Award nominees are selected by juries of industry professionals from the Music Nova Scotia membership. Voting will begin on Monday, September 13 and electronic notices will be sent to all eligible members of Music Nova Scotia, who will vote on the award winners.

The Bell Aliant Entertainer of the Year Award is decided by music fans. Public voting will open on Thursday, September 9 and will close on Thursday, October 7. Music fans can vote for their favorite Nova Scotian entertainer by visiting www.bellaliant.net.

The awards will be handed out during Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week at the Music Nova Scotia Music and Industry Awards Brunch, which will be held on Sunday, November 7 at the Rodd Grand Yarmouth beginning at 11:30am. Awards will also be handed out at the Music Nova Scotia Gala Awards Show, which will take place at the Yarmouth Mariners Centre on Sunday, November 7 beginning at 8:00pm.
Music Nova Scotia Music and Industry Award nominees 2010:

Bell Aliant Entertainer of the Year – Public Vote
Presented by Bell Aliant
Rose Cousins
David Myles 
Dave Gunning
John Campbelljohn
The Stanfields
The Trews

Album of the Year
Presented by MacDonald Chisholm Trask Insurance
Amelia Curran – Hunter, Hunter
Wintersleep – New Inheritors
The Stanfields – Vanguard Of The Young And Reckless
The Trews Acoustic – Friends &Total Strangers
Radio Radio - Belmundo Regal

Alternative Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Presented by Aberdeen Paving
The Town Heroes – Birds And Fear
The Sorrys – Neanderthal Cell Phone
The Stanfields – Vanguard Of The Young And Reckless
Ruth Minnikin and Her Bandwagon – Depend On This
Glory Glory Man United – Zombies!!!

Blues Artist/Group Recording of the Year
The Hupman Bothers – The South Mountain Swamp Rock Opera
John Campbelljohn – Good To Go
Kim Dunn – Take This Hammer
Ken Ward – Living With A Saint
Thom Swift – Blue Sky Day

Country/Bluegrass Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Ashley Condon – Come In From The Cold
The Keats – Good To Be Home
Grassmarket – Port City
Moonshine Ramblers – Moonshine Ramblers
Laura Merrimen – Love Letters For Lonely Hunters

Digital Artist of the Year
Ghettosocks
Jon Bryant
Dave Carroll
The Stanfields
Tanya Davis

DJ of the Year
DJ IV
R$ $mooth
DJ T-Woo
Skratch Bastid
DJ Y-Rush

Female Artist Recording of the Year
Presented by Delta Hotels
Chelsea Nisbett – Anchored Roots
Rose Cousins – The Send Off
Amelia Curran – Hunter, Hunter
Ruth Minnikin and Her Bandwagon – Depend On This
Laura Merrimen – Love Letters For Lonely Hunters

Folk Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Rose Cousins – The Send Off
Amelia Curran – Hunter, Hunter
David Myles – Turn Time Off
Dave Gunning – We’re All Leaving
Kev Corbett – Son Of A Rudderless Boat
Postdata – Postdata

Francophone Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Radio Radio – Belmundo Regal
Joseph Edgar - Y'a un train qui s'en vient...
Simon et Andre – J’l’Essayreng

Group Recording of the Year
Presented by Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant and Brew Pub
Black Moor – The Conquering
Alert The Medic – We, The Weapon
Wintersleep – New Inheritors
The Stanfields – Vanguard Of The Young And Restless
Glory Glory Man United – Zombies!!!

Hip-Hop Recording of the Year
Presented by Coastal Financial
Ghettosocks – Treat Of The Day
The Caravan – Emerald City
Three Sheet – In Circulation
Radio Radio – Belmundo Regal

Inspirational Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Through His Grace – His Story
Chelsea Nisbett – Anchored Roots
Elizabeth Deveau – The True Vine
Jon Bryant – Two Coasts For Comfort
Marko Simmonds – Marko Presents

Jazz/Electro/Acoustic Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Presented by Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill
Daniel Matto – I’m Old Fashioned
Jeff Torbert – This Weather Honest
Swingology – Under Paris Skies
Emmy Alcorn – Unveil
Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews – Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews

