N.L. artists bring home 5 East Coast Music Awards

Shanneyganock's rendition of 'Music and Friends' rang through the Mary Browns Centre Thursday night, in the absence of the band's lifelong friend and founding member, Mark Hiscock.

Hiscock died earlier this week at the age of 53.

His accordion sat on a stool as the rest of the band played.

The loss set a sombre tone for the East Coast Music Awards, which was held in St. John's this year for the first time in a decade.

Host Tom Power also lauded Hiscock's legacy and the role Shanneyganock played in representing the province's music throughout the world.

"He was this province's most iconic accordion player, a tremendous accordion player, musician, singer. A driving force in sharing and preserving the music of Newfoundland and Labrador," Power said.

Still, the music played on — and the gala celebrated just that.

Four Newfoundland and Labrador artists and groups were awarded for their musical achievements Thursday.

Deantha Edmunds

Deantha Edmunds brought home the night's first award for the province.

"This award means more than I can say, actually, in words," said the Indigenous artist of the year winner.

As an Inuk classical musician, Edmunds says Indigenous artists in the genre are not often recognized. She says this award is proof that her voice is being heard and her perspective is being shared.

"That is why I do the work that I do," she said. "To try to show people some truth — who I am and how I walk through this world — and hopefully I can uplift people."

Edmunds, who won a Juno Award for classical composition of the year in March, says her mantle will need some cleaning up now as she introduces some new hardware. 

The artist was joined by her daughter as she posed for some celebratory photos.

"Our voices matter," Edmunds said before heading back to the awards gala. 

"Everybody has something special, and when you can find that and nurture that and celebrate it, there's nothing that can hold you back from doing whatever it is you want," she said.

Kellie Loder

Kellie Loder has become a household name in the province since their appearance on Canada's Got Talent in 2022.

They won both of Thursday's TD fans' choice categories: one for entertainer of the year, and another for video of the year.

"I love performing live," said Loder, referring to the entertainer award. "I feel like it's really where I excel and it's where I connect with the fans the most."

"You can make record over record over record, and it's not the same as when you're on the stage and playing it," they told reporters.

They said people from N.L. are very proud of their neighbours, so Loder said they met many people who bragged about casting a vote for the awards.

"Without Newfoundland, I would not have a career," said Loder. "They are the backbone. They are the foundation that I, you know, hang my hammock on."

The Ennis Sisters

As Maureen Ennis puts it, The Ennis Sisters have been on "the most incredible road trip" for the last 28 years.

The trio was given the lifetime achievement award at this year's East Coast Music Awards.

"My most favourite part of the whole thing is that we've brought the stories and songs of Newfoundland and Labrador to every place we've been," said Maureen.

Even though she says she feels too young, Karen Ennis said the award is an "incredible honour."

Karen also used some of her acceptance speech to highlight the impact music class in the public school system had on her.

"In school we took every music program that was available for us to take. It's so important to keep music in our schools. It matters," she said.

According to Teresa Ennis, the musician's road is not an easy one to take. 

She says she owes The Ennis Sisters' success to the rich musical history of the province, and the community it has fostered. 

That sense of community was in the air when the group paid tribute to Shanneyganock's Mark Hiscock, who died earlier this week.

"I just want to say that our dad, who we lost back in 2018, is somewhere right now with Mark Hiscock, and they're having a jam on the button accordion," Karen said before The Ennis Sisters walked off stage.

The East Coast Music Awards showcases and conference continues through Sunday, May 11. More music and industry awards will be passed out then.

Rum Ragged

Rum Ragged took home an award for traditional release of the year for Paddy Hyde.

Mark Manning thanked the East Coast Music Association, and the people who have helped the band, like their sound engineer and graphic designer,

"We also want to thank our family, friends and teachers, our supporters. And especially the Newfoundland and Labrador singers and players who handed down their wealth of traditional music to us," Manning told the audience.

"One of which in particular we're thinking of and remembering together here tonight. This one's for Mark and his family and his friends and his bandmates and his many fans."

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