ST. JOHN’S, NL – College of the North Atlantic (CNA) graduates showed up in a big way at this year’s East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) held earlier this month in Fredericton, N.B.
CNA alumni took home one award, were involved in winning four others, received 11 nominations, and were featured in countless showcase performances.
Davida Smith, Dean of CNA’s School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism, couldn’t be prouder knowing graduates play a large role in the ECMAs year after year.
“It’s extremely rewarding to see the incredible talent from CNA being recognized on a regional level at the ECMAs,” said Smith. “These artists have put in countless hours of hard work and practice, both during their studies, and in developing their careers. They deserve the recognition they are receiving. I wish them the best of luck in the future, and I hope to hear
more success stories.”
Quote the Raven's Kirsten Rodden-Clarke and Jordan Coaker, CNA’s Sound Recording & Production program graduate, share a selfie after winning the ECMA for Contemporary/Roots Recording of the Year.
Jordan Coaker, a Sound Recording & Production graduate, took home the award for Contemporary/Roots Recording of the Year with his duo Quote the Raven. The group consists of Coaker and co-vocalist, Kirsten Rodden-Clarke. They were also nominated for Album of the Year and Group Recording of the Year.
“Throughout the past two years, we questioned if there was going to be a music industry to return to, especially the one we had become accustomed to,” said the artist from St. John’s. “We relied almost exclusively on touring and meeting people face to face as a means and measure of success. So, to be recognized amongst all our east coast peers was a reassurance that our patience, dedication, and work throughout the pandemic was worth it and there’s a bright light coming at the end of this long dark tunnel.”
Winning awards wasn’t the only way in which CNA graduates were making their presence known this past week. Dan George, drummer and graduate of the Applied Music program, supported seven acts at the ECMAs, three of which took home awards.
George backed Nashville-based, Newfoundland artist Mallory Johnson, who took home the awards for Artist Innovator of the Year and Video of the Year. He also performed with award winner Quote the Raven, and Justin Fancy (winner of Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year).
On top of that, George was featured on the albums
Canvas by Rosemary Lawton (nominated for Folk Recording of the Year) and
Ana & Eric by Ana & Eric Hope (nominated for Global Recording of the Year). He also supports artists Nick Earle and Clare Follett – both of whom performed during the week’s events.
“After the last couple years, being able to get out and perform with all the amazing musicians I had been hired on with was a breath of fresh air,” said George. “It means the world to be able to get back to some semblance of normal. I'm lucky to call all these artists very dear friends and getting to perform with your friends brings a comfort that elevates your performances to the next level. I can't wait to see some of my closest friends succeed in the coming years and I can only hope that I'm lucky enough to continue being a part of that success.”
Another drummer and CNA music graduate, Chris Donnelly, played with Rock Recording of the Year winner Kelly McMichael at this year’s awards gala. Donnelly also played with artists Mark Bragg and Youngtree & The Blooms during ECMA week.
Applied Music graduate and
Canada’s Got Talent sensation, Kellie Loder, participated in the ECMA Export Buyers Program and did a performance showcase.
Peter Green, a graduate of CNA’s Sound Recording & Production program, was responsible for the very demanding task of doing the broadcast audio for the entire awards gala.
CNA alumni also notably demonstrated their talents in non-musical roles. David Shears, a graduate from the college’s Executive Office Management program, was at the ECMAs representing MusicNL, where he works as their program manager. Shears is heavily involved in the Newfoundland & Labrador music community.
To learn more about CNA programs, visit:
www.cna.nl.ca
To see the entire list of 2022 East Coast Music Award winners, visit:
HERE.
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Media contact:
Chad Harnett
Public Relations Specialist (Social Media)
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-6407
Chad.harnett@cna.nl.ca