Mark your calendars! MusicNL Week returns to St. John’s from Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4, 2026.
New this year: by request of our members, conference sessions will now take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, making it easier to use the weekend to engage fully with the event and its opportunities.
Quick Links:
- Registration & Ticket Pricing
- Showcases and Performances
- Buy Your Wristband Here
- MusicNL Conference
- MusicNL Export Program
- 2026 MusicNL Awards – Gala & Industry
- 2026 MusicNL Award Nominees
- Volunteer with MusicNL Week
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Become a Sponsor
AND THE NOMINEES ARE…
Alternative Artist of the Year
Claire Porter
Liz Fagan Band
Mark Bragg
Rev Dave and the Sin Eaters
The Proper Things
WEKU
Artist Manager of the Year
Jeff Sheppard
Linda Hickey
Matt Dines
Classical Artist of the Year
Alan Klaus
Rob Power
Robert Humber
Country Artist of the Year
Carolina East
James Cutler
Jason Benoit
Josh Janes
Justin Fancy
Paige Penney
Electronic Artist of the Year
DOEUX
Feminotica
Jay Mach
Medians
potem
Shieldeater
Event of the Year
Bloom United in Music
Newfound Music Festival
Opera on the Avalon’s Fall Festival
Showcase on Da Rock
Theatre Hill Jazz Jam
Folk Artist of the Year
Becca Bartlett
Colleen Power
Evan AuCoin
Mallory Johnson
Matthew Byrne
Rachel Cousins
Silver Wolf Band
Global Music Artist of the Year
Ana Luisa Ramos
Nana Kwame Obese
WEKU
Zay Nova
Graphic Artist of the Year
Halfcase
Scott Sheppard
Tara Thompson
Group of the Year
Liz Fagan Band
Port-Aux-Poutines
Silver Wolf Band
The Irish Descendants
The Proper Things
With Violet
Indigenous Artist of the Year
Elizabeth Sheppard
James Cutler
Silver Wolf Band
Industry Professional of the Year
Debbie Brown
Matt Dines
Meghan Herder
Mike McDonald
Robert Buck
Rozalind MacPhail
Instrumental Artist of the Year
Ben Diamond
Bill Brennan and Andy McNeill
Elder Caius
Ian Foster
The Ames Window
Wade Tarling
International Touring Artist of the Year
Ana & Eric
Ben Diamond
Port-Aux-Poutines
Jazz Artist of the Year
Andrew Gosse
Beep Bop
Duane Andrews
L’Artiste Francophone de L’Année
Adrian House
Colleen Power
daisy jay
Liz Fagan Band
Loud Artist of the Year
DAHLIA
IRØNVEIL
Sea Dogs
Yes, Officer
Media Person of the Year
Presented by Ray Agency
Alyssa Crocker
Heather Barrett
Zach Snow
Music Educator of the Year
Presented by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
Ben Chapman-Smith Music
Ben Diamond
Dr. Dylan Maddix
Emily Martin
Port-Aux-Poutines
Rozalind MacPhail
Music Video of the Year
Adrian House – “Noël Noël”
Director: Adrian House
Editor, Producer: Noah Bender
Director of Photography: Noah Bender
Participants: Adrian House, Julien Bouchard, Axel Belgarde, Jenna Maloney, Kristen English, Mariève Therriault, Chris Driedzic, Laura Penney
Ana Luisa Ramos – “Clareia”
Director and Video Editing: Eric Taylor Escudero
Camera and Directors of Photography: Michelle Lacour, David Eguiguren
Stage Design: Bruno Vinhas
Produced by: Ana Pitol
Becca Bartlett – “Cicadas”
Directed by: James Newhook and Becca Bartlett
Edited and Produced by: Cesar Espinosa and James Newhook
Director of Photography: James Newhook
Color Graded by: Cesar Espinosa
Starring: Emma Beach, Makailla Palliyaguru, Maeggan Palliyaguru and Breanna Lynch
Bill Brennan and Andy McNeill – “Tunnels of Light”
Director: Bruce Alcock
Editor, Producer: Bruce Alcock
Design, Direction, and Animation: Bruce Alcock
mosthated – “Midsummer”
Director, Editor, and Director of Photography: Adam Martin
Rachel Cousins – “To Fail”
Director: Stephen Green
Producer: Stephen Green
Editor: Brad Tulk
Set and Creative Design: Hilda Cousins & Rachel Cousins
The Ennis Sisters – “Wildfire”
Director: Cecil Johnson
Producer: Cheryl Hickman
Director of Photography: David Howells
Editor: Maïka Hearson
Outstanding Company of the Year
Atlantic Music & Merch
Making Music Academy Inc
NARA Community
Opera on the Avalon
Spectrum Queer Choir, Inc.
