As I watched the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA) on CBC Television tonight, it occurred to me that I should put together an ECMA themed session of Acts of Volition Radio. Then it occurred to me that I’ve already played most of the songs that such a session would include.

• Gordie Sampson won five ECMAs last night. I played his song, Sunburn, which he played last night and for which he won Songwritter of the Year in Session 15.
• The Trews won Group of the Year and performed with Big Sugar singer/guitarist Gordie Johnson, who produced their record. I played their song Tired of Waiting in Session 13.
• Joel Plaskett performed and won Rock recording of the Year. I played his song Work Out Fine from the winning record, Truthfully Truthfully in Session 10. I also played a song by Joel Plaskett’s old band, Thrush Hermit in that session. Thrush Hermit were nominated for Alternative Recording of the Year in 1995.
• I’ve also played quite a few former ECMA winners:
  • I played Sandbox in Session 16 and Session 4. They were nominated in 1996 for Album of the Year (Bionic) and Song of the Year (Curious – played in Session 16).
  • Sloan wasn’t up for anything this year, but Chris Murphy introduced his old friend Joel Plaskett. Since 1993, Sloan has won 5 ECMAs and have had 31 nominations. Sloan are featured in Session 11, Session 3, and Session 2.
  • Matt Mays, who I played in Session 7 was also not up for anything this year, but had 6 nominations and won New Artist of the Year in 2004.
  • The Inbreds, played in Session 10 were nominated for Alternative Recording of the Year in 1998.
  • Buck 65, featured in Session 9, has had four nominations and won Urban Recording of the Year in 2003 and Alternative Recording of the Year in 2004.
  • Eyes for Telescopes were nominated for Alternative Recording of the Year in 2003 and 2004 Session 3. This session also included The Rude Mechanicals, who haven’t had any nominations (yet), but have played at ECMA showcases.

One band I haven’t played yet, but will probably include in my next session is Mir. They have had three ECMA nominations and did a fantastic performance at last night’s ECMAs. Also, Tim Chaisson, who’s track I played in Session 12, hasn’t won any ECMAs yet. I’d be willing to bet that he’ll have a mantle full of them in a few years.