MusicNL is a member-based organization, open to anyone in the local music industry. It’s goal is to increase the awareness of locally produced music, address key issues affecting the provincial music scene, and create opportunities to grow the industry. 

Every year they run a great “MusicNL Week” that includes a series of beneficial panels, musical events like songwriter circles, and an awards ceremony. Trophies are doled out in multiple award categories for both musical genres, and, industry awards. This year’s musical shortlists are below.

Singer-songwriters Damhnait Doyle and Kim Stockwood will host the 2015 Music NL Awards Brunch at the Delta, 11 a.m., on Sunday October 18th. For the first time ever, the public is invited to attend the Music NL Awards Brunch. You can buy your $58.50 ticket on ticketpro.ca – a press release promises “attendees will be treated to a delicious meal while they enjoy the sharp and witty style of two of Newfoundland and Labrador’s best loved musicians.”

This year, however, certain awards will be given out during some of the week’s musical performances and events. All the more reasons not to miss any of these events. Public tickets will cease to be available on Friday, Sept. 26.

As always, the conference will focus on “the business inside a creative world,” so local musicians can learn how to monetize their music, better succeed in their endeavours, and generally get a little more ahead of the game. Panelists from across the country will share their experiences and expertise on the Canadian music industry, including how it’s changing, and how to navigate, or better yet, capitalize on those changes.

Professional development and industry education are the crux of MusicNL’s mandate. Like last year’s live demonstration of two sound engineers recording and mixing a song, this year, MusicNL will engage the audience and have interactive workshops and panels running Friday and Saturday from 10-5 which will include participation from the audience.

The Music Awards:

For the music awards, MusicNL members submitted their applications, which were adjudicated by committees of Atlantic Canadian and international jurors “with a demonstrated expertise and knowledge of the overall industry or individual categories.”

Fortunate Ones lead the pack with a whopping 7 nominations, Everglow bagged 6, and the following 4 bands are in a 4-way tie for the third most nominations (4): The Ennis Sisters, Jerry Stamp, Kat McLevey, and Land of Lakes (formerly known as Matthew J. Thomson & Danielle R. Hamel).

Album of the Year:

The Ennis Sisters
Everglow
Fortunate Ones
Jerry Stamp
Kat McLevey

Alternative Recording of the Year:

Matthew J Thomson & Danielle R Hamel
The Sauce
Waterfront Fire
Werewoman
AE Bridger

Celtic Traditional Recording of the Year

Aaron Collis and Duane Andrews
The Ennis Sisters
The Freels
The Bishops

Country Recording of the Year

Quentin Reddy
Dave McHugh
Chris Ryan
Dave Thomson
Chris Gill

 Entertainer of the Year

The Once
Fortunate Ones
Waterfront Fire
The Ennis Sisters
Everglow

Female Artist of the Year

Kat McLevey
Katie Baggs
Matthew J Thomson & Danielle R Hamel
Selina Boland
Amy Wilson

 Folk/Roots Recording of the Year

Fortunate Ones
Kat McLevey
Katie Baggs
Amy Wilson
Dave Whitty

 

Group of the Year

Fortunate Ones
The Swinging Belles
The Sauce
The Ennis Sisters
Waterfront Fire

Instrumental Recording of the Year

Ouroboros
Aaron Collis and Duane Andrews

Jazz/Blues Recording of the Year  

Dave Mundy
The Swinging Belles
Denis Parker and the Modern Saints
Scott Downey

 Male Artist of the Year

Mick Davis
Jerry Stamp
Quentin Reddy
Matthew J Thomson & Danielle R Hamel
Adam Baxter

 Music Video of the Year

The Once
Jerry Stamp
Fortunate Ones
Everglow
TERRA

Pop/Rock Recording of the Year

Mick Davis
Everglow
Selina Boland
Todd Scott
TERRA

 

Rising Star of the Year

Fortunate Ones
Kat McLevey
TERRA
Everglow
Matthew J Thomson & Danielle R Hamel

Songwriter of the Year 

Everglow
Mick Davis
Fortunate Ones
Chris Ryan
Jerry Stamp