Loud Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Presented by Symphony Nova Scotia
Black Moor – The Conquering
Obsydian – The Grotesque Presage
Last Call Chernobyl – Drowning Beneath The Sound Of Change
Big Game Hunt – Goliath

Male Artist Recording of the Year
Presented by Delta Hotels
Ghettosocks – Treat Of The Day
Colin Grant Band – Fun For The Whole Family
David Myles – Turn Time Off
Dave Gunning – We’re All Leaving
Thom Swift – Blue Sky Day

Musician of the Year
Presented by Ticketpro
Jordi Comstock
John Campbelljohn
Keith Mullins
Kim Dunn
Ian Sherwood

Music Video/DVD of the Year
Presented by Atlantic Film Festival
Ghettosocks – Out For Treats
Caledonia – We Are America
The Stanfields – The Dirtiest Drunk
Gypsophilia – Hietzing/Battery Life
The Trews – Highway Of Heroes
Tanya Davis – How To Be Alone

New Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Presented by Grant Thorton
Black Moor – The Conquering
Ria Mae – Between The Bad
The Town Heroes – Birds And Fear
Last Call Chernobyl – Drowning Beneath The Sound Of Change
Jon Bryant – Two Coasts For Comfort
Three Sheet – In Circulation

Pop/Rock Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Presented by Coastal Financial
Alert The Medic – We, The Weapon
Molly Thomason – Through The Static
Dwight Deon – Anthems For The Restless
Wintersleep – New Inheritors
Gloryhound – Leave It Alone

SOCAN Songwriter of the Year
Presented by SOCAN
Rose Cousins
Amelia Curran
David Myles
Dave Gunning
Steve Poltz

Traditional/Roots Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Presented by The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
Colin Grant Band – Fun For The Whole Family
HAWP – Storm And Calm
Fleur Mainville – My Rare One
Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews – Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews

Urban Artist/Group Recording of the Year
Chelsea Nisbett – Anchored Roots
Marko Simmonds – Marko Presents
Gary Beals – The Rebirth Of
Electric City Underground - All Means Necessary

Booking Agent of the Year
Talent Source
Eastern Entertainment
Stephanie Purcell (Limelight Communications Group)
Craig Mercer (The Paragon Theatre)
Troy Arseneault (The Seahorse Tavern)

Community Presenter of the Year
Town of Port Hawkesbury
Little River Folk Society
Cobequid Arts Council
Tunes at Noon

Company of the Year
Presented by East Coast Music Association
Diminished Fifth Records
Marcato Digital Solutions
Sonic Entertainment Group
Jones & Co.
GroundSwell Music

Corporate Sponsor of the Year
Denmark Productions
Molson Canadian
Nu Star Energy
Bell Aliant
Delta Hotels

Educator of the Year
Waye Mason
Bruce Aitken
Jonny Stevens
Keith Mullins
Jim Stewart

Event of the Year
Presented by The Seahorse Tavern
Halifax Pop Explosion
Cape Breton International Drum Fest
Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
In The Dead Of Winter
Riverfest

Industry Professional of the Year
Jonny Stevens
Stephanie Purcell
Kimberly Sinclair
Darren Gallop
Craig Mercer

Manager of the Year
Jason Burns
Adam Lomas
Ian McKinnon
Sheri Jones
Eirinn Fraser
Janesta Boudreau

Media Professional of the Year
Tom Bedell (Q104)
Stephen Cooke (The Chronicle Herald)
Phlis McGregor (CBC Radio)
Sue Carter Flinn (The Coast)
BJ Burke (Q104)

Promoter of the Year
Bruce Aitken
Jeremy McNeil
Sonic Concerts
Craig Mercer
Troy Arseneault

Producer of the Year
Daniel Ledwell
Fred Lavery
Jamie Sparks
Joel Plaskett
Charles Austin

Production Company of the Year
Groundsound
Sound Systems Plus
Christie Lites
Tour Tech East
Advanced Systems

Publicist of the Year
Josh Hogan (Hogan Media Relations)
Wendy Phillips (Phillips Public Relations Ltd.)
Eirinn Fraser (Trisagon Productions)
Matt Charlton (Pigeon Row)

