“To see Prince Edward Island musicians being nominated for these prestigious awards shows the strength of the music industry on the Island, and the incredible talent of our home-grown musicians,” said Minister Henderson. “I want to congratulate everyone nominated for an award this year, and I encourage all Islanders to get out and discover the incredible talent that calls our province home.”

Leading the pack among Islanders nominated for awards this year is singer-songwriter Catherine MacLellan. She is nominated for two Juno awards: Songwriter of the Year and Roots/Traditional Album of the Year. She is also nominated for two East Coast Music Awards: Folk Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year along with her partner Chris Gauthier.

Other Island acts nominated for ECMA’s this year include Paper Lions, The Meds, Trinity Bradshaw, Irish Mythen, The East Pointers, The Count and the Cuban Cocktail, Ten Strings and a Goatskin, and Jon Matthews. The Confederation Centre and St Mary’s Church in Indian River both received nominations for Venue of the Year.

Several Island raised musicians who are living out-of-province also received ECMA nominations including Jenn Grant (who is also nominated for two Juno awards), Daniel Ledwell, Kinley Dowling (as a member of Hey Rosetta!), and Glen Nicholson (as a member of In-Flight Safety).

The Department of Tourism and Culture provides annual core funding to Music PEI to help develop and promote Island musicians and music professionals. It also supports venues and festivals across Prince Edward Island that regularly show case Island talent.