Five multiple award winners at 2012 East Coast Music Awards in New Brunswick

MONCTON, N.B. – There were five multiple award winners at this year’s East Coast Music Awards, with Fredericton-born David Myles capturing both the song of the year and songwriter of the year honours for “Simple Pleasures.”

“This is a sweet surprise and an amazing category,” Myles said after picking up best song prize at the awards ceremony in Moncton, N.B.

“In the song, I say ‘Lucky, lucky me,’ and I feel very lucky today.”

The lyrics of the upbeat tune talk about being happy with the things you have, no matter how humble they may be.

Myles also shared credit with hip-hop producer Classified for his work on the song.

“He did a few things to it that really livened the song up and got to the spirit of what I was talking about,” Myles said.

Matt Anderson’s “Coal Mining Blues” earned blues recording of the year and solo recording of the year.

“Seeing the names that are nominated in this category, I’m a huge fan of all these people,” Anderson said. “It’s so great to be around this music industry this week. It’s just like coming home.”

Hey Rosetta!, Keith Mullins and Scott MacMillan also took home two awards each.

BLOU, a high-energy Acadian band from Nova Scotia, captured the coveted fans’ choice entertainer of the year award.

“To all my fans, I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said lead singer Patrice Bouliane.

Jimmy Rankin opened the awards show with his performance of “Here in my Heart” and captured the fans’ choice video of the year award for that song.

“I’m happy to get an award,” Rankin said. “I’m up for eight awards and I’d be a little embarrassed if I didn’t get at least one before the end of the night.”

The awards ceremony capped five days of gigs showcasing regional talent.

The majority of the artist and industry awards were presented during the week, with the final awards reserved for the gala event hosted by Roch Voisine. It was streamed live on the Internet from Casino New Brunswick.

Voisine was presented with the director’s special achievement award.

This year’s gala included a lifetime achievement award for Catherine McKinnon, best known for her version of “Farewell to Nova Scotia” and her regular appearances on the CBC television show Singalong Jubilee in the 1960s and early ’70s.

“I am very humbled by this,” McKinnon said after receiving a standing ovation.

“My mother says that I sang in a high chair and I’m sure I did because as far back as I can remember, music has been my passion.”

“I know it’s a lifetime achievement award but I’m not dead yet.”

McKinnon, 67, proved she still has a lot of energy, leading the audience in a performance of her signature song, and jumping into the air at the end.

Next year’s music week and 25th anniversary awards ceremony will be held in Halifax.

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