Rich Aucoin leads East Coast Music Award 2015 nominees

The 2015 East Coast Music Award nominees and showcasing artists have been announced, with Halifax-based artist Rich Aucoin leading the pack this year with six nominations for his album Ephemeral.

At the East Coast Music Week press conference held in St.John's on Wednesday morning, a long list of veterans and up-and-comers to the Atlantic Canadian music scene were announced as nominees.

Jimmy Rankin closely followed Aucoin with five nominations, and Radio Radio and the Trews each received four nominations.

Up-and-comers to the electronic music scene, Neon Dreams, picked up their first ECMA nomination. They recently signed to rapper Waka Flocka Flame's label and have been working on the rap celebrity's leap into electronic dance music.

ECMA executive director Andy McLean said today's announcements are just the first in a round of exciting news the ECMAs will soon share.

"The best part is that we will have a lot more announcements in the weeks to comes, including the second round of showcasing performers," he said.

During the news conference, the first round of showcasing and gala award artists were also announced.

The ECMA gala will take place on April 9 at the Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay, N.L., with host Jonny Harris. Harris is best known for his role as Const. George Crabtree on the CBC television series Murdoch Mysteries.

The awards gala will feature the presentation of awards, as well as seven musical performances including one by P.E.I. artist Catherine MacLellan.

This year she picked up two nominations for folk recording of the year and songwriter of the year.

Cape Breton's Cig, who are nominated for roots/traditional group recording of the year, will also perform during the ceremonies.

By province, Nova Scotia took home the most award nominations with 62 music nominations, 10 fans' choice nominations and 29 industry nominations.

The 2015 East Coast Music Week takes place in St. John's between April 8 and 12.