The Citadel House
Pop Artist of the Year
H.A.G.S.
Judith
Julia Dawson
With Violet
Rap / Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Albert Dalton
Janet Cull & Decay
mosthated
Recording Engineer/Producer of the Year
Ben Chapman-Smith Music
Bill Brennan
Dean Stairs
Louis McDonald
Matt Dines
Mike McDonald
Rising Star of the Year
Beep Bop
Feminotica
Judith
Julia Dawson
Nana Kwame Obese
The Way East
WEKU
Rock Artist of the Year
Presented by George Street Association
George Morgan
MADELINE
Matthew Hare
The Way East
Tobirus
Zay Nova
Side Musician of the Year
Adam Baxter
Jacob Earle
Jamie Moran
Wade Tarling
Solo Artist of the Year
Ben Diamond
Claire Porter
Ian Foster
MADELINE
Mallory Johnson
Paige Penney
Songwriter of the Year (Non Performer)
Amelia Curran
Daniel Adams
Peter Daniel Newman
Sound on Screen of the Year
Adam Foran
Andrew Gosse
Darcy Scott
Traditional Artist of the Year
Kitchinparti
Roblo’s Rock
The Irish Descendants
Venue of the Year
City of St. John’s – Downtown Pedestrian Mall
Olde House Shows
The Battery Café
The Majestic Theatre
The Ship Pub
Trinity Hall Inc
Volunteer of the Year
Alick Tsui and Christopher Deacon
Glenn Pardy
“MK Sisters Productions” (Lydia, Lina and Rosemary Makaga)
Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year
Becca Bartlett
Evan AuCoin
Mallory Johnson
Port-Aux-Poutines
Rachel Cousins
With Violet
Yes, Officer
Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year
Presented by VOCM
Josh Janes
Justin Fancy
Kitchinparti
Mackenzie Critch
Mallory Johnson
Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts
Port-Aux-Poutines
Rachel Cousins
The Ennis Sisters
The Irish Descendants
With Violet
Album of the Year
Bill Brennan and Andy McNeill – Dreaming in Gamelan
Duane Andrews – Duane Andrews And The Hot Club Of Conception Bay
Matthew Byrne – Stealing Time
Port-Aux-Poutines – Oui B’y
Rachel Cousins – What Hasn’t Killed Me
Robert Humber – into air
Registration and Ticket Pricing
Register for the conference HERE (*Registration also includes a Wristband*)
Buy a wristband for MNLW 2026 HERE
RSVP for the Industry Awards October 2 HERE
| Member | Non–member | |
| Early Bird Conference Registration (until August 14) | $55 | $75 |
| Advance Conference Registration (until September 29) | $70 | $90 |
| On Site Conference Registration (During event – October 1-4) | $90 | $110 |
| MusicNL Industry Awards – Friday, October 2 | Free with advance RSVP | Free with advance RSVP |
| Early Bird Show Wristbands** (until August 14) | $55 | $55 |
| Advance Show Wristbands** (until September 29) | $60 | $60 |
| On Site Show Wristbands** (During event – October 1-4) | $65 | $65 |
| Individual show entry (per venue, per night, at the door only, subject to capacity) | $25 | $25 |
*All prices are subject to processing fees & taxes, except $25 evening show entry (sold at the door, cash or card)
**Wristband offers entry to all public showcases only (excluding the Awards Gala)
Showcase Schedule
Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Ship – (Kick Off Party)
9:00 pm Salt Beef Junkies
9:30 pm Baraka
10:00 pm Rosemary Lawton
10:30 pm KitchinParti
Friday, October 2, 2026
Sheraton
1:30 pm Colleen Power
2:00 pm Nico Paulo
2:30 pm Ian Foster
3:00 pm Summer Bennett
3:30 pm Kelly McMichael
Oíche
8:00 pm Mackenzie Critch
8:30 pm Carolina East
9:00 pm Rev Dave
9:30 pm Midnight Watch
10:00 pm Paige Penney
10:30 pm Justin Fancy
The Black Sheep
8:15 pm Darcy Scott
8:45 pm Ana & Eric
9:15 pm Claire Porter
9:45 pm Duane Andrews
10:15 pm Albert Dalton
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Sheraton
1:30 pm Mary Barry
2:00 pm Matthew Byrne
2:30 pm Port aux Poutines
3:00 pm The Irish Descendants
3:30 pm Hannah Green
Oíche
8:00 pm WEKU
8:30 pm With Violet
9:00 pm Zaynab Wilson
9:30 pm MADELINE
10:00 pm Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts
10:30 pm The Order of the Precious Blood
The Black Sheep
8:15 pm Becca Bartlett
8:45 pm Jordan Coaker
9:15 pm Rube & Rake
9:45 pm Youngtree & Carole Bee
10:15 pm Topanga
10:45 pm Sherman Downey
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Sheraton – (Queer Brunch)
1:00 pm Adrian House
1:30 pm Sherry Ryan
2:00 pm Liz Fagan
2:30 pm Feminotica
3:00 pm Rachel Cousins
The Ship – (Closing Party)
Performers TBD
2026 Performing Artists – MusicNL Week
Listen to MusicNL Week Artists artists via our playlist!:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2IbWL4RzM81paB2FE25X6F
MusicNL Week 2026 Conference – October 1 to 4
Sharpen your skills, expand your network and deepen your knowledge! Over the 4 days of MusicNL week, we’ll have multiple panels, workshops, peer sessions and networking events designed to help attendees grow their network.
