Goldie Boutilier and Daniel James McFadyen are among the leading nominees at this year’s East Coast Music Awards, which is hoping for a fresh start after last season was plagued by controversy.
Boutilier, a singer-songwriter from Cape Breton Island, N.S., is up for seven awards, including album of the year for “Goldie Boutilier Presents… Goldie Montana,” and breakthrough artist of the year.
The alt-pop musician will compete in several categories with Halifax folk singer McFadyen, who has six nominations in total and whose “Back to the Country” is also up for album of the year, as well as folk release of the year.
ECMA executive director Bob Hallett said in an interview Wednesday the organization is ready for a new direction, beginning with a new strategic plan that they will present to members at the annual general meeting next month.
The awards came under fire last January after the contentious ousting of its former CEO Blanche Israel.
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Founding director Sheri Jones had previously launched a petition alleging Israel was making pivotal decisions with little transparency.
Several artists boycotted and removed themselves as nominees in protest of Israel’s departure, saying she had made significant steps regarding diversity and inclusion in the awards.
Among them were tenor Jeremy Dutcher, rapper Wolf Castle and singer-songwriter Mo Kenney.
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Hallett, who was appointed to the role in August, acknowledged last year was a turbulent time for the awards, but said the organization is working on a new strategic plan to transform the organization.
After the new strategic plan is presented, he said he wants to take in all the feedback.
“The board is not rushing it. They’re really trying to make sure that every voice is heard and every suggestion is included and every idea is given real, fulsome thought,” said Hallett, a founding member of the band Great Big Sea who served on the ECMA board between 2013 and 2015.
Hallett said the awards, which will be held in Sydney, N.S., in May, needs to reflect the membership and music industry today.
“All I see is potential,” he said.
“I know what this organization is capable of and I know the good work it’s done for so many artists. We’ve been able to elevate the careers of hundreds of people in the region.”
Other nominees announced Wednesday include sibling folk duo Cassie and Maggie, who are up for five awards including entertainer of the year and group of the year, as well as alt-country singer Mallory Johnson, who also has five nods including country release of the year for “Over the Party.”
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