Part 2 of 2: NL Rocks the ECMAs
Rock Eden was lucky enough to take in a lot of showcases during the ECMAs, including the artists from Newfoundland and Labrador. We can say with confidence that this province was represented well in Saint John, NB. Here is the list of remaining nominees representing NL. You can also find a full list of ECMA Award winners below.
Fretboard Journey is nominated for Traditional Instrumental Recording of the Year for their self-titled album. This group of four have recently been described as Newfoundland’s very own roster of guitar hero’s. Once you have a listen you’ll know exactly what that means. Newfoundland’s very own masters of guitar released their debut album this past fall which is an all-encompassing rich and clean collection of guitar rhythms and styles from bluegrass, jazz, fingerstyle, jigs and reels, and more. Music is healing, and this album should be your first stop on the path to a healthier life!
It Could Be Franky is nominated for Electronic Recording of the Year for her album Your Friends Don't Buy It At All. It’s been a year since this act, a.k.a. Danielle Hamel, hypnotized the St. John’s scene with her first solo album and played her first show at DanceNL’s Dance Party. Since the release of her album, this electro pop synth sound bird is a steadily emerging presence in the local scene. The album’s upbeat magnetic rhythms and electronic sound compilations take concentration and dancing to a whole new level. Now that’s some very focused dancing and it may just be the perfect album for the student who studies by day and parties by night!
Long Distance Runners is up for two nominations. Their third album Elements, released in 2015, has been nominated for Rock Recording of the Year, and their music video for the song You Gotta Remind Me, directed by Jeremy Rice, is nominated for the Fans' Choice Video of the Year. Tapping into the everyday experiences of life and relationships, here you’ll find introspective lyrics and an artistic melodic flow that is easily in the category of memorizing. Don’t expect to get these songs out of your head.
Repartee is up for five nominations including Group Recording of the Year, Pop Recording of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Fans' Choice Entertainer of the Year. Now that’s a mouthful! But surely this must be an honouring moment for this band. Repartee sold out their first EP release show in 2011 at the Ship Pub and have not looked back, taking a break from touring just long enough to finish their newest album All Lit Up which earned them multiple MusicNL awards in 2016. With their clever, back chatty lyrics, unique creative edge and electro-pop flair, Repartee ignites the party in all of us.