NSMW 2023 | DAY 2 RECAP
WRITTEN BY: KATIE GORDON // PHOTOS BY: MITCHELL JODREY // THE BOOM AT NOON Maggie Andrew performing at NSMW
On the second night of Nova Scotia Music Week (NSMW), more venues opened up, giving us even more music to enjoy. The night showcased a variety of acts, highlighting the talent in Nova Scotia's music scene.
LOGAN EDWARD MACKAY
Halifax’s Logan Edward MacKay made his highly-anticipated debut as a showcasing artist on Friday, also his first performance with his full band. The performance at Rudder's Seafood Restaurant and Brewery drew a full house of enthusiastic attendees. In addition to original songs, Logan covered Tal Bachman's "She's So High," which had the packed room singing along. He closed the set with his latest single, "Second to Talk, " released on September 14.
CHEVAL
Cheval, the opening act at Th’YARC, captivated the audience with their performance, setting the tone for a night filled with fantastic music. His set included the unreleased “Ballad of a 43-Year-Old Man,” which will be on an upcoming release, expected to drop next year.
POSTDATA
Paul Murphy, a Yarmouth hometown hero, graced the stage with his band, POSTDATA, at Th'YARC and received a warm welcome from everyone in the theatre. The performance featured a collection of songs, including some new music from his latest album, 'Run Wild,' released just last month.
JULIA CUNNINGHAM
Next up at Th'YARC was Julia Cunningham. Although she had attended NSMW in previous years as both a band member and a fan, 2023 marked a significant milestone as she graced the event as an artist for the first time. Julia's set was a captivating blend of unreleased and released music, offering a sneak peek into her upcoming work and tracks from her August 2023 release, 'Dive Deep.' Her performance resonated with the audience, showcasing her undeniable talent.
Carleton STONE
Carleton Stone, performing solo at his showcase, brought a blend of storytelling and music to the stage. He shared personal anecdotes behind his songs, keeping the crowd in stitches with his humour. Early on in his set, he said he feels like each time he performs at NSMW, it’s like he’s performing at a family reunion, a sentiment that resonated in how he wholeheartedly engaged with the audience. His set featured a mix of old and new songs, including tracks from his 2022 album, 'Papercut,' and his latest single, 'Fences,' a song co-written with an ex-girlfriend, which captures their entire relationship.
Lindsay Misiner and The 7th Mystic
Lindsay Misiner & The 7th Mystic brought an exhilarating performance to a packed room at Johnny Patch’s Pub. In April, the band released their long-anticipated self-titled debut album, a labour of love seven years in the making. The audience couldn't help but dance, sway and sing along to the melodic melodies of the incredible nine-piece band. Lindsay Misiner and the 7th Mystic delivered a memorable performance that captivated the crowd.
HARMZ
Rapper and singer HARMZ took the stage at Johnny Patch’s Pub with infectious energy and charisma, hot on the heels of his EP release in September, 'Better Watch.' This marked his second NSMW showcase and he didn't disappoint. HARMZ, joined by producer and collaborator Alex LeBlanc, treated the audience to a night of unforgettable music. He welcomed special guests Lindsay Misiner and MAJE to share the stage with him to make the night even more special.
MAGGIE ANDREW
Maggie Andrew's performance at the ECMA Stage at the Rodd Grand Yarmouth was one of the most highly anticipated showcases of the weekend, with the ballroom reaching its capacity for her set. Maggie kicked off the show with her hit single, 'Better Than You,' igniting a sing-along with the captivated crowd. Her incredible talent and stage presence left a lasting impression. It's no surprise that just weeks before this performance, she secured victory in the Halifax leg of the JUNO Wavemakers tour, which means she'll be performing at the JUNOs when they come to Halifax in 2024.
SKUNK MOTEL
While relatively new to the scene, all-female punk band Skunk Motel has already won over a dedicated and fervent fanbase, and it's easy to see why. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eagerly chanting their name even before they graced the stage. Their closing performance, featuring 'Pretty Good For a Girl,' for which they had recently unveiled an electrifying live video which perfectly showcases the incredible Skunk Motel live experience.
RAIN OVER ST. AMBROSE
Closing out the night was hometown favourite, Rain Over St. Ambrose. In March, the band released their latest LP, ‘Liar,’ which earned them a Rock Recording of the Year nomination at the 2023 Nova Scotia Music Awards.
The second night of NSMW showcased the rich tapestry of talent in Nova Scotia's music scene. As NSMW continues, we can look forward to more incredible performances from the many talented musicians from Nova Scotia.
