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Latest News

• Congratulations 2025 MusicNL Award Nominees
• Tune in to the 2025 MusicNL Awards Nominee Announcement
• POSTPONED: 2025 MUSICNL AWARD NOMINEE ANNOUNCEMENT EVENT
• 2025 MUSICNL AWARD NOMINEE ANNOUNCEMENT EVENT
• KATIE BAGGS AWARDED FIFTH-ANNUAL MUSICNL MUSICIAN-IN-RESIDENCE
• ATLANTIC SPOTLIGHT AT BREAKOUT WEST: APPLICATIONS OPEN
• 2025 MUSICIAN-IN-RESIDENCE SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN
• CALL FOR APPLICANTS: Come Together Showcase Opportunity
• 2025 MusicNL Awards and Stages Submissions Now Open
• Important News About Our Funding Programs

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Congratulations 2025 MusicNL Award Nominees

Today we excitedly announced the 2025 MusicNL award nominees!

Leading the way is Mallory Johnson with 6 nods, followed by Quote The Raven with 5 categories, and XIA-3, Natasha Blackwood, Mick Davis and Thin Love, and Justin Fancy with 4 nominations each. Deantha Edmunds, Jake Nicoll, Nico Paulo, Rube & Rake, and Port-Aux-Poutines are among 13 artists nominated in 3 categories.  

Remember that your vote is an important part of the award process! Member voting and Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year voting both open on Monday, August 25, and close on Monday, September 1, at 11:59 PM NDT.

• MusicNL Member voting: Members are invited to cast their votes via https://musicnl.grantplatform.com/   
  
  Please note: there is no “www” in the voting link. If you type in “www”, you will receive an error message. If you don’t already have an account on our application platform, you will need to create one in order to vote. Once logged in, voting can be found in the “Apply” section.  
• Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year voting: Open to the public, voting can be accessed at vocm.com/music-nl-fan-choice-entertainer-of-the-year/

MusicNL’s Honorary Awards will be announced at a later date. 

Don’t forget to mark your calendars — the 2025 MusicNL Awards will take place on Wednesday, November 12 (Industry Awards) and Saturday, November 15 (Music Awards and Gala), as part of MusicNL Week 2025. Stay tuned as we release our full conference and performance schedule in the coming weeks, as well as tickets for the 2025 MusicNL Awards Gala in late September. 

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Tune in to the 2025 MusicNL Awards Nominee Announcement

Each year, MusicNL celebrates and recognizes over 25 diverse categories of music and the many people who make up the fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador’s thriving music industry. Our live in-person Nominee Announcement, originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, was postponed due to multiple wildfires across our province. Given the ongoing events, we have decided to move to an online format.

Please join us virtually on Friday, August 22, at 11:00 a.m. NDT, as we unveil and celebrate the 2025 MusicNL Award Nominees!

Where: MusicNL’s YouTube Channel, youtube.com/@MusicNL709

When: Friday, August 22, 2025, 11:00 a.m. NDT

If you have questions for MusicNL, please contact us at info@musicnl.ca

Thank you to our funders who have made this event possible. We acknowledge the financial support of: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

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POSTPONED: 2025 MUSICNL AWARD NOMINEE ANNOUNCEMENT EVENT

As much as we were hoping to share the 2025 MusicNL Award nominees tomorrow, given the multiple wildfires happening across our province, our announcement is postponed to a later date. 

With many in our province facing evacuation orders and advisories, including a regional state of emergency, we want to keep the focus on community support, safety and recovery. We look forward to celebrating the nominees at a rescheduled date.

We are immensely grateful for all the emergency responders, the volunteers and  everyone who is working tirelessly to protect the province. We send our deepest sympathy to everyone impacted by these tragic events.

Please continue to check www.gov.nl.ca/alerts/ for the latest fire updates.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs support, call 811.

