P.E.I.’s The East Pointers snagged Songwriter of the Year at the 2020 East Coast Music Awards on July 11.
Islanders Lennie Gallant (Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year) and Sirène et Matelot (Francophone Recording of the Year) were also nominated for awards on Saturday night.
The East Pointers was also nominated for the Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year and Fans’ Choice Video of the Year.
Tim Chaisson, who does vocals, fiddle and percussion in the band, was happy enough to be nominated in a category where anyone could have taken the win, he said.
“Awards shows are funny in that way, you know, because there’s so many amazing people and talent and, honestly, it’s just cool to be recognized. I know everyone says that, but it is.”
While no strangers to awards, having nabbed a JUNO in 2017 and an ECMA last year, to win the songwriter award meant a lot to Chaisson, though he’s not sure the band is worthy.
“It seems kind of crazy and I mean, obviously we’ll take it, just because the song writing caliber on the East Coast is through the roof. Just as good as anywhere else in the world really.”
This year’s ECMAs were hosted by Mary Walsh and set against the scenic backdrop of the city of St. John’s, where they were originally scheduled to be held until the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) made that impossible.
The celebration of Atlantic Canadian music and artists featured performances from Tim Baker, Rose Cousins, Wintersleep, Damnhait Doyle, Matt Mays, Neon Dreams, Motherhood, Eastern Owl, Zamani, Jacobus, and Shanneyganock, and a special tribute to Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Ron Hynes featuring long-time members of his backing band and artists such as Shaye, Joel Hynes, and Lennie Gallant.
While nine awards were given out Saturday night, another 29 were given out at a pre-show hosted on Facebook and YouTube on the afternoon of Friday, July 10, which saw the East Pointers take home an award for Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year for Yours to Break and another nine nominations for P.E.I.-based groups.
Summerside’s Paul Bernard was given this year’s Stompin’ Tom Award for P.E.I. early Saturday morning on CBC Radio for his long-time contributions to the Atlantic Canadian music industry.
