- This would totally be you if you won
The 2010 ECMA festival and conference is taking place in Sydney, Cape Breton from March 4-7. You could be part of the magic if you submit. Otherwise, don’t come complainin’. Here’s a long and exhaustive list of things you may want to be in the running for:
Showcase stages: Rock Stage; Roots Room; Rising Star Stage, Concert Series, Songwriter’s Circle, Bluebird North Showcase and the ECMA Partnered Stages. Submission deadline on all showcase stages is Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Artists/groups of all genres are encouraged to apply.
The Soundwaves Program is designed to connect artists with the ECMA host community through performances in schools and community venues months leading up to the event. It also encourages young artist/group participation through the integration of the former Sound-Off Program which will see area bands work with leading Soundwaves artists for the right to compete during ECMA 2009 festivities. The Soundwaves program submission deadline is Wednesday, September 16, 2009.
Submissions are also being accepted until Wednesday, September 16, 2009 for the Discovery Stage: a two-day, 12-hour per day musical extravaganza open to all genres from Emerging & Developing artists.
The ECMA also presents Music (32), Industry (17) and Honorary (5) Awards. All East Coast artists who have released recordings between June 1, 2008 and October 1, 2009 are eligible to submit to be considered for an East Coast Music Award. All submissions for music and industry awards must be received by Wednesday, October 1, 2009.
Submissions are also being accepted until Wednesday, October 1, 2009 for the Stompin’ Tom Award, recognizing musicians who have made a long-term contribution to the East Coast Music Industry.
New showcasing stages: The “Canadian Music. East Coast Style” International Export Buyers Showcase is open to Exporting artists/groups who will have the opportunity to perform to a dedicated audience of International program delegates, media and domestic buyers. This showcase is a mandatory ‘must attend’ component of the ECMA 2010 International Program. Artists/groups who meet ECMA definition of Exporting are eligible to apply for this showcase via Sonicbids.
Music awards: Fan’s Choice of the Year: Criteria Change:
New to the ECMA event in 2009, the Fan’s Choice Award is the only award voted on by the fan. For 2010, this award is open ONLY to ECMA 2010 Music Award Nominees.
There will be one (1) round of voting beginning eight weeks prior to the event. More details on voting process to follow. This award does not replace Entertainer of the Year.
DVD of the Year
Based on past years’ analysis and serious review of the category, The DVD of the Year Award is not an active award category for ECMA 2010.
INDUSTRY AWARDS
NEW – Visual Artist of the Year
This award recognizes excellence in graphic design, photography or other visual media for CD packaging, and/or artist or music event promotional materials. The individual must reside in Atlantic Canada. Submissions must include a short bio outlining the applicant’s accomplishments during the eligibility period (June 1, 2008 – Oct. 1, 2009) as well as electronic samples of the individual’s work for the eligible period. The award goes to the individual.
NEW – Producer of the Year *
This award recognizes excellence in music production. The individual must submit a CD containing selections of their work for consideration, identifying two (2) tracks of choice to be considered. A maximum of one CD can be submitted however this can be a compilation of more than one project by the given producer. The producer will be judged on the two (2) tracks identified. The individual must reside in Atlantic Canada. Submissions must include a short bio outlining the applicant’s accomplishments during the eligibility period (June 1, 2008 – Oct. 1, 2009). This award is voted on by a jury/panel. The award goes to the individual.
* The number of submissions will be screened down by a jury and then voted on by a separate panel of experts in two rounds. The first round will determine the nominees and the second round will determine the winner)
HONORARY AWARDS
Stompin’ Tom Award – Format Change
For 2010, the ECMA will award one (1) Stompin’ Tom Award from the host region of Cape Breton. Honoring one recipient is what Stompin’ Tom had originally hoped for the award and ECMA is pleased to be making this change that will recognize a deserving member of the host community.
All submission details and forms can be found on www.ecma.com.
View the 2010 Awards & Stages Booklet.
For additional help you may contact the Association office at (902) 892-9040 or by writing artistrelations@ecma.com.
The East Coast Music Awards, Festival & Conference is an annual event organized by the East Coast Music Association as a critical part of its mission statement. The ECMA is a not-for-profit organization whose mandate it is to foster, develop, promote and celebrate East Coast music locally and globally. The ECMA currently has over 1000 members.
This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2009.
