Why some artists are boycotting the East Coast Music Awards this year

Less than 24 hours after announcing its 2025 nominees, the East Coast Music Association faced backlash for what some artists are labelling a lack of transparency and communication. Several artists have decided to withdraw their nominations in protest, citing concerns over the sudden firing of former CEO Blanche Israël and the lack of clarity surrounding the decision.

Mo Kenney, whose song “Evening Dreams” was nominated for rock/alternative release of the year, took to Instagram to announce her withdrawal from the conference. She expressed her disapproval of the lack of transparency surrounding Israël’s firing and what she described as online bullying leading up to the dismissal. Kenney called on the East Coast Music Association to do better.

Israël, who took on the role of CEO in March 2024, made several changes during her tenure aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the East Coast music community. However, concerns were raised by Sheri Jones, the founding director of the association, about the lack of communication regarding these changes. Israël defended her decisions, stating that they were approved by the board and were intended to reach musicians who had previously not felt represented in the awards.

Despite Israël’s efforts, she was fired in January 2025 and replaced by former CEO Andy McLean as interim managing director. The lack of communication surrounding Israël’s dismissal has led to confusion and frustration among artists, with some choosing to withdraw their nominations in protest.

Stephen Hero, a rapper from New Brunswick, expressed his disappointment with the lack of transparency and communication surrounding Israël’s firing. He, along with other artists, decided to withdraw their nominations in response to the situation. Evan Newman, the managing director of Outside Music, also chose to withdraw his nomination for manager of the year.

On March 3, Pabineau First Nation rapper Wolf Castle announced his decision to withdraw his nominations for Indigenous artist of the year and rap/hip-hop release of the year. Castle expressed his hope that the ongoing conversations around the issue would lead to positive change within the organization.

In contrast, reggae singer Jah’Mila has chosen to attend the awards ceremony and hopes to use the platform to share her perspective as an artist. Despite the controversy, Jah’Mila believes that artists have a collective power to effect change within the East Coast music community.

As the East Coast Music Awards approach in May, the organization faces calls for greater transparency and communication from its members. The artists’ decisions to withdraw their nominations highlight the importance of open dialogue and accountability within the music industry. The East Coast Music Association has declined to comment on the situation at this time.