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Music News Digest: Jeremy Dutcher, Mo Kenney and More Artists Boycott East Coast Music Awards
The ECMAs are facing artist backlash after the sudden replacement of former CEO Blanche Israël at the beginning of the year. Other industry stories this week: Music PEI Week award winners, indie label We Are Busy Bodies' 20th anniversary, a new Jeff Healey doc and more.
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Awards News
At the end of February, the East Coast Music Association announced the nominees for the 2025 ECMA Awards, but it almost immediately faced controversy. As reported by CBC, some prominent nominees declared that they are withdrawing their nominations following controversy over the recent replacement of former CEO Blanche Israël. That list is headed by acclaimed singer-songwriter Mo Kenney, nominated for rock/alternative release of the year, for "Evening Dreams."
Explaining the move on Instagram, Kenney stated "I was nominated for an ECMA, but I am withdrawing and I will not be attending the conference. I do not agree with the lack of transparency around the sudden firing of former CEO [Blanche Israël], and what I would call essentially online bullying leading up to the firing. Much love and please do better @ecmaofficial."
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Others declining their nominations and boycotting the ECMAs include Indigenous rapper Wolf Castle, New Brunswick rapper Stephen Hero and Outside Music head Evan Newman.
After these withdrawals, news broke today (March 12) that Juno and Polaris Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher is withdrawing his eight nominations from the East Coast Music Awards in solidarity with other musicians who are boycotting the event.
A statement from the East Coast Music Association reads, in part: "We recognize that some have chosen to decline their nominations, and we respect their personal decisions. We also acknowledge the concerns that have been shared and remain committed to listening, learning, and fostering open conversations."
The ECMAs will take place in St. John, Newfoundland, on May 8.
– On March 8, Music PEI Week 2025 culminated with its award gala at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Heading the winners list with two awards each were Dylan Menzie, Vishtèn Connexions and the Absolute Losers.The gala included performances by the top nominees, Lawrence Maxwell, Menzie, Hikado, Tiffany Lui and Vishtèn Connexions.
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This year’s event included special recognition for two honourees: Phase II, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the group’s enduring contributions to the Island’s music scene, and Rory O’Donnell, the recipient of the Leo Cheverie Community Contributor Award, honoring his impact on the Island’s community and music landscape. See a full list of all winners here.
– Last week, the non-profit organization Women In Music Canada (not affiliated with Billboard Women in Music) announced the recipients of the 2025 WIM Canada Honours at its third annual Honours event, held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Annabel’s in Toronto. The awards recognized and celebrated Canadian innovators and creators who had outstanding success in their field this past year. Performing at the event were Kimmortal, Nyssa, Kibra and Cozmic Cat.
The celebration followed the Women in Music Canada 2025 Summit, held on March 4 and 5 at the Allied Music Centre. That event featured over 40 industry notables speaking, presenting interactive workshops and offering mentorship opportunities designed to elevate women and gender minorities in the music industry. See a full list of the 14 Honours recipients here.
– The Guild of Music Supervisors, Canada (GMSC) has just announced the fifth Canadian Sync Awards. Celebrating Canadian music supervisor excellence and the sync community, The Canadian Sync Awards will take place on May 6, at Annabel’s Music Hall, in Toronto, in collaboration with Departure. For submissions and criteria, visit guildofmusicsupervisors.ca. Awards in 17 categories will be handed out. Early bird tickets are now available until April 6 here.
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Festivals News
Prolific and adventurous Toronto indie record label We Are Busy Bodies celebrates turning 20 this year by presenting a five-day festival at various T.O. venues, March 25-29. Artists performing include The Bug Club, The Elwins, Aladean Kheroufi and Newfound Interest in Connecticut. Anticipated highlights include Absolutely Free rescoring the compositions of Norman McLaren (at Ted Rogers Hot Docs Cinema, March 26) and the live debut of 10-piece UWUW, a 10-piece featuring guitar hero Ian Blurton, Jay Haberman (Dan Mangan) and Jay Anderson (Badge Epoque Ensemble, Lammping) at The Garrison (March 27). More info on the fest here.
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Founded by Eric Warner, WABB now boasts an eclectic catalogue of work from artists including Rich Aucoin, Limblifter, DD/MM/YYYY, Cuff the Duke, Bug Club, Doldrums, Odonis Odonis, and official bootlegs from King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. Read more about Warner and his label here.
– Departure, the reimagined vision for Canadian Music Week, has named the lineup of 100+ showcasing artists who will be performing in over 40+ of Toronto venues from May 6–11. All showcases will be accessible to conference delegates — or with a Music Pass on sale now for $60 before prices increase April 1. The fest has also announced new music events, including Sadboi, PACKS and Adam Melchor.
– Eclectic alt-rock combo, CAKE, veteran roots heroes Los Lobos, Polaris Prize winner Patrick Watson and recent Grammy star Sierra Ferrell have been announced as some of the major acts set to play the main stage at the Calgary Folk Music Festival, running July 24 to 27 at Prince’s Island Park. Other artists announced include indie-folk singer-songwriter Ruby Waters, Australian Indigenous artist Emily Wurrumara, Saskatoon neo-soul singer-songwriter Katie Tupper and North Virginia virtuoso string player Yasmine Williams. More artists TBA. For tickets, visit calgaryfolkfest.com.
Industry News
Healey’s Hideaway is a feature-length film documentary on blues-rock star Jeff Healey's famed downtown Toronto music club, Healey's (it ran 2001-2008).The 10th anniversary of the release of the acclaimed doc was recently celebrated with a special concert at The Redwood Theatre in Toronto, featuring some noted local players and singers, many of whom had a close connection with the late great Healey. That list included Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors), Alec Fraser Jr., Quisha Wint, Virgil Scott, Tony Springer and Suzie Vinnick, backed by The Celebration Band (Dave Murphy, Dan Noordermeer, Stan Miczek and Tom Bona).
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– Feisty indie record label Victory Pool is turning 5, and celebrating by hosting a birthday bash at The Cameron House in Toronto. Performing in both rooms is a strong lineup that includes Evan Redsky, Lauren Dillen, Geordie Gordon and MOONRIIVR. The show is free, but space is limited so an RSVP here is recommended.
– Given that the group comprises members of prominent bands from Seattle, Chicago and Vancouver, including Blood Meridian, Black Halos, Black Mountain, and Destroyer, Autogramm could be described as something of an indie-rock supergroup. Featuring elements of power-pop and synthy new-wave, their sound has resonated most in Europe to date, and they'll be playing dates in Spain soon. A new two-song single, “Randy”/ "Jenny's In A Sleep World" (a Diodes cover), is out now on vinyl on Dirt Cult Records and Goodwill Records EU. Check it out here.
– Ontario guitarist/composer Terry Gomes has just released "Someday Castaway," a second single from his upcoming album. The calypso-favoured tune will stir anticipation for upcoming warmer weather.
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–Still remembered fondly for her work leading Mrs. Torrance (now back in action as Torrance), singer-songwriter Tamara Williamson is also an accomplished author, playwright and painter. Her new novel, Katapult, was published last week, and she hosts a launch party (with Torrance performing) on March 15 in Uxbridge at The Second Wedge Brewing Company in her hometown of Uxbridge, ON. Tickets are available here.
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