Register for conference here.
MusicNL Conference Sessions (all take place at Sheraton unless otherwise noted)
2026 Panel and Workshop Topics
Below is an overview of the panel topics. Stay tuned for more information.
- Grant Me This: A Beginner’s Guide to Music Funding
- Follow the Money: Building a Funding Strategy That Works for You
- You’ve Earned It: Understanding Your Royalties
- Drop Ready: Everything You Need to Know Before You Release
- The Business of Music: What They Don’t Teach You
- What’s Next: Navigating the Next Chapter of Your Career
- Hear It in Action: A Live Sync Demo
- Get in Order: Organizing Your Catalogue for Sync
- Own the Stage: A Hands-On Performance Workshop
- First Impressions: Building a Website and EPK That Open Doors
- Care First: Sustaining Yourself in a Demanding Industry
- Oui, C’est Possible: Navigating the Music Industry en Français
- Make the Ask: How to Land an Opening Slot
- Rock the Rock: Touring Newfoundland and Labrador
- Wired Differently: Thriving in the Music Industry as a Neurodivergent Artist
Returning to MusicNL Week 2026 – Meetings and Headshots!
Take advantage of opportunities to connect one-on-one with industry professionals, explore career development resources, and refresh your promotional materials with professional headshots. More details, participating organizations, and booking information will be announced soon.
Export Program
MusicNL is pleased to present the 2026 Export Program at the MusicNL Conference, and as part of MusicNL Week. The program will feature an array of high-quality showcases, industry conference sessions, the Awards Gala and a boutique Export Development program.
We’re bringing in more than 40 key industry leaders from Canada, Europe and UK, including festival and venue programmers, presenters, booking agents, labels, radio promotions, music supervisors, and industry tastemakers. These invited guests will participate in MusicNL Export Program showcases, one-on-one meetings, daily performances, our Awards Gala and conference sessions to engage with our members and industry. Get your networking on and make instrumental connections at the conference!
As part of the MusicNL Conference Export Program, performing artists and nominees will have the opportunity to request one-on-one meetings with our Export Delegates. The meetings will take place online as part of the lead-up to the MusicNL Conference. To take part in the meetings, eligible participants must be registered for the conference, participate in training and submit requests for export meetings. Wondering if you are eligible to take part? Got questions? Email export@musicnl.ca
Meet the Delegates!
