The Irish Descendants’ music is true to the Band’s name. Steeped in Celtic tradition, the music covers a broad spectrum from heart-wrenching ballads to boisterous foot-stomping songs. Formed in 1990, the Band has released six albums.

The music industry in the Province has prospered in recent years. From music education to activities with commercial impact, there are a number of areas which point to the dynamic nature of this sector and its growing contribution to the economy.

Music Education
Music has always played a pivotal role in the Province’s culture, reflecting the emotions of its triumphs and struggles. Historically rooted influences, especially from Ireland, England and France, have over the centuries combined to create a unique Celtic sound. This love of music has been nurtured in grade school and given the opportunity to develop at the post-secondary level. The talent of the Province’s youth has been recognized internationally with several school groups placing first in national and international competitions in recent years.

At the post-secondary level, over 300 students have graduated from the School of Music at Memorial University of Newfoundland, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the industry, both in the Province and outside. Programs offered in music performance and sound technology at the College of the North Atlantic are unique to Atlantic Canada, Toronto and Montreal, and indeed are rare offerings in Canada.

Supportive Networks
Government recognizes that music has both a cultural and commercial role to play in the Province’s development. Increased airplay, financial assistance for recording, showcasing, marketing and infrastructure are some of the supports which have provided additional opportunities for local artists.

The East Coast Music Association’s (ECMA) annual conference and nationally televised awards ceremony has served as a springboard for many successful careers and is one of only a few such events in North America. The conference attracts talent agents and record labels from around the world. The Province’s own music association, formed in 1992, has been active in promoting ‘best practices’ within the sector and improving the business skills of its members.

Recording Artists
Efforts to develop the industry have produced tangible results with several Newfoundland and Labrador artists making a name for themselves across Canada, and in many countries around the world. Artists like Great Big Sea, Kim Stockwood, The Irish Descendants, Damhnait Doyle and Ron Hynes have all signed with major record labels, most with multiple releases and recordings. Kathy Phippard has claimed two international awards for songwriting.

The local music industry records about 80 new CDs a year; some of which go on to reach various hallmarks of marketing success such as Gold and Platinum. Music video production has increased tenfold in only seven years.

Increasing the Benefits
As the music industry continues to develop, diversify and expand a proliferation of goods and services have sprung up to meet its needs, some of which are finding their way into international markets. Recording studios have tripled in number over the last five years. Today, around 30 studios operate in the Province. Businesses are manufacturing and selling musical instruments including uillean pipes, guitars and fiddles; successfully marketing products over the Internet; and designing software for real-time jamming over the Internet. The advent of new digital recording technology and the Internet are making the creation, production and distribution of recorded music more accessible and less costly for many musicians.

The industry continues to expand on the styles of music that it offers. In addition to the Celtic-inspired tradition, the local industry also features jazz, blues, reggae, alternative, classical, country and other styles of music.A study to fully quantify the impact that musicians are having on the economy is currently underway, the results of which are expected next year.

Contributing to the Tourism Experience
Live music plays an essential part in the Province’s tourism promotions and products. A number of folk festivals and other music events have been selected by the American Bus Association as some of the Top-100 Events in North America. Music played a central role in the Province’s special events promotional strategy honouring celebrations such as Cabot 500 and Soiree ’99. In St. John’s, live music is available seven days a week, an entertainment feature rare for a city of this size in North America.

	Great Big Sea’s music is an energetic combination of Celtic rock and sing-along folk, while remaining unmistakably traditional. Formed in 1993, the Band has released four albums.

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