ECMAs: Atlantic musicians raise concerns over changes [Video]

The head of the East Coast Music Association says she’s working to address concerns some in the local music community are raising over a slate of recent changes.

ECMA chief executive Blanche Israel says she intends to rebuild trust with members after an online petition emerged last week calling for an explanation of an array of changes that involve the annual East Coast Music Awards and its associated festival.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 580 names had signed a petition on Change.org that said members felt “uneasy and confused” by a lack of clarity and consultation on several matters, including “significant modifications” to the awards application process.

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New awards submission guidelines put less weight on streaming data and ask musicians for a written explanation of why their music should be considered for nomination.

Other changes saw …