Further resources: 

www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/wildfires 

www.gov.nl.ca/beprepared/

firesmartcanada.ca/

If you have questions for MusicNL, please contact us at info@musicnl.ca

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2025 MUSICNL AWARD NOMINEE ANNOUNCEMENT EVENT

Each year, MusicNL celebrates and recognizes over 25 diverse categories of music and the many people who make up the fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador’s thriving music industry. Please join us on Tuesday, August 12 at 12:00 pm NDT, as we unveil and celebrate the 2025 MusicNL Award Nominees!

👉RSVP deadline: Monday, August 11, 10:00 am NDT

👉RSVP link: musicnl.ca/events/#!event/2025/8/12/award-nominee-announcement

⏰ When: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 12:00 pm NDT

📍Where: Spirit of Newfoundland, 208 Gower Street, St. John’s, NL A1C 1R2

👉Can’t make it but still want to catch the news? Watch the live stream on our YouTube channel here: youtube.com/@MusicNL709

Thank you to our funders who have made this event possible. We acknowledge the financial support of: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

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KATIE BAGGS AWARDED FIFTH-ANNUAL MUSICNL MUSICIAN-IN-RESIDENCE

In partnership with Landfall Trust of Brigus and Genoa Design International, we are absolutely thrilled to announce Katie Baggs  as our 5th Musician-in-Residence!

After a competitive juried selection process and the highest volume of applications yet, St. John’s-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Katie Baggs has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the program. Katie will spend two weeks, from August 2 to 15, at the historic 200-year-old Kent Cottage, a Landfall Preserve and Provincial Heritage Site in Brigus, NL, surrounded by 11 acres of untamed coastline and pristine, undeveloped natural lands.  

Katie will use this unique opportunity for focused, creative thought to work on material for her next solo album, a follow-up to her 2024 single The Words Are Ours, and her collaborative projects, including Topanga, a folk trio with fellow award-winning singer-songwriters Valmy and Carole Bestvater. As the 2025 Musician-in-Residence, Katie will receive a place to live and work, along with a weekly stipend, as she spends time writing in one of the most inspiring areas of the province.

 “We are delighted to continue to offer musicians from our province this dedicated creative space, along with the time and compensation to simply retreat and focus on writing music,” says MusicNL Executive Director Tamara Kater. “There is a growing songwriting legacy in this project, as Rube & Rake, Ian Foster, Nico Paulo, and Ana Luísa Ramos have produced and recorded new work from their time as Musicians in Residence.  Katie Baggs will undoubtedly add more beauty to the catalogue of music inspired by Brigus. We’re thrilled and grateful for the ongoing support of Genoa Design International and Landfall Trust of Brigus to bring this project to life.”

During the residency, Katie Baggs will share her incredible talent with residents of Brigus thanks to a community outreach project led by Landfall Trust (details TBA).

 “Genoa is proud to support the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we couldn’t be happier to contribute to MusicNL’s Musician-in-Residence program. We can’t wait to hear Katie’s new album and wish her the best as she spends time in beautiful Brigus this summer.”  
— Luke Joyce, Director of Communications and Marketing, Genoa Design International

 “Landfall Trust is honoured to welcome Katie Baggs to Kent Cottage for this year’s residency. In partnership with MusicNL, this program reflects our commitment to preserving this historic home and its surrounding natural beauty, while supporting artists with the time and space to create. We’re proud to be part of a collaboration that nurtures creativity in such a unique and storied setting.”  
— Ana Luísa Ramos, Board Member, Landfall Trust of Brigus

 “To be awarded time and space to write and create new music in beautiful Brigus feels like such a luxury — I don’t take it lightly! I am curious to find out what I can accomplish during this wonderfully long stretch of uninterrupted time. Thank you so much to MusicNL, Landfall Trust, and Genoa Design International for the opportunity.”  
— Katie Baggs

ABOUT KATIE BAGGS

Katie Baggs is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, mother, and educator based in St. John’s, NL. Her latest single, The Words Are Ours (August 2024), has been praised as a folk anthem and modern protest song for the times—one that will be remembered in the Newfoundland and Labrador musical canon for years to come.

Katie performs her original songs as a solo artist and as a member of folk trio Topanga (with fellow singer-songwriters Valmy and Carole Bestvater). Topanga had an exciting year of rehearsals and performances, culminating in a deeply resonant set at Lawnya Vawnya in June 2025, where they opened for internationally celebrated artists Beverly and Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland to glowing reviews.

