Radio ECMA

Chris Batstone sits down with artist manager, Dwayne Marcial, and founder of The Jibfest Weekender, Carter Snow to discuss managing artist expectations on the newest episode of Radio ECMA!

Happy New Year! For Episode 3 of Season 4, we're coming at you with another STARCROSSED episode, where we chat with a veteran artists and an up and coming artist in the same genre. Today we are chatting with pop newcomer, Keeper E, who is just starting to tour but is getting lots of accolades already. Our veteran pop act is no stranger to the scene, Adrian Morris from Neon Dreams is on the podcast today to talk about their new music and their world wide attention. 

Trick or treat yo’self to this months episode of Radio ECMA! Chris Batstone gets heavily into the Halloween spirit with loud artists Thunderor and Botfly. What inspirations do these bands have? How did they get called to the loud side, and where are they going next? We find this out and more in an episode that is so good, it's scary! 

Welcome back to Radio ECMA! This month is submissions month at ECMA. Artists and Industry are invited to submit for the 2023 East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference., avery special 35th anniversary edition of the annual event. So with ECMA membership manager, Anthony Carew, and artists Morgan Toney (CB) and Kierrah (PEI), Chris chats about just going for it. Putting yourself out there and taking the chance. Whether that is with your style, your art, or by hitting that submit button. Tune in! For more information about ECMA submissions, head to ECMA.COM. 

We're bringing you audio from Radio ECMA LIVE!, the live version of our podcast held during the 2022 East Coast Music Awards: Festival & conference. This year coming from beautiful Fredericton, NB. In our second episode host Chris Batstone speaks to artists Richie Young and DeeDee Austin. 

We're bringing you audio from Radio ECMA LIVE!, the live version of our podcast held during the 2022 East Coast Music Awards: Festival & conference. This year coming from beautiful Fredericton, NB. Today's episode is clips from our Indigenous Artist Feature on Saturday, May 7. Host Chris Batstone speaks to Chief Polchies of St Mary's First Nation, as well as artists K.U.$.H and M3D14.

We’re back with another Starcrossed Series episode and this week it’s all about the Future of Folk! Host Chris Batstone sits down with veteran folk artist Alan Doyle (NL) and rising sibling singer-songwriters The Gilberts (NS). Alan Doyle talks about his new album, Here, Tonight (Live), shares his thoughtful piece of advice for emerging artists, and emphasizes the importance of enjoying every moment. While on the other end, The Gilberts discuss their musical upbringing, how east coast artists influence them today, and their take on how the internet is one of the most powerful tools for an artist these days. An episode full of great advice for all listeners.We’re Gonna Love Tonight - Alan DoyleNot Always - The GilbertsAlan DoyleFacebookTwitterInstagramThe GilbertsFacebookTwitterInstagramChris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

Happy International Women’s Day! In this week’s episode, host Chris Batstone sits down with country singer/songwriter Mallory Johnson (NL) and R&B artist Jody Upshaw (NS) to chat about how we can #BreaktheBias. The two discuss their respective experiences as young women within the Atlantic Canadian music industry, how it influences their art, and how they feel they can serve as role models to other females. Mallory chats about the story behind “Wise Woman”, and Jody shares how her song became recently featured on HBO’s Euphoria. An honest and inspiring episode for all.Featured songs:“Wise Woman” Mallory Johnson“Evil” Jody UpshawMallory JohnsonFacebookTwitterInstagramJody UpshawFacebookTwitterInstagramChris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

Introducing our Starcrossed series, where we chat with an artist veteran and an emerging artist within the same genre! In this week’s episode, it’s all about R&B. Host Chris Batstone sits down with established JUNO-Award winner JRDN (Nova Scotia) and rising singer-songwriter Ife Alaba (Newfoundland). JRDN discusses his various early influences that shaped him to be the R&B musician he is today, while Ife Alaba touches upon her upbringing, and what led her from Nigeria to South Africa and all the way to Memorial University.Featured songs:“Mrs. Right Now” JRDN“Go Slow” Ife AlabaJDRNFacebookTwitterInstagramIfe AlabaFacebookTwitterInstagramChris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

