Overview

• The five-day East Coast Music Awards are underway in St. John’s, featuring performances, workshops, and a gala at the Mary Brown’s Centre.
• Classified leads the nominations with eight nods, showcasing his prominent role in the Atlantic Canadian music scene.
• The event marks the first return of the ECMAs to St. John’s since 2015, following a 2020 cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The ECMA has implemented a six-point reform plan, including the formation of an equity committee and advisory group, in response to criticism over transparency and representation.
• Some artists, including Jeremy Dutcher, continue to boycott the event, citing unresolved concerns about inclusivity within the organization.