Radio Program of the Year
Halifax is Burning (CKDU)
Route 104 (Q104)
Atlantic Airwaves (CBC)
East Coast Countdown
That East Coast Show (CKBW)

Radio Station of the Year
Presented by Theriault Financial
CKOA-FM The Coast
101.5 The Hawk (CGIO FM)
Q104
Z103.5 The Beat
CKDU
98.9 XFM Antigonish

Recording Studio of the Year
Soundmarket Studios
Lake Wind Sound Studio
Echo Chamber
The Sonic Temple
Codapop

Studio Engineer of the Year
Tim Feswick
Rob Corrigan
Michael Shepherd
Charles Austin
Darren Van Niekerk

Technician of the Year
Dennis Field
Daniel Ledwell
Steve “Snickers” Smith
Ron Anonsen
Carl Gosine

Venue of the Year
Presented by Broken Chord Promotions
The Seahorse Tavern
The Paragon Theatre
Marigold Cultural Centre
The Carleton Music Bar & Grill
The Company House

Visual Artist of the Year
Presented by Argyle Fine Art
Janette Rawding
Daniel Ledwell
Chr!s Sm!th
Nick Brunt
Peter Farmer
Mat Dunlap

Volunteer of the Year
Presented by Sonic Entertainment Group
Josh White
Eirinn Fraser
Emma Lee Stewart
Adriana Afford
Pam Samson

Delegate passes and tickets to the Music Nova Scotia Music and Industry Awards Brunch are now on sale!

Delegate passes are available for $75.00 + convenience fee through www.ticketpro.ca.
*Artists who submitted but were not selected to showcase are entitled to a delegate pass for a special rate of $54. Discounted passes can only be purchased through the Finance Administrator, Lisa Stitt, by calling 902-423-6271 ext 7.

Brunch tickets can be purchased for $19.99 + convenience fee through www.ticketpro.ca.
*Those individuals nominated for an award being given out at the Music and Industry Awards Brunch are entitled to a discounted brunch ticket ($9.99 + convenience fee), which can only be purchased through our Finance Administrator, Lisa Stitt, by calling 902-423-6271 ext 7.

Please note Wintersleep is a separately ticketed event and is not included in the delegate pass. Tickets can be purchased for just $19.99 + convenience fee through www.ticketpro.ca.

For more information on ticketing, please visit click here.

Tickets to the Music Nova Scotia Music and Industry Awards Brunch and delegate passes  are on sale online at www.ticketpro.ca, via phone 1-888-311-9090 or in person at any Ticketpro outlet including:

Yarmouth Mariners Centre Box Office – 31 Cottage St., Yarmouth, NS  (902) 742-2155
City Drug Store – 369 Main St., Yarmouth, NS  (902) 742-3579
Saulnierville Pharmacy – 9999 Highway #1, Saulnierville, NS  (902) 769-0893

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About Nova Scotia Music Week (NSMW):

Now in its 14th year, Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week brings together the music industry and the public for four jam-packed days of performances, music industry conference, international and domestic buyers programs, and the gala awards show. Music Nova Scotia is proud to present Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week 2010. The event will be held in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia from November 4-7, 2010.

About the NSMW 2010 International Conference Buyers:

International Buyers and Conference Panellists
Steve Mayall (UK) – Music Ally (Conference Designers)
Steve Mayall is MusicAlly's mobile expert. He has previously worked as a senior analyst for the Informa Telecoms and Media group focusing on the global mobile media market, where he co-authored the last three annual executive reports on mobile music. Prior to that he worked in business development for the Somethin' Else group where he was involved in developing Europe's first ever music service over early WAP phones, and also worked at the MCPS PRS Alliance providing intelligence on digital music at the end of the nineties

Ryan McCann (UK) – Music Ally
Ryan is both the editor of Sandbox, Music Ally’s specialist digital music marketing publication, and manages Music Ally’s digital marketing activities. Ryan was previously digital marketing coordinator at Rough Trade Records, where he managed a number of successful digital campaigns. As a writer he was responsible for all copy at RoughTradeRecords.com, artist press releases and also worked as a freelance music journalist for The Stool Pigeon. Campaigns Ryan has worked on have included Jarvis Cocker, Antony & the Johnsons, Super Furry Animals, The Hold Steady, The Libertines, My Morning Jacket, Micachu & the Shapes, British Sea Power and more

