SYDNEY, N.S. — The 2021 East Coast Music Awards event doesn’t occur until May 5-9, 2021, but those who are planning to apply for nominations only have another two weeks to do so.
Submissions for award consideration and showcasing opportunities will only be accepted until Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at 5 p.m., for next year’s awards event in Sydney so if you’re interested, you better get your application together now.
For this year, all showcase submissions will be free and fees for all award applications have been reduced to $15 per award. There has also been a shift to a $20 flat fee for the Export Buyers Showcase Program applications.
There will also be some new awards to apply for, including the return of world recording of the year and children’s entertainer of the year categories. There will be a new African Canadian artist of the year award and the annual Bucky Adams Memorial Award will now be designated as an honorary award.
Other changes include a new submissions platform that provides a better online experience for both applicants and jury members. There are also a series of programs, content and initiatives for artist development and audience growth including Global Music Match which unites 96 artists from 14 countries using social media and peer-to-peer collaboration to increase networks and exposure for artists. A webinar series, Isolation Sessions, will focus on creating dialogue around mental wellness with the East Coast music industry.
"We are happy to introduce all these new initiatives as we continue to work behind the scenes with our board of directors, our community liaisons, our artists and our industry professionals to expand opportunities for the diverse voices who are integral to making our music industry in Atlantic Canada thrive," said Andy McLean, CEO of the ECMA.
"We remain ever optimistic about returning to Sydney next year — adhering to the recommendations and guidelines established by public health officials — to continue shining a light on the world-class talent the East Coast has to offer."
