Wintersleep was the big winner at the 2020 East Coast Music Awards, taking home four honours, including Song of the Year for “Beneficiary.” Former Hey Rosetta! leader Tim Baker earned three, and The East Pointers garnered two, including Songwriter of the Year. Dave Sampson and Florian Hoefner also earned two trophies apiece.

Performers on the pre-recorded, two-hour, televised broadcast of the gala show on Saturday, July 11, included Matt Mays, Damhnait  Doyle, Tim Baker, Neon Dreams, Shanneyganock, Rose Cousins, and Wintersleep. The re-scheduled show followed the cancellation of the 32nd  annual edition of event – originally scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 03 – due to COVID-19. Nine awards were given away on the show, while the rest were announced the day before, on Friday, June 10, via the East Coast Music Association’s social media channels.

As part of the show, six-time East Coast Music Award (ECMA) winner and legendary songwriter Ron Hynes, of Newfoundland, was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, five years after his death. His nephew, Joel Hynes, accepted the award on his behalf, and also performed with Glenn Simmons, Shaye, Colleen Power, and Lennie Gallant in a tribute, with a backing band that included former Wonderful Grand Band member Sandy Morris.

For a complete list of ECMA 2020 winners, click here and scroll down.