| Name | Role | Company | City & Prov. | Country |
| Andrew Karis | Associate Director | ACTRA-RACS | Toronto, ON | Canada |
| Asha Dillon | Music Supervisor | The Wilders | Toronto, ON | Canada |
| Brendan McCarthy | Artist and Marketing Manager | Why and How | London | United Kingdom |
| Chris Robinson | Music Supervisor | Brain Power Studio | Newmarket, ON | Canada |
| Darren Eedens | Booking agent | Strada Music Agency | Wales | United Kingdom |
| Fabienne Christophle | Coordonnatrice Réseau culturel francophone | Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador | St. John’s, NL | Canada |
| Jo Cottrell | General Manager | Rural Touring Scheme | London | United Kingdom |
| Kerri Stephens | Artistic Director and Artist Manager | Festival Boreale – Lost Cat Artists | Sudbury, ON | Canada |
| Leo Benton | Booking Agent | Atonal Agency | Brighton | United Kingdom |
| Leonard Podolak | Co-Artistic/Executive Director | Home Routes | Winnipeg, MB | Canada |
| Liana White | Executive Director | Canadian Federation of Musicians | Toronto, ON | Canada |
| Lisa Gleave | Director of Operations & Programs | Atlantic Presenters Association | Rose Bay, NS | Canada |
| Louis Robitaille | Programming chair | Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival | Lunenburg, NS | Canada |
| Pete Quinton | CEO | Mighty Quinton and Churchill Park Music Festival | St. John’s, NL | Canada |
| Sarah Coxson | Booking Agent | Alan Bearman Music | London | United Kingdom |
| Spencer Shewen | Artistic Director | Mariposa Folk Festival | Mariposa, ON | Canada |
| Steve Martin | Executive Director | Nl Promotions/RecNL | Mount Pearl, NL | Canada |
| Steve Payne | Copyright & Royalties Manager | CCS Rights Management – Daytripper Songs | St. John’s, NL | Canada |
| Tyson Boyd | Director & Talent Buyer | Concertworks | Edmonton | Canada |
| Vince Digiorgio | Publisher | CYMBA Music | Toronto, ON | Canada |
Awards
2026 MusicNL Awards Gala
Join us for the MusicNL Awards Gala, the biggest night for music in our province! The evening will kick off with a dazzling red carpet event, open to all Gala ticket holders. Performances by 2026 MusicNL Award nominees include The Irish Descendants, Mallory Johnson, Mark Bragg and The Butchers, and Rachel Cousins, with more to be announced soon. Come celebrate the best of our province, and see tomorrow’s stars today. Get your tickets now! Available here, as of July 31, 2026 at 12pm NT. https://tixr.com/e/201219
Red carpet starts at 5:30 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm. St. John’s Convention Centre.
2026 MusicNL Industry Awards
The 2026 MusicNL Industry Awards will take place at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland on Friday, October 2 with an industry networking reception starting at 5:30 pm and the Industry Awards Ceremony at 7:00 pm.
Join us for an evening dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the ingenuity, dedication, creativity, and perseverance of those working behind the scenes in the music industry. More than 10 awards will be handed out to individuals whose hard work helps make music happen!
Admission is free for MusicNL members, MusicNL Conference registrants, and MusicNL Award nominees, but you must RSVP (see below).
HOW TO RSVP FOR INDUSTRY AWARDS
If you’re registering for the MusicNL Conference: You will be asked to RSVP as part of the conference registration process.
If you want to attend ONLY the Industry Awards (not the conference): RSVP here.
Volunteer for MusicNL Week
Join our Volunteer Team at MusicNL week! Volunteers have access to showcases, conference sessions, and more (subject to capacity).
To register, please sign up here for volunteer roles such as: Door Person, Merchandise Seller, Registration, Conference Monitor, Driver, Photography, Social Media, Sponsorship, and more!
Perks:
- One (1) free conference registration (including wristband for all shows)
- Network with artist and industry professionals
- Discover new music
- Work with awesome people!
MusicNL Week FAQs
Conference Hotel
How can I book my own hotel stay for the conference?
Our partner, the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, offers rooms for the special rate of 219.00 CAD per night – Last Day to Book : August 31, 2026
Guests wishing to book dates pre and post will be required to contact the reservations department directly via email at reservations@sheratonhotelnewfoundland.com dates pre and post are based on availability and must be booked by an agent onsite.
Conference Registration
What’s included in the conference registration?
- All panels, showcases, networking (and more) at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland
- One wristband for all shows from October 1 to 4 at the Ship, the Black Sheep, Oiche, and Sheraton (excluding the Awards Gala)
Where do I pick up my conference badge and wristband?
At the Sheraton Conference Registration Table
Thursday, October 1 from 2pm to 7pm
Friday, October 2 from 9am to 5pm
Saturday, October 3 from 9am to 5pm
Sunday, October 4 from 9am to 2pm
Note: Conference Badges will be required for all conference sessions, meetings and networking at the Sheraton
My bandmates are not here. Can I pick up their badge and wristband?
- Yes, you can pick up for your bandmates, or colleagues, just sign the registration envelope with your name and phone number.
Show Wristbands and Tickets
What does a Show Wristband include?
- All public shows (excluding the Awards Gala) from October 1 to 4 at the Ship, Black Sheep, Oiche and Sheraton (including daytime shows)
- The Closing Party at The Ship (Sunday)
- Perfect for music lovers and fans!
