This past weekend was one of incredible talent and celebration, as MusicNL recognized musical excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador through its Industry Awards and Music Awards ceremonies.
The Industry Award reception was held at the Corner Brook Civic Centre on Friday, October 28. The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, had the pleasure of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Don and Kathy Wherry of Sound Symposium.
The Music Awards were held at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre on Saturday, October 29. The Honourable Gerry Byrne attended on behalf of the Provincial Government and presented the Folk/Roots Artist of the Year to the Kubasonics.
Other winners from this weekend’s awards ceremonies include:
Industry Awards:
- Event of the Year – 46th Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival
- Industry Professional of the Year – Mary Beth Waldram
- Media Person of the Year – Chris Batstone
- Music Educator of the Year – Rozalind MacPhail
- Outstanding Company of the Year – Atlantic Music
- Recording Engineer/Producer of the Year – Michelle LaCour
- Venue of the Year – The Ship Pub
- Volunteer of the Year – Alick Tsui
- Unsung Hero Award – John Clarke
- Denis Parker Industry Builder Award – Darren White
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Sound Symposium, Don & Kathy Wherry
Music Awards:
- Album of the Year – Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts – No More Hiding
- Alternative Artist of the Year – Swimming
- Celtic/Traditional Artist of the Year – Rosemary Lawton
- Classical Artist of the Year – Deantha Edmunds
- Country Artist of the Year – Youngtree & The Blooms
- Electronic Artist of the Year – Alex Byrne
- Entertainer of the Year – Justin Fancy
- Folk/Roots Artist of the Year – Kubasonics
- Global Music Artist of the Year – Florian Hoefner
- Group of the Year – Quote the Raven
- Indigenous Artist of the Year – Deantha Edmunds
- Instrumental Artist of the Year – Florian Hoefner
- Loud Artist of the Year – Slowpoke
- Music Video of the Year – Rosemary Lawton – Little Fires
- Pop Artist of the Year – Rachel Cousins
- Rap/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year – King Sway
- Rising Star of the Year – Jing Xia
- Rock Artist of the Year – Nick Earle and The Reckless Hearts
- Side Musician of the Year – Dan George
- Solo Artist of the Year – Rachel Cousins
- Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year – Kelly McMichael
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation provides $350,000 annually to MusicNL to administer funding programs for musicians and to assist with the organization’s operations. MusicNL aims to increase awareness locally, nationally and internationally of provincially produced music as an art form, and as a viable industry with a significant impact on the economy.
Quotes
“It was an absolute pleasure to be on the west coast this weekend to participate in some of MusicNL’s networking events, showcases and the Industry Awards reception. The talent in this province is immense and MusicNL is doing a fantastic job of supporting the music community. I would like to congratulate all award winners, and also MusicNL for making such a positive impact over the past 30 years.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Music Celebration Week 2022 offered an eclectic showcase of performances from our province’s musicians. The talent was exceptional and over 35 buyers from all around the world have already invested and booked our members for 2023. Thanks again to Minister Crocker and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation for their support.”
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
Chief Executive Officer, MusicNL
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Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-5889, 327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Sarah Newell
MusicNL
709-754-2574
sarah@musicnl.ca