Fredericton shone at the 2018 Music NB Awards that took place at Festival 506 from Oct. 25 to 28 in Caraquet, N.B., bringing home a range of awards.
The Capital Complex was voted the best place for live music in the province and was awarded with Venue of the Year.
Zach Atkinson, the Capital’s booking agent, said the complex hasn’t always applied for awards.
“It’s great. In the last couple years we’ve [applied] and this is the first time we’ve been awarded anything, which is awesome especially where it’s our 20th anniversary,” he said.
Capital employee Greg Profit said the building has a history of good music.
“It’s not just any one event,” he said. “The Capital has a history for always having good music so bands turn to it and it’s good reputation.”
One of the Capital’s biggest draws – the band The Hypochondriacs – was the most decorated artist this year. The country-punk group took home honours in four of six nominations for their record In 3/4 including Album of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year.
“It’s pretty spectacular. They have worked really hard the past couple of years to try and get there. The record has really had an impact on people, the live shows are fantastic and I think it’s starting to show across the Maritimes,” Atkinson said.
“They were noted as one of the bands to see at the [East Coast Music Awards] this year too and I just hope they keep on working at it because I can see it growing and growing from here.”
The Hypochondriacs also took home Country Artist of the Year and SOCAN Song of the Year for the record’s title track “3/4.”
Eva George, one of the minds behind Fredericton’s other nominated venue, The Charlotte Street Arts Centre, split the award for Educator of the Year with Sarah Liptay of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.
The mid-winter festival Shivering Songs won Festival of the Year.
The Olympic Symphonium, a group composed of musicians that have played in various acts around Fredericton such as Grand Theft Bus, took home one of three nominations for Group Recording of the Year for their album Beauty In The Tension.
Wangled Teb also took home Electronic Artist of the Year for their latest EP titled Earth, bringing Fredericton’s award haul to nine.
The Music NB awards were handed out to many different genres. The Capital Complex, according to Greg Profit, is a supporter of the variety.
“Fredericton’s music scene has The Capital to thank for giving them such a great consistent venue in the city that promotes all styles of music.”
