Jeremy Dutcher has announced his withdrawal from the East Coast Music Awards, pulling out of all eight nominations in solidarity with fellow musicians boycotting the event.
The Polaris and Juno-winning artist told The Canadian Press he no longer wishes to participate in the awards ceremony, citing ongoing concerns about the ECMA’s direction following the dismissal of CEO Blanche Israel in January. The East Coast Music Association, a non-profit dedicated to supporting local artists, has faced months of internal turmoil regarding its leadership and future.
Israel’s attempt to introduce structural reforms led to a petition from founding ECMA director Sheri Jones, who argued that members and industry leaders were not sufficiently consulted. The petition, advocating for transparency and better communication, gathered 648 signatures before Israel was removed by the board and replaced on an interim basis by former CEO Andy McLean.
Many, including Dutcher, supported Israel’s push to diversify the awards application process and expand representation for East Coast music genres. Dutcher, who was tied as this year’s most nominated artist alongside Halifax hip-hop star Classified, joins a growing list of musicians distancing themselves from the ECMAs. Among them are Mo Kenney, Wolf Castle, and Stephen Hero, who have also requested their nominations be withdrawn. However, the ECMA website has yet to reflect these changes.
Additional acts, including Halifax duo Moira & Claire and rock band June Body, have pulled out of the ECMA’s annual showcase of East Coast talent. Meanwhile, the ECMA has yet to issue a formal response regarding the ongoing boycott.
The East Coast Music Awards are set to take place on May 8 as part of a five-day conference in St. John’s.
Source: Swifteradio.com