- Subject to capacity
Where can I pick up my wristband?
- Sheraton Hotel – registration desk (near ballroom, to the left of the hotel desk)
- At the Sheraton Conference Registration Table
Thursday, October 1 from 2pm to 7pm
Friday, October 2 from 9am to 5pm
Saturday, October 3 from 9am to 5pm
Sunday, October 4 from 9am to 2pm
- At the Sheraton Conference Registration Table
- At the door of show venues (Oiche, Black Sheep & The Ship) see schedule here
Can I attend a show without a wristband?
- Yes – Entry to all evening shows is available for $25, at The Ship, The Black Sheep and the Oiche, ($25 per venue, per show, *only* at the door, cash or card). Not including Awards Gala. Subject to capacity.
Showcasing Artists
Where can I find the exact time of performance?
- The exact showcase times are on our website here.
When is my soundcheck?
- You should have received an email with this information by August 31, 2026. Please search your inbox.
Can I add someone to the guest list?
- No, unfortunately we can’t offer a guest list for these performances. Tickets are available for $25 at the door, cash or card.
Can I sell merch at a show?
- You are more than welcome to set up your own merch table, but we do not have staff or volunteers to support sales.
- Merch sales at Sheraton showcases are not possible.
Awards Gala
Where do I pick up my Awards Gala tickets?
- The tickets are sent by email. Unless you visit the convention center box office and request one, you will not have a physical ticket
What time is the Awards Gala?
- Doors and red carpet (open to all attendees) are at 5:30pm. Bar will be open.
- The Awards Gala show begins at 7:30pm
Is the Awards Gala an all ages event?
- Yes! The Awards Gala is an all ages event. Everyone is welcome!
Export Program
Can I sign up for one-one meetings?
- If you are a showcasing export artist, you should have received a one-one meeting request, and your meetings will be assigned to you.
- If you are not a showcasing export artist, and did not receive a sign-up invitation, you can contact export@musicnl.ca
When is my performance?
- You should have received an email with this information as part of your contract. Please search your inbox for an email from Musicnl.ca.
How long is my performance?
- You should have received an email with this information.. Please search your inbox for an email from Musicnl.ca.
Volunteers
Where do I pick up my badge and wristband?
- Your badge and wristband will be available at the Sheraton Conference Registration Table
At the Sheraton Conference Registration Table
Thursday, October 1 from 2pm to 7pm
Friday, October 2 from 9am to 5pm
Saturday, October 3 from 9am to 5pm
Sunday, October 4 from 9am to 2pm
How will people know that I am a volunteer?
- We will have a button for you to wear, identifying you as a volunteer.
Become a MusicNL Week 2026 Sponsor
MusicNL Week runs October 1–4, 2026 in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador – and we want your brand in the room.
Over four days, nearly 2,000 artists, industry professionals, tastemakers, and music fans come together for showcases, panels, and events that celebrate and advance the NL music industry. With a multi-week promotional campaign leading up to the event, your brand gets sustained visibility – not just a logo on a poster
Why get involved?
Sponsoring MusicNL Week means consistent brand recognition across our platforms, authentic community connection, and direct access to an engaged audience of early adopters from across our province, and reaching into Canada, the EU, and the UK. It’s the kind of exposure paid ads can’t replicate.
Find your perfect fit
- Silver Record — $875 — Company name on a MusicNL Award, logo on promotional materials, 2 VIP passes, Trade Show booth
- Gold Record — $1,600 — Present a named MusicNL Award, newsletter recognition (1,700+ subscribers), 4 VIP passes, Trade Show booth
- Platinum Record — $4,750 — Speaking opportunity at the Awards Gala, logo on website and promotional materials, 6 VIP passes, Trade Show booth
- Diamond Record — $8,000 — Name a MusicNL Week event (Songwriters Circle, Showcases, Afterparty), speaking opportunity, newsletter recognition, 8 VIP passes, Trade Show booth
- Aficionado Program — $10,000 — Our premier patron tier. Exclusive red carpet networking event, VIP front-of-line access, full brand banner on website, exclusive presenter of the MusicNL Awards Show, and much more
Ready to get started?
Reach out to us to learn more or to build a custom package that works for your brand.
We offer five sponsorship tiers designed to match your goals and budget — or we’ll build something custom just for you. Download our investment package here.
Contact us at info@musicnl.ca
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS AND SPONSORS WHO MAKE MUSICNL WEEK POSSIBLE:
