Classified, Vishtèn, Maggie Andrew lead 2025 East Coast Music Award winners

The 2025 East Coast Music Awards took place in St. John’s last weekend, amidst a backdrop of controversy and protest within the local music community. Nova Scotia rapper Classified emerged as the big winner of the night, taking home five out of the eight awards he was nominated for. P.E.I. folk group Vishtèn also made a strong showing, nabbing three awards, while Newfoundland’s Kellie Loder and Nova Scotia’s Maggie Andrew tied with two awards each.

The awards ceremony was not without its share of drama, as several musicians had boycotted the event following the controversial firing of former CEO Blanche Israël by the East Coast Music Association. Artists like Mo Kenney, Jeremy Dutcher, and Wolf Castle withdrew their nominations in protest, highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding Israël’s dismissal.

The ceremony kicked off with a touching tribute to Mark Hiscock, the beloved accordionist from Newfoundland and Labrador who had passed away just days before the event. His band, Shanneyganock, performed a heartfelt rendition of their song “Music and Friends” in his honor, with Hiscock’s accordion placed on stage as a poignant reminder of his legacy.

While many of the awards were presented at the ceremony on May 8, the remaining awards were handed out at the East Coast Music and Industry Awards on May 11. The winners included a diverse range of artists and genres, showcasing the rich musical talent that the East Coast has to offer.

Some of the standout winners included Classified for African Canadian Artist of the Year, Vishtèn for Folk Release of the Year, and Neon Dreams for Group of the Year. The awards also recognized emerging talent, with artists like Brett Matthews and Clare Siobhan winning in the Breakthrough Artist of the Year category.

In addition to the musical performances and award presentations, the ceremony also featured the premiere of several music videos, including Kellie Loder’s “Can’t Go Back” and Neon Dreams’ “The Art of Letting Go.” These videos, along with others showcased throughout the event, highlighted the creativity and artistry of East Coast musicians.

Overall, the 2025 East Coast Music Awards was a celebration of talent, resilience, and community within the local music scene. Despite the challenges and controversies leading up to the event, the awards ceremony served as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and uplift spirits in times of uncertainty.