In a week where St. John’s is rightfully demanding more recognition of women in music, Amelia Curran and The Fortunate Ones have just tied for the most nominations (3) at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, while The Once, fronted by Geraldine Hollett are up for 2, and The Swinging Belles are up for the Children’s Recording of the Year. Matthew Byrne is also nominated in 2 categories.

Here are the local nominees, and what they’re shortlisted for:

Amelia Curran – They Promised You Mercy

Contemporary Singer of the Year
Solo Artist of the Year
English Songwriter of the Year

Amelia is up against Canadian favourite Catherine MacLellan in all three of these categories.

“Strike the Band” by Amelia Curran

Fortunate Ones – The Bliss

Vocal Group of the Year
English Songwriter of the Year
Emerging Artist of the Year

The English Songwriter of the Year category could be the stiffest competition of all the categories, featuring songs from Whitehorse, Catherine MacLellan, Amelia Curran, and Jon Brooks. While the Emerging Artist category could also be called “Best Band Name” category, with bands like The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer and Crooked Brothers in the running.

“Lay Me Down” by The Fortunate Ones

Matthew Byrne – Hearts & Heroes

Traditional Album of the Year
Singer of the Year

Matthew is up against Pharis Romero in both these categories.

“Fair Ellen” by Matthew Byrne

The Once – Departures

Contemporary Album of the Year
Ensemble  of the Year

The Once are facing stiff competition for the Contemporary Album of the Year, including Gabrielle Papillon, Jenn Grant, and Catherine MacLellan … and likewise for Ensemble of the year (they’re up against CBC darlings, Whitehorse)

“We Are All Running” by The Once

The Swinging Belles – More Sheep, Less Sleep

Children’s Album of the Year

Watch the video below … they clearly deserve the award. They’re as fun as they are talented as they are commercially viable.

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