One of Katie’s most beloved songs, Mountain Train—from her 2012 MusicNL award-winning album Home Again, Home Again—was arranged by tradition bearer, singer, guitarist and arranger Jean Hewson for choral performance in 2023. It has been featured in concerts by the Soundbone Folk Choir and included in programming at Vinland Music Camp.

Over the years, Katie has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, songwriters, and interdisciplinary artists. Her first original songs appeared on the 2008 self-titled album by the folk group Dead Language. Since then, she has continued to write and perform across Newfoundland and Canada, both as a solo artist and as part of numerous group projects. 

Alongside her career in early childhood education, co-owning a small business, and raising two young children, Katie has remained a vital presence in the Newfoundland & Labrador music scene—constantly creating, collaborating, and sharing her voice through song.

For more information about Katie Baggs please visit:
https://katiebaggs.bandcamp.com/music
https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/katie-baggs/501159561
https://www.instagram.com/katie.baggs/
https://www.facebook.com/katiebaggsmusic

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ATLANTIC SPOTLIGHT AT BREAKOUT WEST: APPLICATIONS OPEN

DEADLINE TO APPLY: THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 11:59 PM AT

MusicNL, @musicpei, @musicnovascotia, and @musicmusiquenb are pleased to announce the Atlantic Spotlight Showcase during @breakoutwest 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, September 24 – 28, 2025. This mission focuses on expanding the careers of developing and export-ready artists from the East Coast of Canada with B2B and networking opportunities, a showcase, and creative collaborations with Western artists and industry professionals.

Applications are now open to developing/export-ready East Coast artists. You must be a member of MusicNL, Music PEI, Music Nova Scotia, or Music·Musique NB in good standing to participate.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, July 17, 2025, 11:59pm AT.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by July 25, 2025.
Submitting an application form does not guarantee your participation. All applicants will be reviewed and notified.

APPLY HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAUKvVoy1hutrf91Lp7Ft7MKJMXcBzdnOdYLleepBdEy2xDw/viewform

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MusicNL, @musicpei, @musicnovascotia, et Music/Musique NB ont le plaisir d’annoncer la mission d’exportation Atlantic Spotlight Showcase pendant BreakOut West 2025, qui aura lieu à Winnipeg, Monitoba du 24 au 28 septembre 2025. Cette mission met l’accent sur l’expansion des carrières des artistes en développement et prêts à l’exportation de la côte est du Canada grâce à des occasions de B2B et de réseautage, à une vitrine et à des collaborations créatives avec des artistes et des professionnels de l’industrie de l’Ouest.

Les candidatures sont maintenant ouvertes aux artistes de la côte Est en développement ou prêts pour l’exportation. Vous devez être un membre en règle de MusicNL, Music PEI, Music/Musique NB, ou Music Nova Scotia pour pouvoir participer.

La date limite de dépôt des candidatures est fixée au 17 juillet 2025 à 23h59 (HA).
L’envoi d’un formulaire de candidature ne garantit pas votre participation. Tous les candidats seront évalués et contactés. Les candidats seront informés de leur acceptation au plus tard le 25 juillet 2025.

POSEZ VOTRE CANDIDATURE EN BIO 🔗🔗🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAUKvVoy1hutrf91Lp7Ft7MKJMXcBzdnOdYLleepBdEy2xDw/viewform

#MusicNL #NLmusic #Newfoundland&Labrador #BreakOutWest #ExploreNL

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2025 MUSICIAN-IN-RESIDENCE SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

DEADLINE TO APPLY: WEDNESDAY, JULY 2ND, 2025 11:59 PM NDT

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: MUSICIAN-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM!

MusicNL is pleased to partner with Landfall Trust and Genoa Design International to present our 5th edition of the Musician-in-Residence program from August 2nd to 15th, 2025. 

