The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) has released the nominees for the 38th East Coast Music Awards.
Goldie Boutilier leads all artists with seven nominations. Daniel James McFadyen has six, while Cassie, Maggie and Mallory Johnson each received five.
The ECMA noted that this year’s nominees represent a wide range of genres and communities across Atlantic Canada.
The association also released regional totals for 2026:
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 36 nominees
- Prince Edward Island: 19 nominees
- Nova Scotia: 46 nominees
- Cape Breton: 26 nominees
- New Brunswick: 22 nominees
Categories span both music and industry awards, including Album of the Year, Breakthrough Artist, Group of the Year, Artist Management of the Year and Recording Engineer of the Year.
The 2026 East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference will take place May 20 to 24 in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
The ECMA said the five‑day event will include performances, industry programming and international networking opportunities.
Nova Scotia Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage Minister Dave Ritcey said the province is proud to support the event.
“Nova Scotia has a proud tradition of diverse musical talent, which is why we’re proud to support the ECMAs again this year,” Ritcey said.
“The ECMAs are more than an awards show. They’re an opportunity to learn, connect and reflect upon the cultural, social and economic impact of East Coast music.”
The Awards Gala is scheduled for May 21 at Centre 200.
Edith Cloutier, Rogers’ president for Atlantic Canada, said the company is pleased to continue its support.
“The passion for music in Canada’s Atlantic provinces is incredibly powerful,” Cloutier said.
“Rogers is proud to support the East Coast Music Festival, including the talented artists, deep cultural roots and unique storytelling that it brings to Sydney, Nova Scotia.”
Public voting for the TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year and Video of the Year opened on Wednesday and runs until March 31.
TD Canada Trust vice‑president Jenn Auld said the bank values its long‑time involvement with the ECMAs.
“For more than 10 years, TD has been proud to support the ECMAs as it commemorates and elevates the incredible talent that defines Atlantic Canada’s music scene,” Auld said.
Sydney performers Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison will return as hosts of the Gala.
Tickets are now available, and the event will also be livestreamed.
