankin, Keonté Beals, Les Hay Babies, Like A Motorcycle, Rachel Beck, Rich Aucoin, Rose Cousins, Silver Wolf Band, and Zamani, the evening saw the first batch of 14 award-winners named, along with a special tribute to Rita MacNeil, performed by former bandmates friends and more to celebrate her induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The East Coast Music Awards handed out tonight were some of their biggest; traditionally saved for what would normally be the main event of the week. This is the big stage, albeit in a digital format (and thus, arguably, bigger) and the first of two award shows.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to each and every artist and industry professional, as well as our staff, contractors, and partners, who adapted to each change along the way with positivity and perseverance,” said ECMA CEO, Andy McLean.
“We were very proud to produce this special program to pay tribute to our hard-working and deserving East Coast artists and industry professionals.”
Here is the list of currently announced 2021 ECMA nominees and winners:
African Canadian Artist of the Year / Artiste afro-canadienne de l’année
Joe Bowden
Keonté Beals
Miokal
Owen O’Sound Lee
Shelley Hamilton
Zamani
Album of the Year / Album de l’année
Classified – Time EP (Producer: Classified)
Joel Plaskett – 44 (Producer: Joel Plaskett)
Neon Dreams – The Happiness Of Tomorrow (Producer(s): Corey LeRue, PJ Bianco, Nathaniel Motte, Scott Effman, Adrian Morris)
Rachel Beck – Stronger Than You Know (Producer: Daniel Ledwell)
Rose Cousins – Bravado (Producer: Rose Cousins)
Enregistrement francophone de l’année / Francophone Recording of the Year
Émilie Landry – Arroser les Fleurs
Joey Robin Haché – TRENTE
Les Hay Babies – Boîte aux lettres
Matt Boudreau – Armageddon
Menoncle Jason – La grosse piastre
Indigenous Artist of the Year / Artiste autochtone de l’année
Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers
Mike Bern
SHiFT FROM THA 902
Silver Wolf Band
Wolf Castle
Pop Recording of the Year / Enregistrement de l’année – Pop
BRDGS – ie+
Kim Harris – Heirloom
KINLEY – KINLEY
Rachel Beck – Stronger Than You Know
Sorrey – In Full Bloom
R&B/Soul Recording of the Year / Enregistrement R&B/Soul de l’année
Kam Sparks – “Witness” feat. Jamie Sparks
Keonté Beals – KING
Rey D – “Loyal”
aRENYE – 23//97
Zamani – Outside
Rap/Hip-Hop Recording of the Year / Enregistrement de l’année – Rap/hip-hop
Atay & JAX – Last Night
Classified – Time EP
Owen O’Sound Lee – “Listen”
SHiFT FROM THA 902 – This Ones For You EP
Wolf Castle – Gold Rush
Rising Star Recording of the Year / Enregistrement de l’année – Étoiles de demain
Beauts – Dalliance
Braden Lam – Inside Four Walls
Hauler – Hauler
Mike McKenna Jr. – At the Edge of the World
Moira Bren – 6 Is Green
Rube & Rake – Leaving With Nothing
Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year / Enregistrement de l’année – Folklore/traditionnel
Beòlach – All Hands
Matthew Byrne – Matthew Byrne with the Lady Cove Women’s Choir – In Concert
Maxim Cormier – Maxim and Gervais Cormier: Live at the Fortress of Louisbourg
Pretty Archie – Running For Cover
Rum Ragged – The Thing About Fish
Solo Recording of the Year / Enregistrement de l’année – Artiste solo
Catherine MacLellan – Coyote
Classified – Time EP
David Myles – Leave Tonight
Dylan Menzie – Lost In Dreams
Rose Cousins – Bravado
Song of the Year / Chanson de l’année
Classified – “Good News” feat. Breagh Isabel (Producer: Classified)
Like A Motorcycle – “Wide Awake” (Producer: Howard Redekopp)
Neon Dreams – “Sick of Feeling Useless” (Producer: Nathaniel Motte)
Rachel Beck – “Warrior” (Producer: Daniel Ledwell)
Rich Aucoin – “Walls” (Producers: Rich Aucoin, Joel Waddell, Kevin Maher)
Songwriter of the Year / Compositeur ou compositrice de l’année
Catherine MacLellan
Classified
David Myles
Joel Plaskett
Rose Cousins
Also announced was the East Coast Music Awards returning to Fredericton, New Brunswick next year, marking the first time that the event has been held in Fredericton since 2008.
“We’re very excited to head back to Fredericton for the 34th annual ECMAs,” said Andy McLean, CEO of the East Coast Music Association.
“Known for its lively spirit, its deep roots in music and culture, and its undeniable hospitality, we’re looking forward to working with the host team in Fredericton to create a memorable and successful week for music fans, performers, and the entire community.”
The remaining East Coast Music Award-winners will be announced on Sunday, June 13, during a virtual event hosted by Heather Rankin and streamed via the ECMA’s Facebook and Youtube channels.
Click here to see the full list of 2021 East Coast Music Award nominees.