The program gives a MusicNL member the opportunity to spend two weeks at the historic 200-year-old Kent Cottage in Brigus, surrounded by 11 acres of untamed coastline and pristine, undeveloped natural lands. The residency connects artists with the province’s natural and cultural heritage to inspire new creative work, strengthen community bonds, and provide dedicated time for artistic development. 

For comprehensive details and to apply, visit our Musician-in-Residence page.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, 11:59 PM NDT

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CALL FOR APPLICANTS: Come Together Showcase Opportunity

Artist applications for Come Together are OPEN!

Come Together returns to Toronto this November 25th and 26th. This annual industry showcase, presented by Canada’s Provincial Music Industry Associations and SODEC, is an opportunity for artists from across Canada to meet with, build business relationships, and showcase for key music industry professionals from Toronto and surrounding areas, including labels, agents, managers, publishers, music supervisors, publicists, and more.

Participants will work directly with their provincial music industry association to identify key music business contacts to invite and meet with. This event has goals beyond showcasing, with a focus on connections, team-building, and strategy development.

Applications are accepted until Monday, July 1st, 2025 at 11:59 pm (PST). Artists must be available to attend both days of programming and showcasing. Learn more and apply here.

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2025 MusicNL Awards and Stages Submissions Now Open

The 2025 MusicNL Awards and Stages submissions are now open for artists and industry.  Music release dates must fall between the eligibility period of April 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025.  

For a complete list of MusicNL Awards categories, Stages criteria, eligibility rules, and voting criteria, visit musicnl.ca/mnlw2025.  Submit now at the link below.  Submissions close Monday, June 9, 2025 at 11:59pm NT. (extended from Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11:59pm NT.)

ADDITIONAL INFO: for those who submitted their application on the original deadline, you will receive a message within the submission platform with instructions on how to edit your original application if you wish. Please make sure that GoodGrants is on your list of safe-senders (see your original application email receipt to white list that address).

New for 2025

• Three new awards: Songwriter of the Year (non-performer), Sound on Screen Award and International Touring Artist of the Year
• Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year shifts to focus on performing songwriters
• A limit to recurring recipients in certain industry categories
• All showcases are now part of our export initiatives
• Revised export-ready criteria for Stages (showcases)
• New application platform – one profile per applicant
• One platform for Awards, Stages and Funding applications.
• New demographic information collected

Key Dates for 2025

June 9 May 28 – Application intake closes

August TBD  – Nominees announced* 

August TBD – Voting closes*

September 1 – Stages (showcases) selected

November 12 – MusicNL Week opens with Industry Awards

November 13, 14, 15 – MusicNL Week Conference and showcases

November 15 – MusicNL Week Gala and Awards

November 16 – MusicNL Week Songwriter Circle

Updates:

*We had hoped to have this ready by August 1, but we need a bit more time to get everything tallied and ready…thanks for your patience.  Stay tuned here for the nominee announcement date!

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Important News About Our Funding Programs

In recent years, MusicNL has benefited from additional provincial funding through Come Home Year and Year of the Arts. These amounts helped support increases to our regular funding programs and some special initiatives. The additional provincial allocations have come to an end for the 2025-26 fiscal year.  In order to foster our industry and continue supporting as many projects as possible, MusicNL has made some changes to funding programs for 2025-26.  

Starting April 1, 2025, the following changes to funding programs will be in effect:

• Professional Development: project funding will be to a maximum of 75% of the total eligible costs or total request, whichever is lower.
• Touring Programs: funding will remain the same, without the additional allocation.
• Artist Development: funding will remain the same, without the additional allocation.
• Community Presenters Program: this program has now ended.  MusicNL will not be accepting any further applications for 2025-26.
• Small Business Micro Grant: this program has now ended.  MusicNL will not be accepting any further applications for 2025-26.

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Webinar: Awards & Stages Applications

Join Us for a Walkthrough of MusicNL’s New Awards and Stages Application Platform!

MusicNL is rolling out a new and improved application platform—designed to make the process easier for everyone. Applications for MusicNL Week 2025 awards and stages will be accepted through this new platform from Thursday, May 1 at 8:00AM NT – Wednesday, May 28 at 11:59PM NT.

