ST. JOHN’S, NL – College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has always been well-represented in the Music Newfoundland and Labrador (MusicNL) awards, and this year is no exception.
With 12 nominations, the CNA contenders could again be poised to win several MusicNL Awards. The names of award nominees for MusicNL Week 2018 were announced at Fred’s Records in St. John’s, NL, and the award winners will be announced October 10-14 in Twillingate, NL.
Topping the list with multiple award nominations is Brad Leriche, an alumnus of both the Music: Performance, Business & Technology, and Sound Recording and Production programs.
Leriche is in the running for four categories
– The Telegram/ Central Voice Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year, Folk/Roots Artist of the Year, The Nickel Music Video of the Year and the Rising Star of the Year
.
“This is so exciting and a great honour,” said LeRiche. “It’s been a crazy year, and I’m excited to keep going towards new opportunities.”
Other nominees include Kellie Loder, a Music: Performance, Business and Technology program alumna. Loder has received three nominations
– The Anchor Inn Female Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, and Ron Hynes SOCAN Songwriter of the Year
.
“It is great feeling to be recognized as a songwriter,” Loder said. “I am looking forward to writing some more songs and keeping going.”
The Combine is a St. John’s-based progressive metal quartet featuring Taylor Roberts, Mike Mercer, Matt Ball and Chris Reid. They are all graduates of the Music: Performance, Business and Technology, and Sound Recording and Production programs.
“This is the third time we have been nominated for MusicNL Awards, and it's always a little surreal when you get to see your name with a lot of talented and successful artists. We have been nominated for Music Video of the Year for
Victory Road,” said Mercer, adding that they are also nominated for Alternative Artist of the Year.
“Our director, James Kean, has done some amazing visuals, so it's nice to see him get some recognition for his talents. We are really just happy to be a part of the community and looking forward to the MusicNL Awards, ceremony in Twillingate in October.”
Mike Moyst (Reggie Morales) received one nomination – Rap/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year. Morales is a graduate of CNA’s Music: Performance, Business & Technology program. Moyst will be soon returning to complete a diploma in Sound Recording & Production to enhance his solo production skill set.
Aaron Bishop is an alumnus of the Graphic Design program, and he is nominated in the category of Graphic Artist of the Year.
Joining the CNA nominees is Michelle Robertson, an instructor of the Music: Performance, Business & Technology, and Sound Recording & Production programs, who received a nomination for Industry Professional of the Year
.
“We are so thrilled to see graduates of these programs nominated for MusicNL Awards,” said Wade Pinhorn, Music: Performance, Business and Technology instructor. “It not only demonstrates the hard work of our students and dedication to their craft is paying off, but also that our programs are very effectively preparing graduates for this vibrant industry."
The MusicNL awards provide an excellent platform to recognize artists and industry professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador. These awards are given out during MusicNL Week, the provincial music industry association’s annual conference and festival, which offers a week of educational sessions that showcases performances and networking.
“Each year, it is so exciting to hear the nominations for MusicNL awards,” said Brenda Tobin, CNA’s Dean of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism. “This year, we are delighted to learn that, along with graduates, one of our faculty members, Michelle Robertson, has also been nominated. The MusicNL awards are an honour, and to be nominated for them represents such a professional accomplishment in the industry. Congratulations to the award nominees and we commend you on your achievements, work ethic and love of what you do!”
For more information on programs offered at CNA, visit www.cna.nl.ca.
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Media Contact:
Minal Abhange
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.7870
minal.abhange@cna.nl.ca