Tune into the debut episode of a brand new season! Host Chris Batstone chats with R&B singer/songwriter Alfie (Nova Scotia) and Side Door’s CEO and co-founder Laura Simpson (Nova Scotia). With an emphasis on building community both on and off the screen, Alfie discusses how a move to Toronto has inspired him to begin establishing an “incubator” of artist collaborations in the East Coast, while Laura shares what inspired her to create a platform for artists, hosts, and audiences alike to collaborate anytime, anywhere for sake of live entertainment. Looking to learn more about Side Door? Visit www.sidedooraccess.com.Featured Songs:“Options” Alfie“Troubled Mind” Dan Mangan Alfie:TwitterInstagramFacebookSide Door (Laura Simpson):TwitterInstagramFacebookChris BatstoneTwitterInstagram FacebookECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode, host Chris Batstone talks about the STATE OF THE BLUES in Atlantic Canada with musician Jon Hines and East Coast Blues Society (ECBS) Executive Director Cathy Prothro. A small but mighty community, Blues has a strong and rich history. Everywhere you go, across Canada and the world, there is a Blues Venue and a host of musicians and fans to go along with. Chris finds out why Blues is so strong and what ECBS is doing to keep that going. A big thank you to Radio ECMA sponsor, TD, for supporting this episode. Chris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagramJon HinesFacebookInstagramEast Coast Blues SocietyFacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode, host Chris Batstone talks with licensed clinical therapist and social worker Errin Williams. Exploring the importance of mental wellness, specifically within the music industry, they cover topics such as loneliness, addictions, and the glorification of the “tortured artist”. Errin highlights her experience of working in the industry for many years and how she is working with ECMA to present the ECMA Wellness Initiative. To learn more about the ECMA Wellness Initiative, or to reach out to Errin Williams, please visit https://www.ecma.com/health-wellness/ . The "Help From My Friends" Peer Support Program is a  project proudly funded by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.https://www.mentalhealthns.ca/Chris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

This week’s episode is an artist roundtable on submissions! Host Chris Batstone chats with Mallory Johnson (NL), Emilie Landry (NB), Mike Biggar (NB), and Reeny Smith (NS) for an artist’s first-hand experience on the submissions process when applying for showcases, awards, and grants. Tune in for some helpful tips and tricks such as how to write an eye-catching biography, what a first-time applicant’s ‘starter kit’ should entail, and the importance of putting your best foot forward. Plus, tune into a fun trivia round at the end! The 2022 East Coast Music Association’s submissions period opens September 13 at 12PM (ADT) and closes October 8 at 11:59PM (ADT), 2021. Mallory JohnsonFacebookTwitterInstagramÉmilie LandryFacebook TwitterInstagramMike BiggarFacebookTwitterInstagramReeny SmithFacebookTwitterInstagramChris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

This week’s episode is all in the name of love! In an episode celebrating Halifax Pride, host Chris Batstone sits down to chat with guest artists alternative-pop band Good Dear Good (Nova Scotia) and indie-pop musician Burry (Nova Scotia). Discussing their involvement in the biggest 2SLGBTQ+ community pride event in Atlantic Canada, the musicians touch upon what that means to them, as Good Dear Good explains how being queer influences the songwriting process, and their inclusivity at shows. While Burry chats about how being non-binary is an opportunity for songwriting, rather than a pressure, and how their dyslexia effects their art. Feel the love in this celebratory episode!Featured songs:“Guess Again” Good Dear Good“Luna” BurryGood Dear GoodFacebookTwitterInstagramBurryFacebookTwitterInstagramChris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

In this week’s episode, it’s all about Global Music Match (GMM)! Host Chris Batstone sits down to chat with three GMM alumni, Christina Martin (Nova Scotia), SaulPaul (Texas), and Karate Kactus (Newfoundland and Labrador). Having participated in the first edition of GMM just last year, the trio discuss the unique opportunity it provided them amidst a pandemic, the role of being both a tutor and mentor with peers, and why they refer to it as a “social media bootcamp.” All of this and more, get a first-hand look at an artist’s experience during GMM.Featured songs:“Always Reminding” Christina Martin“Just Call” SaulPaul“Shut Up and Say It” Karate KactusChristina MartinFacebookTwitterInstagramSaulPaulFacebookTwitterInstagramKarate KactusFacebookTwitterInstagramChris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