We know that change comes with questions, and we’re here to help! Join us on May 1 for a live webinar, where we’ll take you on a guided tour of the new platform, walk through the application process, and answer your questions in real time.

Whether you’re applying for award nomination or showcases or preparing for future applications, this session is a great opportunity to get familiar with the system.

📅  Webinar Details
🗓 Date: Thursday, May 1
⏰ Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm NT
📍 Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)

A recording of the webinar will also be posted on our website if you cannot attend on May 1.

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WE’RE HIRING!

Marketing and Communications Manager

Looking to work in a dynamic and engaging music organization?  We’re looking to hire a new team member as Marketing and Communications lead. Learn more about the position and application process here!

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MusicNL AGM: May 22, 2025

The purpose of the meeting is to:  

Approve the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting.

Review the Audited Financial Statements for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

Appoint the Auditors for  fiscal year 2024-2025;

Elect the new slate of directors.

Meeting documents will be sent by email to registrants, and available on MusicNL’s website by May 1, 2025.

To attend the Electronic AGM please register HERE by Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10am NT.

Details to access the AGM will be sent to all registrants by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 5pm NT.

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MusicNL Open House April 24 2025

We’ve had a few unexpected hiccups and must unfortunately postpone this event.   We’re working to re-schedule in May or June, and we’ll let you know as soon as we have a new date.

In the meantime, please feel free to drop by during our in-person office hours or make an appointment with us.

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Artist Development Intake Now Open: Welcome to the New Application Platform!

Applications are now being accepted through our new application platform. While the platform is different, the application itself remains the same. We recommend allowing yourself extra time to familiarize yourself with the new platform.

Join us on Wednesday April 2 at 6:00pm NT for a live webinar where we’ll walk through the new platform, show you how to navigate the system, and answer your questions.
Register now! Can’t make it tonight? We will post the recording at the link below, which will be available tomorrow.

Set aside extra time to create your profile and get to know the platform before the submission deadline on April 14.

📅 Deadline: April 14, 2025, 11:59pm NT
🔗 Apply now: Click Here

If you have any questions about the application process or need assistance navigating the new platform, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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MusicNL Mixer at Open Mic at The Ship

New for April, our Open Mic will also be a MusicNL mixer! Come early for the networking, stay for the music, and maybe even share a song. 🎶🤝

After hearing feedback that our members want more time to mingle, we’re trying out something new. The MusicNL team will also join in the mix – see you there!

📅 Monday, April 7 | 🕖 Mixer at 7:30pm, Open Mic at 8:30pm | 📍The Ship

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Join Us for a Walkthrough of MusicNL’s New Application Platform!

MusicNL is rolling out a new and improved application platform—designed to make the process easier for everyone. Starting with our April 1 Artist Development intake, this new system will track applications, keep funding history, and automate key admin tasks like reporting reminders and contracts. Over the coming months, we’ll expand the platform to include all MusicNL programs and awards applications.

We know that change comes with questions, and we’re here to help! Join us on April 2 for a live webinar, where we’ll take you on a guided tour of the new platform, walk through the application process, and answer your questions in real time.

Whether you’re applying for funding this April or preparing for future applications, this session is a great opportunity to get familiar with the system as soon as it rolls out.

📅  Webinar Details
🗓 Date: April 2
⏰ Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm NT
📍 Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)

Register now and save the date!

A recording of the webinar will also be posted on our website if you cannot attend on April 2.

If you’re planning to apply for the April Artist Development intake, we recommend setting aside time to familiarize yourself with the new platform. We also recommend that you start preparing your application offline. To help you begin work before the platform launch, an offline version of the application form for Artist Development is available now on our website. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way! If you have any questions before the webinar, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Programs Manager, Mariana.

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Coming Soon: New and Improved Application Platform!

Through recent consultations and feedback, we’ve heard that our application process is admin-heavy, and we want to make things easier for members. We’re excited to announce that we’re introducing a new program application platform!

Starting with our April Artist Development program intake, this platform will streamline the application process, making it easier for applicants to submit to our programs, track their funding history, and manage reports. In the coming months, we’ll work to move all our funding programs and awards applications to this new platform.