Peter Jenner (UK) – Sincere Management
After gaining a First Class Honours Degree in Economics at Cambridge University, Peter Jenner became a Lecturer at the London School of Economics at the tender age of twenty-one.   His career in academia lasted four years after which he left to devote his attention to managing an up-and-coming modern music group that had caught his attention. The band's name was Pink Floyd. Jenner then put on a series of free concerts in London's Hyde Park that culminated with The Rolling Stones in 1969. Now, after more than forty years in the music business, the list of clients he has worked with reads like a Who's Who of musical successes. He has managed Tyrannosaurus Rex (fronted by Marc Bolan), helped set up Harvest Records and produced and managed many of its bands - notably Roy Harper, The Edgar Broughton Band and Kevin Ayers.  He then on went to manage and produce Ian Dury and the Blockheads and manage The Clash, The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Michael Franti, Robyn Hitchcock, Eddi Reader and Baaba Maal, amongst others. Currently, Jenner manages Billy Bragg's career and has done so for more than twenty five years. He is President Emeritus of the IMMF, a director of the UK MMF (Music Managers' Forum) and on the advisory board of The Featured Artists Coalition. Jenner has also taken an active role in discussions on future digital music delivery systems and payment to artists, in many countries. He has an overriding interest in securing artists rights and their income from these rights and has spoken frequently and publicly on the subject. In 2006, Jenner courted controversy with a seminal paper and subsequent conference called ‘Beyond the Soundbytes’. Here, he proposed an ‘Access to Music Charge’ that he saw as some small compensation for artists, in addition to removing the attraction of using unauthorised sites in the digital environment (such as Limewire and Pirate Bay). However he accepts that the Control of Copyright is no longer a practical approach and that the challenge has become getting appropriate remuneration for the digital use of music.
Benji Rogers (UK) – Pledge Music
Benji Rogers is an independent musician from London England who has been making his own records since 1999. Through PledgeMusic Benji will be releasing his 5th independent record under the name Marwood. Born in London, but having lived in New York, Los Angeles and Boston Benji has variously worked in television and film, as a camera operator, and audio engineer. He has even run a bar in New York! Benji has been on tour with his band and as a solo artist with relatively few breaks since 2001 in both the US and Europe. With his mother, father and stepfather all having variously been managers, label owners, publishers and musicians, in the music industry he was literally born into it.

Albert Marshall (UK) – Take-Two Interactive Software
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading worldwide publisher, developer and distributor of interactive entertainment software, hardware and accessories. The Company's proprietary brand franchises include Grand Theft Auto, Sid Meier's Civilization®, Max Payne, Midnight Club, Manhunt, Red Dead Revolver, BioShock®, Sid Meier's Railroads!®, Sid Meier's Pirates!™, and Top Spin. Licensed brands include the sports games Major League Baseball® 2K, NBA® 2K, and NHL® 2K.

Henning Ahrens (Germany) – Four Artists Booking
Henning Ahrens started his career into the music industry in 1997 at Blue Star Promotion in Bremen. Within the first two years he used to work as an Assistant for different Booking Managers in the company. When Blue Star Promotion was sold to the DEAG (Deutsche Entertainment AG) in 2000 Carlos Fleischmann, Philipp Styra and Henning Ahrens moved to Ossy Hoppe's office (CoCo Tours) in Frankfurt. After a year they all moved to DEAG headquarter in Berlin. By that time Henning Ahrens already worked as a Junior Booker for Artists like Kylie Minogue, Muse, The Roots, Black Eyed Peas, Erykah Badu, Kosheen and many others.  In 2005 he started working with Four Artists Booking Agentur GmbH in Berlin. Since then he constantly build his own international roster now including acts like Wintersleep, The Courteeners, Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Rich Aucoin, Art vs. Science, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Teitur, Asher Roth, Balkan Beat Box and many others. He does also promote two German artists. Culcha Candela and Sido. Both are signed to Universal Records and have Gold status with their current releases. Four Artists was founded in 2000 by the German Hip Hop pioneers "Die Fantastischen Vier". The company has a very strong national roster containing acts from different genres. The most well known artists are Peter Fox, Seeed, Die Fantastischen Vier, Digitalism, Clueso, Culcha Candela, Sido, Stanfour, and many others.

