Radio ECMA

In this week’s episode, we’re throwing it back to the classics! Host Chris Batstone sits down to chat with two recent ECMA Award nominees, singer/songwriter Moira Bren (NS) and classical pianist Sarah Hagen (PEI). We explore Bren’s rise as a musician, which began with covering songs on Instagram using simply her voice and ukulele, to recording her debut EP in her parent’s bedroom, all the way to Hagen’s well-established career, accrediting the piano as its own force, and what was most memorable while playing at Carnegie Hall (twice). Chris takes a deeper look into a “no frills”, uncomplicated classic music style. 

Featured songs:

“Afraid of Your Heart” Moira Bren

“Sonata in G Major, IMM 27: II. Andante” Sarah Hagen

Moira Bren

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Sarah Hagen

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Chris Batstone

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ECMA

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In our Season 2 debut, host Chris Batstone takes a dive deeper beyond the artist’s name you keep hearing by chatting with featured guest Owen “O’Sound” Lee. Sharing his story, Owen discusses his experience establishing a successful career in the Maritimes, notable A-list collaborations (hint: they include Mariah Carey and Drake), and the downtime that has presented itself in recent months to pursue passion projects - while simultaneously caring for five children under the age of eight! 

About Owen ‘O’Sound’ Lee:

Owen ‘O’Sound’ Lee is a musician, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer from Toronto, Ontario. Owen grew up singing in church, and after studying Vocal Performance Jazz at York University he began pursuing music as a full-time career and has been making strides ever since. In 2014, Owen extended his musical reach to the east coast of Canada when he relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is currently the Minister of Music at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Upper Hammonds Plains, the Program Coordinator of the African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA), and the former Musical Director of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir (2014-2019).

Featured songs:

“LISTEN” Owen ‘O’Sound’ Lee

“Love & Dreams” Owen ‘O’Sound’ Lee

Owen ‘O’Sound’ Lee:

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Chris Batstone

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ECMA

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Episode 9 is here to show you Pop is alive and well on the East Coast! Although the pop sound is not as common as say, the fiddle, those who are doing it are doing it well. In this episode Chris chats with breakout artists Kelsey Mae Crawley from Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia and Nikkie Gallant from Summerside, PEI.

We'd also like to welcome our new sponsor TD! 

"Friends Don't Dance Like This" Kelsey Mae Crawley
"Free(I Remember)" Nikkie Gallant

About the artists:
Kelsey Mae Crawley
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Nikkie Gallant
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Episode 8 the one you've been waiting to discover! New artists experience the industry in unique ways. In this episode Chris chats with breakout artists Terra Spencer from Nova Scotia and Bridget & Dahlia from Newfoundland.

"Feels Like Home" Terra Spencer
"Dream of Blue" Bridget & Dahlia

About the artists:
Terra Spencer
Website
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Bridget & Dahlia
Website
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Ready to have some big fun? In this episode of the Radio ECMA Podcast Stephen Lewis of Stephen Lewis and the Big Band of Fun discusses how a successful showcase created connections, friendship and business! Focusing on positivity and good energy is the focus of all that Stephen Lewis and the Big Band of Fun do, from a beginning in looping to now a successful career with a full band Stephen Lewis has lots of knowledge to share. 

Listen to this episode to learn how you can succeed at one-on-one meetings and showcases by being your authentic self. 

ECMA Showcasing applications for the 2021 East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference are now open at ecma.com until October 23rd, 2020. 

Song Features:
“I Like the Way Live at Harvest Jazz & Blues”

“Today Ain’t My Day” Stephen Lewis looping solo 

Be sure to follow Stephen Lewis and the Big Band Of
Fun:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGLqBK0j1gi/
https://www.facebook.com/StephenLewisAndTheBigBandOfFun/
https://www.youtube.com/user/bigbandofone/videos
https://www.bigbandoffun.com

On this special three part series of the Radio ECMA Podcast we discuss the importance of Orange Shirt Day, indigenous culture and music within Atlantic Canada.

September 30th has been declared Orange Shirt Day annually, in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children's sense of self-esteem and well being, and as an affirmation of our commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters.

Host Chris Batstone is joined by Trevor Sanipass, Indigenous Liaison as they interview artists. Also in this special series Cheryl Copage-Gehue, Indigenous Community Engagement Advisor for HRM and Manager of Protocol & Culture for the North American Indigenous Games talks with Trevor and Chris about her knowledge of this important day and Indigenous culture.