Follow the link below for more details:

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2025 ECMA Nominees

Newfoundland and Labrador Artists and Industry Earn 54 ECMA Nominations!

Newfoundland and Labrador’s music scene is in the spotlight for the 2025 East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs).  Artists and music companies account for 54 of the ECMA nominations announced today . This year’s event returns to St. John’s for the first time since 2015, bringing the best of East Coast music to the capital city from May 7-11, 2025.

This year’s nominees from Newfoundland and Labrador earned big nods in three major categories; Fan’s Choice Awards (presented by TD) with seven out of eleven nominations, as well as both Dance and Country Release of the Year with three out of six and five nominations respectively.

Follow the link below for more details:

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MusicNL Week is Back!

Mark your calendars as MusicNL Week returns to St. John’s from November 12 to 16, 2025.  We’re already hard at work planning four days chock-full of offerings for artists, music industry and fans alike, including: downtown venue shows, daytime networking, export trade, artist showcases, one-on-one business meetings and two awards shows. And we’re thrilled to have confirmed a few early export delegates. Follow the link below for more info!

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MusicNL at Folk Alliance International 2025

MusicNL to showcase 22 artists at Folk Alliance International!

MusicNL is bringing its largest-ever group of artists to FAI, including 5 Francophone artists—another exciting first! Taking place in Montreal next month, FAI is the world’s largest folk music gathering, connecting artists and industry professionals for five days of showcases, networking, and career-building opportunities.

This milestone reflects MusicNL’s investment in exporting Newfoundland and Labrador’s talent to global markets. By showcasing our artists on this international stage, we’re creating pathways for career growth, industry development, and new opportunities that extend far beyond this event.

For more info, follow the link below

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MusicNL x Music Nova Scotia Basic Training

MusicNL is thrilled to partner with Music Nova Scotia to bring their online Basic Training program to MusicNL members—free of charge! This program offers an incredible opportunity to gain essential music industry knowledge and skills. Professional development is a cornerstone of artist success, and we’re excited to support your journey with these expert-led sessions.

Schedule:

• Feb. 3 7:30 PM Business Basics
• Feb. 5 7:30 PM Social Media
• Feb. 10 7:30 PM Streaming
• Feb. 12 7:30 PM Marketing
• Feb. 20 7:30 PM Building Your Team
• Feb. 24 7:30 PM Live Performance
• March 3 7:30 PM Royalties For Master Owners & Musicians
• March 5 7:30 PM Financials
• March 10 7:30 PM Conferencing & Showcasing
• March 12 7:30 PM Royalties for Songwriters
• March 13 7:30 PM Recording
• March 20 7:30PM Funding

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your expertise, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills and gain valuable insights from industry professionals.

This is just one of the many ways MusicNL is working to support our members. Let’s build your success together!

Register for any or all sessions at the link below:

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MusicNL Online Learning Library

We’re so excited to roll out a series of online learning videos—giving you access to valuable insights and expert advice wherever you are!

Kicking off the series are three videos from our 2024 conference, gathering delegates from our Export Buyers Program as they discuss the festival circuit, album release planning, and streaming!

These videos are just the beginning. As we continue to build the Online Learning Library, we’re working towards expanding to include a broad variety of resources—a go-to hub for artists and industry professionals at all levels of their careers.

Check out the first instalment of Online Learning Library content at the link below!

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Office Closure

MusicNL will be moving offices on Friday, November 15.  But don’t worry, we won’t be going far!  Our new HQ will be in the same building (99 Queens Road), and the entrance will be at the corner of Longs Hill and Queens Road.  

We’ll need a bit of office downtime to set up the new space, so we’ll be suspending on-site office hours for the remainder of November.  If you need anything from us during that time period, we’re here by email, and our phone lines will still be working, so please keep in touch.

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November 2024 Artist Development Program Refresh Update

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We Are Listening

In recent weeks there has been a lot of discussion around changes in ECMAs programs and awards.  MusicNL wants to assure its members, and the greater music community of Newfoundland and Labrador that we’ve been listening to all voices contributing to the discussion, and have kept in regular contact with regional MIA and ECMA leadership.