RADIO ECMA S2E5:In this week’s episode, we hear the story of brothers in arms. Host Chris Batstone sits down to chat with recent 2021 ECMA Loud Recording of the Year Nominee, Sonic Detour (NB). This sextet discusses the various ways in which they met (including as childhood friends, a Kijiji ad, and a pawn shop run in), the surprising importance of danceability in their genre, and the role the pandemic played in recording their debut EP. What Chris deems “an excellent episode.” You won’t want to miss out on this one!Featured songs:“Cliche” Sonic Detour“Breathe Out” Sonic DetourSonic DetourFacebookTwitterInstagramChris BatstoneFacebookTwitterInstagram ECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

In this week’s episode, we learn about the heart of an artist. Host Chris Batstone sits down with Wolf Castle, AKA Tristan Grant, to talk about his background in art history, influential artistic family, and his experience growing up in Pabineau First Nation, New Brunswick. Equal parts entertaining and informative, get a glimpse into how this powerhouse isn’t letting anything get in his way of chasing his dreams.Featured Songs:“Welfman” Wolf Castle“Gunna” Wolf CastleWolf CastleTwitterInstagramFacebookChris BatstoneTwitterInstagram FacebookECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

In this week’s episode, we get a closer look at two debuting albums coming out of New Waterford, Cape Breton. Host Chris Batstone sits down to chat with singer-songwriter Rob Murphy (NS) and acoustic sister-duo Hearts of Kin (NS). Murphy discusses the highs and lows of releasing an album in a digital-streaming age, and the perks of living in the flourishing music scene of Cape Breton as a performing artist these days. While on the other end, the McPhee sisters (Hearts of Kin) discuss how their ‘Homegrown’ familial roots helped establish their music career, and their dear-to-heart involvement in community music programming through the Whitney Pier Music Foundation.Featured songs:“Tell Me to Stay (feat. Carmen Townsend)” Rob Murphy“Hijack” Hearts of KinRob MurphyTwitterInstagramFacebookHearts of KinTwitterInstagramFacebookChris BatstoneTwitterInstagram FacebookECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

In this week’s episode, we’re throwing it back to the classics! Host Chris Batstone sits down to chat with two recent ECMA Award nominees, singer/songwriter Moira Bren (NS) and classical pianist Sarah Hagen (PEI). We explore Bren’s rise as a musician, which began with covering songs on Instagram using simply her voice and ukulele, to recording her debut EP in her parent’s bedroom, all the way to Hagen’s well-established career, accrediting the piano as its own force, and what was most memorable while playing at Carnegie Hall (twice). Chris takes a deeper look into a “no frills”, uncomplicated classic music style. Featured songs:“Afraid of Your Heart” Moira Bren“Sonata in G Major, IMM 27: II. Andante” Sarah HagenMoira BrenTwitterInstagramFacebookSarah HagenTwitterInstagramFacebookChris BatstoneTwitterInstagram FacebookECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram

In our Season 2 debut, host Chris Batstone takes a dive deeper beyond the artist’s name you keep hearing by chatting with featured guest Owen “O’Sound” Lee. Sharing his story, Owen discusses his experience establishing a successful career in the Maritimes, notable A-list collaborations (hint: they include Mariah Carey and Drake), and the downtime that has presented itself in recent months to pursue passion projects - while simultaneously caring for five children under the age of eight! About Owen ‘O’Sound’ Lee:Owen ‘O’Sound’ Lee is a musician, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer from Toronto, Ontario. Owen grew up singing in church, and after studying Vocal Performance Jazz at York University he began pursuing music as a full-time career and has been making strides ever since. In 2014, Owen extended his musical reach to the east coast of Canada when he relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is currently the Minister of Music at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Upper Hammonds Plains, the Program Coordinator of the African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA), and the former Musical Director of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir (2014-2019).Featured songs:“LISTEN” Owen ‘O’Sound’ Lee“Love & Dreams” Owen ‘O’Sound’ LeeOwen ‘O’Sound’ Lee:TwitterInstagramFacebookChris BatstoneTwitterInstagram FacebookECMAFacebookTwitterInstagram