Marigny Lee (USA) – Summerstage/New York City Parks Foundation
Marigny has worked for City Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization which is the largest presenter of free performing arts in New York City for 8 years.  She has held various positions within CPF (currently as the Artist Relations Manager in the music programming dept) responsible for marketing, production and programming (specifically with Central Park & Citywide SummerStage, CityParks Concerts, and Charlie Parker Jazz Festival). She has also worked in artist management with the likes of the Gypsy Kings, Hugh Masekela, Dr. John, Gogol Bordello, Olu Dara, Cassandra Wilson, etc. with Impact Artist Management.

Steve Savoca (USA) – Head of Digital
Steve Savoca is the global head of digital for the Domino Recording Co. His primary responsibilities involve driving new digital business, developing strategic marketing partnerships and managing the company’s digital infrastructure.  Savoca is a music industry veteran with 14 years of experience in all facets of the business including A&R, project management and sales. But his focus and passion of the last 12 years has been online, where he has helped the evolution of digital marketing and sales. He has held senior roles at celebrated Warner Music imprint, Sire Records, where he started the new media department and at Zomba Label Group, during its teen-pop period. For Zomba’s winning Jive Records division, Savoca developed cutting edge online campaigns for super-star artists, such as Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, R. Kelly, Chris Brown and many others. He played a key role in building the company’s digital commerce business pioneering initiatives with vital retail partners. At Domino, Savoca has secured licenses for the label’s renowned catalogue with market leaders and innovators in digital and mobile commerce, including; Apple, Google, Nokia, eMusic, Napster and many others.

Gregg Boggs (CDN) – Sony Music Canada
Greg Boggs began his career in New York City in the back offices of performing rights organization BMI. For a few years, he bounced between the Writer/Publisher Relations departments of BMI and SESAC, signing various artists from Spoon and Promise Ring to Kid Rock and Creed. He then took up with Time Bomb Recordings (Arista/BMG) as East Coast A&R, where he signed Canadian artist Starling. In 2000, Boggs joined the A&R department at Columbia Records in New York City, where he worked with Lost Prophets, Acceptance, Aqualung, & Robi Rosa, among others. Since early 2006, Boggs has held the position of Head of A&R for SonyBMG Canada (now Sony Music Entertainment Canada). Since taking over A&R duties for Sony Canada’s domestic roster, his signings include ill Scarlett, Ash Koley (whose debut album will be released this spring), and Crash Parallel. Boggs holds a Marketing degree from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. He is currently based in Toronto.

Suze Casey (CDN) – Calgary Folk Club
Suze is the artistic director for the Calgary Folk Club. The Calgary Folk Club is the largest folk club in Canada, now in its 39th season. Suze books top talent from Calgary and from around the world.  Besides being an exceptional place to play, it is also a good place to listen to music. There is no bar service during performances so the focus remains on the music. And it has grown into a social event. People have sat at the same tables with the same people for years. Some bring their own food and they decorate their tables at Christmas. And as with most folk clubs, it would cease to exist without the volunteers. It started with the wives and families of the band members, but grew in numbers and professionalism. Suze first attended as an audience member in 1978 and started by stacking chairs at the end of the night. "We've built a community," she says. "It's become more than the music. It's a place like the world should be, when you're here." Casey, a former schoolteacher, now works professionally in music. She learned her trade at the club. Past legendary performances include Stan Rogers, Rita MacNeil, Tom Paxton and Odetta.