We hope that export activities (both at the 5-day ECMA  event, and year-round), which are a major value proposition for our membership and provincial industry, continue to be a priority in planning and investment for the ECMAs, particularly as the event approaches its return to St John’s for the first time since 2015.

If you have thoughts you would like to share with us, we welcome your voice.   Please feel free to attend one of our upcoming Community Consultation Sessions and/or email us (comms@musicnl.ca)

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Community Consultation Sessions

Music community! Your voice counts – we want your input! 

Our staff and board are working on planning 2025 and will soon develop a new 3-year strategic plan.  We need your help to build these tools! What would you like to see MusicNL offer in the future? How can we remain relevant to the ever-changing needs of Newfoundland and Labrador’s music industry? Are you a member who would like to see more? Are you interested in joining MusicNL, but thinking there’s something more we could offer that would make you REALLY interested? 

MusicNL exists to serve, promote, and celebrate the Newfoundland and Labrador music community, but we can’t do that without hearing from the people we’re here to support. Come join us in an open forum to share your perspective!

Join us for our upcoming in-person or virtual Community Consultation Sessions! There are three sessions:

• Wednesday, November 13, 5:00pm – 7:00pm – Battery Cafe (capacity limited, RSVP before Nov 12)
• Thursday, November 14, 7:00pm – 9:00pm – Virtual 
• Saturday, November 16, 1:00pm – 3:00pm – Virtual 

Please register at the following link by Monday, November 11th. https://form.jotform.com/242967830435060

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Congratulations to all the 2024 MusicNL Award Recipients!

MusicNL celebrated the province’s best and brightest artists and industry at the 2024 MusicNL Awards Gala, which took place at the St. John’s Convention Centre on Saturday September 7. The event, hosted by comedian Matt Wright, featured the presentation of 20 awards including Shanneyganock receiving the MusicNL Board of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award. Sensational performances were given by, Ana Luísa Ramos,Valmy, Justin Fancy, Kellie Loder, Liz Fagan Band, Maria Cherwick & Jockey Special, Rachel Cousins, Silver Wolf Band, The Order of the Precious Blood and Shanneyganock. The show also included a special performance by The Modern Saints as a tribute to the late Denis Parker, the founding Executive Director of MusicNL.

Of the awards handed out, Rum Ragged led the way with 3 awards, followed by Ana Luísa Ramos, With Violet, and Kellie Loder with two awards each. Many first-time MusicNL award winners were also celebrated: Iris Trio (Classical Artist of the Year), Summer Bennett (Indigeous Artist of the Year), Adrian House (Jazz Artist of the Year), The Order of the Precious Blood (Loud Artist of the Year), Andrew Rodgers (Rising Star), Len O’Neil (Rising Star) , Hunter Madden (Side Musician of the Year), and Valmy (Solo Artist of the Year). The gala marked the culmination of Music Celebration Week, a 4-day whirlwind of industry development, professional training and export investment that included more than 30 showcase performances, 15 panels and workshops, 340 curated business meetings and 33 awards presentations. Thanks to the investment of provincial and federal funders, MusicNL invited nearly 50 talent buyers, labels and key industry tastemakers to soak up talent and do business with the province’s music industry.  Music Celebration Week, including the MusicNL conference, is an integral part of the growth of the province’s thriving music sector which brings significant economic and cultural impact to Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Congratulations 2024 Award Nominees

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New Music Monday

Do you have new music? Submit to New Music Monday to be featured on MusicNL’s social media and be added to the New Music Monday 2025 playlist! Releases will also be featured in our newsletter.

Please Provide:

1. Artist Name
2. Title of Song/Album/EP
3. Photo of artist OR album artwork
4. Link to music or location on where to purchase
5. short (100 -250 words) about the release
6. Release Date
7. Instagram and Facebook handles

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Newsletter

Click here to stay up to date on all of MusicNL’s latests news, opportunities and events! Do you have news for our newsletter? Email Abigail: comms @ musicnl.ca

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