For more information on Orange Shirt Day visit:

https://www.orangeshirtday.org

https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/blogs/post/orange-shirt-day-honouring-indigenous-residential-school-survivors/

https://www.aptn.ca

Thank you to our episode sponsor the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) for their continued support of Indigenous artists and the East Coast Music Association.

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About Deantha Edmunds 

Canada’s first and only Inuk professional classical singer and recording artist, Deantha Edmunds, has performed on stages across the world. A proud resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, Edmunds is a laureate of the prestigious Hnatyshyn Foundation REVEAL Indigenous Art Awards.

Edmunds’ solo EP, “My Beautiful Home” was nominated for the 2020 East Coast Music Award ‘Indigenous Artist of the Year.’ It features three beloved songs from Newfoundland and Labrador that marry her identity as an Inuk with her training and passion for classical music.

In February 2020, Edmunds performed at the Arctic Inspirations Prize 2020 award ceremony in Ottawa where she debuted an original song with string quartet. She was also a featured cultural performer at the Northern Lights 2020 conference and showcase.

2019 operatic performances included the world premiere of “Shanawdithit” with Tapestry and Opera on the Avalon in Toronto and St. John’s, and the Indigenous (Cree and Sami) double-bill “Two Odysseys” in Toronto with Soundstreams, Signal Theatre and The Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš. Both of these operas were nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble at the Dora Mavor Moore Awards 2020, and the ensemble for “Two Odysseys” won the award.

https://www.facebook.com/InukSoprano/

https://www.instagram.com/inuksoprano/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHn4zGHU58XnULFrOKyuxlQ

https://deantha.ca

On this special three part series of the Radio ECMA Podcast we discuss the importance of Orange Shirt Day, indigenous culture and music within Atlantic Canada.

September 30th has been declared Orange Shirt Day annually, in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children's sense of self-esteem and well being, and as an affirmation of our commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters.

Host Chris Batstone is joined by Trevor Sanipass, Indigenous Liaison as they interview artists. Also in this special series Cheryl Copage-Gehue, Indigenous Community Engagement Advisor for HRM and Manager of Protocol & Culture for the North American Indigenous Games talks with Trevor and Chris about her knowledge of this important day and Indigenous culture.

For more information on Orange Shirt Day visit:

https://www.orangeshirtday.org

https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/blogs/post/orange-shirt-day-honouring-indigenous-residential-school-survivors/

https://www.aptn.ca

Thank you to our episode sponsor the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) for their continued support of Indigenous artists and the East Coast Music Association.

About Alan Syliboy & Hubert Francis

Alan Syliboy was born and raised in Truro and lives at Millbrook First Nation. He looks to the indigenous Mi’kmaq petroglyph (stone etchings) tradition for inspiration, and developed his own artistic vocabulary out of those forms. 

Alan’s band, The Thundermakers,  are  Guitarist/Vocals Hubert Francis star of Brookes Diamond production, “Drum” from Elsipogtog First Nation, Lead guitarist Evan Syliboy formerly with Alan’s band Lonecloud, composer, vocals & percussionist - Julianne Syliboy,  vocals & percussionist - Joanne Hatfield, and bassist, composer, sound designer, video/sound editor,  Lukas Pearse of Halifax NS, plus group leader, percussionist/spoken word artist Alan Syliboy. The show consists of songs, spoken word and stories accompanied by multi-media art film and live performance. 

Although this is the core group, Alan frequently calls upon other musicians and dancers to enhance his live performances.

Website- http://www.alansyliboy.ca

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Alan-Syliboy/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/AlanSyliboy

Youtube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp7Vp5C32DI2GTRtmtHoEHA

Youtube links to live performances.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8FPeuoZ5CM 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAwVuofbKF8 

On this special three part series of the Radio ECMA Podcast we discuss the importance of Orange Shirt Day, indigenous culture and music within Atlantic Canada.

September 30th has been declared Orange Shirt Day annually, in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children's sense of self-esteem and well being, and as an affirmation of our commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters.

Host Chris Batstone is joined by Trevor Sanipass, Indigenous Liaison as they interview artists. Also in this special series Cheryl Copage-Gehue, Indigenous Community Engagement Advisor for HRM and Manager of Protocol & Culture for the North American Indigenous Games talks with Trevor and Chris about her knowledge of this important day and Indigenous culture.

For more information on Orange Shirt Day visit:

https://www.orangeshirtday.org

https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/blogs/post/orange-shirt-day-honouring-indigenous-residential-school-survivors/

https://www.aptn.ca

Thank you to our episode sponsor the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) for their continued support of Indigenous artists and the East Coast Music Association. 