Kieran Hanrahan (Ireland) – Temple Bar Trad Festival
Kieran Hanrahan is an Irish radio host and high profile musician, born in Ennis, Co. Clare. He began playing traditional Irish music on the tenor banjo at the age of fourteen, and had won the All-Ireland banjo championship by the time he was eighteen.  Over the years, Kieran has helped found a number of traditional bands, including Inchiquin, Stockton's Wing, and the Templehouse Ceili Band.
Kieran has hosted radio programs for the Irish national broadcaster RTÉ since 1991. Currently he hosts Céilí House, the anchor radio program on traditional Irish music aired weekly in Ireland on RTÉ Radio1.
In April 2009, Kieran was appointed Temple Bar Trad Festival programmer. Each year Temple Bar comes alive a series of festival concerts and a rich line up of musical performances, workshops, high quality street theatre, family events and much more in a celebration of traditional Irish music and culture. The 2009 festival featured such luminaries, as Kevin, Seamus and Paddy Glackin, Solas, Moya Brennan, Paddy Keenan, the Tulla Ceil Band and many other renowned artists. The Temple Bar TradFest 2010 will run from 27th-31st January. Now in its fifth year the festival will hope to build on its previous success. Having won the coveted title of “Best Traditional Music Festival” in the 2008 Irish Festival Awards the sky is the limit as far as festival organisers are concerned. The 2009 Trad Festival was organised by TASCQ and sponsored by Bushmills and Dublin City Council.

Cillian Stewart (Ireland) – Castlepalooza/Cherrycool Promotions
Cillian Stewart, Managing Director of Cherrycool Promotions, leapt from his successful post in sales at Newstalk radio station after seeing a gap in the Irish music market. He created the Castlepalooza Music & Arts Festival in August 2006 as an alternative choice for music fans - the beginning of four popular years of entertainment at the enchanting Charleville Castle, Tullamore, IRELAND. As Castle Palooza Festival Director, Cillian has staged bands from the legendary Sister Sledge to the more home grown Fight Like Apes, the Blizzards and David Kitt & this year sees Mercury Rev headline. He's championed new innovations in the Irish festival scene & continues his ambition to create the perfect festival. In 2007, Cillian created the Irish Festival Awards for Irish people to cast their vote on the events in the Irish music calendar. Castlepalooza is always excluded but has already being nominated twice in the UK Festival Awards for 'Best European Festival'. 2009 also saw it being nominated in the European Festival Awards for ‘Best Small Festival’. Instead of relaxing in his spare time, he enjoys running - but no, not the flat kind, Mountain Running is where it’s at!

Delegate pass rate: $90.00 per night plus HST

For bookings, contact:

Rodd Grand Yarmouth
902.742.2446
1-800-565-7633 
http://www.rodd-hotels.ca/ourhotels/ns/roddgrand/index.asp

If you still want the preferred rate, but want to stay a short walk from the main centre of action, book now at The Rodd Colony Harbour Inn.

For bookings, contact:

Rodd Colony Harbour Inn
http://www.roddhotelsandresorts.com/ourhotels/ns/colonyinn/index.asp
902.742.9194
Fax: 902.742.6291

For more information on accommodations, go to http://www.yarmouthandacadianshores.com/where-to-stay/

Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week will also expand its successful International and Domestic Buyers Program, linking musicians with venue managers, booking agents and event producers.  The Bringin’ It Home program will draw 24 Nova Scotian venue presenters who will be looking to block book for the 2010-2011 season.  Music Nova Scotia will also be attracting local festival and event presenters, as well as university and college buyers.  Our international buyers will largely come from the US, UK and Irish markets.

Conference delegate passes will be $75 (plus service fee), available on May 15 through Ticketpro.  Delegates will be given all-access to the conference, regular showcases and late night venue.  Showcasing artists will automatically be given a delegate pass.

- 30 –

About Nova Scotia Music Week (NSMW):

Now in its 14th year, Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week brings together the music industry and the public for four jam-packed days of performances, music industry conference, international and domestic buyers programs, and the gala awards show. Music Nova Scotia is proud to present Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week 2010. The event will be held in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia from November 4-7, 2010.

