Rose Cousins plays at the SOCAN-sponsored songwrters circle during the conference week leading up to the 2011 ECMAs. Cousins later won two ECMA awards, inlcuding the SOCAN-sponsored Songwriter of the Year. (Photo: Pam Samson)

Rose Cousins won the SOCAN-sponsored Songwriter of the Year award, for her song "I Were the Bird," at the 2011 East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs), held April 17 at the Homburg Theatre in the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Cousins also earned a second trophy for Female Solo Recording of the Year, for her album The Send Off.

“Holy crapbags!” a dazzled Cousins exclaimed after winning. “My whole body is vibrating. I grew up watching the ECMAs on TV and seeing performers like Lennie Gallant and Bruce Guthro. It feels like a real place that I’ve come to, it’s been a very amazing journey.”

Other double award winners were The Trews, who took home the Fan’s Choice Video and DVD of the Year awards; Chris Colepaugh and The Crew, who were presented with Entertainer and Rock Recording of the Year honours; David Myles, who picked up Single and Folk Recording of the Year; Matt Andersen, who earned Blues Recording and Male Solo Recording of the Year; and Chelsea Nisbett, who won the Gospel Recording and R&B/Soul Single of the Year.The band Haywire received the Lifetime Achievement Award, with Andersen, Nisbett and Carmen Townsend performing a musical tribute to the group.

For more information about the awards, and a complete list of winners, visit the ECMA website

Dean Brody hosts the songwrters circle. (Photo: Pam Samson)

In addition to sponsoring the Songwriter of the Year award, during the conference week leading up to the awards gala (April 13-17), SOCAN co-hosted an opening reception welcoming delegates; presented an international case study panel on touring Germany, moderated by SOCAN's Rodney Murphy; and sponsored a songwriters’ circle, hosted by Dean Brody and featuring songs and stories from Cousins, Lennie Gallant, Jenn Grant, Bruce Guthro, Brooke Miller and Jessica Rhaye.