Goldie Boutilier and Daniel James McFadyen are prominent contenders for multiple awards at this year’s East Coast Music Awards, aiming to start fresh following a troubled previous season. Boutilier, a singer-songwriter hailing from Cape Breton Island, N.S., has secured seven nominations, including a nod for album of the year with “Goldie Boutilier Presents… Goldie Montana,” and a breakthrough artist nomination. Competing in various categories is alt-pop artist McFadyen from Halifax, who boasts six nominations, with his album “Back to the Country” also vying for album of the year and folk release of the year.
ECMA’s executive director, Bob Hallett, expressed plans for a new direction, commencing with the unveiling of a fresh strategic plan at the upcoming annual general meeting. The awards faced criticism last January after the controversial removal of former CEO Blanche Israel. Founding director Sheri Jones had raised concerns about Israel’s decision-making lacking transparency, leading to some artists boycotting and withdrawing as nominees in support of Israel’s efforts towards diversity and inclusion.
Acknowledging the challenges of the past year, Hallett, who assumed the role in August, affirmed ongoing efforts to revamp the organization through the new strategic plan. He emphasized the importance of receiving and considering all feedback from stakeholders. The awards ceremony, scheduled for May in Sydney, N.S., is envisioned to mirror the current music industry landscape and membership. Hallett expressed optimism about the organization’s potential and its history of supporting regional artists’ careers.
Additional nominees announced include sibling folk duo Cassie and Maggie, up for five awards, and alt-country singer Mallory Johnson, also with five nominations, including a nod for country release of the year with “Over the Party.”