ECMA website promotes songwriters’ works

It's the ECMA’s mission to foster, develop, promote and celebrate East Coast music and its artists locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

So reads the official mission statement of the East Coast Music Association (ECMA), the regional organization of people in the music industry of Atlantic Canada. This non-profit association is, first and foremost, dedicated to the music of the Maritimes.

Take, for example, the association’s website. “It’s the best way we could think of to attract visitors to our songwriters’ work,” explains Sue Hutchinson, Executive Director for the ECMA. One of the best features – and one that has a lot of folks talking – is the streaming radio section where visitors can listen to an exciting cross section of Atlantic Canada’s finest artists. “We work with Bell Aliant to ensure that we have the most current selection possible and the widest audience possible,” says Hutchinson. “In addition, the website promotes a wide range of activities, such as the annual ECMA conference, which rotates nomadically through each Atlantic province.

“Our artists really appreciate having their music on the site, and of course they truly appreciate the fact that we're completely licensed, so they always get their rightful royalties."

Down the road, artists will also benefit from some excellent e-commerce opportunities that will raise their visibility nationally and internationally. “The ECMA’s mission is commendable,” say Marc Paquette, Assistant Manager, Media, SOCAN, “Websites like theirs will be key to our members’ longevity and their ability to gain valuable exposure.”