About the NSMW 2010 Conference:

#1 Bands, Fans, and Brands

The Bands, Fans, and Brands track will focus how to monetize your content in the digital age. Topics of discussion will include new ways to license your music (new media, video games, advertising, and film/television), how to attract and engage audiences in the digital era, new ways to monetize the live show, and how artists and brands can innovatively join forces to create and strengthen brand awareness and raise artists’ visibility.

#2 Managers, Agents, and Labels

Track #2 of The New Music Experience conference brings together influential local, regional, national, and international managers, agents, and labels face-to-face to discuss new opportunities and challenges to develop an artists’ career through digital and social media platforms and how their roles are evolving in this context.

#3 Measuring ROI – Public and Private Investment in the Music Sector

Corporations no longer “sponsor” cultural events for the warm and fuzzies. They seek meaningful marketing partnerships with organizations that can increase their bottom line. Governments are facing more and more scrutiny from their constituents as they demand more accountability and transparency in the spending of tax dollars.

Track #3 is designed to provide essential insight and discussion on the new models of partnerships, both public and private, that require measuring tangible results to justify investment. ROI is becoming the most important component to securing funding and cultural industries must now be equipped with the appropriate tools to do so. Otherwise, your funding and business will face serious risks.

For further information, please contact:
Laura Simpson
Communications and Membership Coordinator
Music Nova Scotia
(902) 423-6271 ext #2
(902) 423-8841 Fax
1-888-343-6426 Toll Free
GMT -4
302-5516 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 1G6
laura@musicnovascotia.ca
www.musicnovascotia.ca

Last year, Yarmouth and its accommodations received nearly 700 conference delegates and opened its music venues to thousands of fans.  Using figures and indicators provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, it is estimated that over $620,000 was generated in revenue in the host community by attending delegates and the local public. An additional $60,000 was spent directly by Music Nova Scotia on local goods and services.  Artists earned more than $300,000 from business created at the festival.  This makes Nova Scotia Music Week a million-dollar event.

“We’re just thrilled to be able to host it again this year,” said Karen MacKay, General Manager of the Rodd Grand, host hotel of Nova Scotia Music Week 2009.  “This has been one of the best events we’ve ever had.  It’s huge for the tourism factor and it’s huge for even the gas stations in town to have all these people in our communities.  Anytime of the year is great, but November is perfect because it’s one of the slowest months. This is the brightest piece of news we’ve had in a long time…since last November!”

Laura Muise is the General Manager of Rudder’s Restaurant, a music venue during Nova Scotia Music Week 2009.  She also was delighted with the announcement.

“It means a lot to the businesses in Yarmouth.  The mood has been very sad since we’ve been dealing with the loss of the ferry link.  So to hear this news is just fabulous.” 

Music Nova Scotia’s Executive Director Scott Long said last year’s Nova Scotia Music Week in Yarmouth was the most successful to date. 

“Nova Scotia Music Week is becoming not just a great celebration for fans and musicians, but a serious place to do business. This year, we will be expanding our lucrative international buyers program and making this a truly global event.” 

The host location was selected after an open call for submissions.  After review, Yarmouth demonstrated the best infrastructure and readiness to host the four-day event this year.

-30-

About Music Nova Scotia: Music Nova Scotia (MNS) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1989 with a mandate to encourage the creation, development, growth and promotion of Nova Scotia’s music industry. Through communication, education, promotion and advocacy, MNS continues to be a leader in the music industry and is recognized as the official voice of the Nova Scotia music sector.

About Nova Scotia Music Week: After ten years in Halifax, Nova Scotia Music Week went on the road to Liverpool in 2006. In 2007 the event returned to Liverpool, then travelled to Pictou County in 2008, and last year the festival and conference took place in Yarmouth, November 5-8.  In 2009, Music Nova Scotia presented 66 showcasing performances on 5 stages.  It also ran an international buyers program and a two-day conference with international speakers. 2010 will be the 14th year for Nova Scotia Music Week. 

For more information, please contact:
Laura Simpson
Communications and Membership Coordinator
Music Nova Scotia
(902) 423-6271 ext #2
(902) 423-8841 Fax
1-888-343-6426 Toll Free GMT -4
302-5516 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 1G6
laura@musicnovascotia.ca
www.musicnovascotia.ca