About SHiFT FROM THA 902
SHiFT FROM THA 902 is an up and coming hip hop artist with a hard raw style driven flow. His destinctive voice and honest lyrics draw inspiration from his youth growing up in Wekoqmaq First Nation , Nova Scotia a small reservation in Cape Breton Island.

Website- https://shiftfromtha902.bandcamp.com

Facebook- https://facebook.com/shiftfromtha902

Episode 3 of The Radio ECMA Podcast has gone to the kids! Join host Chris Batstone for an enlightening discussion of the children’s music industry. Child educators and talented musicians the Swinging Belles began around the kitchen table sharing songs of earthworms and weather. Erin Power, Laura Winter, and Duane Andrews focus on fun, engaging their audience and playing music that helps to nurture audiences of the future. You may even learn some scientific facts about harmonies 🤓

About the Swinging Belles:
The Swinging Belles, a JUNO award-winning swing band for kids from St. John’s, NL,share how they intend on getting both kids and adults to kick up their heels and have a swinging good time with the whole family!

The Swinging Belles feature child educators and performers Laura Winter and Erin Power joined by guitarist extraordinaire Duane Andrews. This show is all about getting kids and parents out to have a dance and enjoy some swing country and jazz…kid style. As primary school teachers, both Laura and Erin know first hand the joy that kids feel when they can boogie to some good time music, and as parents, Duane and Erin know the importance of enjoying the music that our kids are listening to! The show is packed with music, interactive storytelling and dancing…lots of dancing!

Featured Songs:
"Attitude of Gratitude" 2015
"Old York Road" 2020
More about the Swinging Belles:
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The new artist experience, what do they get off the ground and get established? Host Christ Batstone has an in-depth discussion with Zamani and Selby Evans.

Singer, songwriter, producer – Zamani won the 2019 Atlantic International Film Festival (FIN) Award for Best Atlantic Original Score. The winning score “What’s So Great About Him” was written for a ten minute short film titled Cockblock,  directed by Halifax filmmaker Tamar Dina and stars musicians/actors Kirsten Olivia Taylor and Samm Reid, along with actor Ryan Willis.   The award was announced and presented at the Linda Joy Media Arts Society FIN Awards Luncheon on September 19th, 2019.  This award comes on the heels of Zamani’s recent success in capturing the 2019 TD International Jazz Festival Stingray Rising Star Award receiving a $3000 cash prize from Stingray Music.

Zamani began singing with her family at community events at age 12.  Versed in many Black music genres, Zamani became inspired to expand her repertoire of R&B, Urban Jazz and Pop after receiving praise from the late veteran vocalist Sharon Jones who caught her performance- while then only 14 – with her jazz guitarist father Harvi Millar at the TD Halifax International Jazz Festival. In 2018 Zamani received ANSMA’s Portia White Youth Music Award and the Jongleur Youth Arts Award. In 2018 she received ANSMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year Award and released her first self-titled EP Mix Tape shortly after.  In 2019 Zamani mae her first international appearances performing at New Skool Rules Festival in Rotterdam, and opening for R&B veterans Maya and Genuwine and Pop artist UB40, at the Caribbean Roots and Soul Festival in St. Lucia. More about Zamani. 

Selby Evans is a young bilingual emerging artist currently based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Having recently graduated from Dalhousie University with a degree in music, Selby quickly garnered attention with the release of his first bilingual EP Emmène-moi, in December 2015. He has performed in numerous prominent concerts over the last year, most notably, with Symphony New­Brunswick for seven sold out shows last fall in La Vallée des Possibles, and in the Francofête en Acadie as well as several other french music festivals. Two singles from the EP are receiving considerable radio play, Emmène-moi and Dis-moi encore, with the latter projected to enter the ARCANB top ten chart. An english single, On your Own has also received play on local radio. Further, Emmène-moi was listed in the top ten sales for Distributions Plages, in both March and April 2016, and digital sales (Itunes) continue to do well.

To produce this first EP, Selby surrounded himself with several notable collaborators, including trumpet player and multi­-instrumentalist Sebastien Michaud who co­produced the album, poet Hermenegilde Chiasson who contributed lyrics on L'ettre D’amour, as well as drummer and engineer Danny Bourgeois, to name only a few. These prominent session musicians form an important part of Selby’s team going forward. The release of this self ­funded debut EP was not only an important first step in terms of career development, but also provided many important lessons and insights about product development, live performance, marketing and the music industry more generally.