'It’s very humbling': Celtic artist Richard Wood among those celebrating Music PEI nominations

PEI musicians receive award nominations Several P.E.I. musicians are celebrating after receiving nominations for this year’s Island Music Awards.

Several musicians from Prince Edward Island are celebrating after receiving multiple nominations for this year’s Music PEI Awards.

The full list of nominees was released last month, highlighting a diverse range of talent across various genres.

This year, Dylan Menzie, Lawrence Maxwell and Vishtèn Connexions lead the way with six nominations each, followed by Hikado with five and Absolute Losers and Richard Wood with four.

Wood, a Celtic artist, has been performing since he was eight-years-old and says he’s happy to see the growth of Island music.

“For somebody that’s been in the business quite a while, I mean I remember the first Music PEI Awards, so I’ve gotten to see how it’s grown in terms of not just a one-day thing where it’s an awards show, but now all the lead-up to it, the different shows that are kind of showcase shows that take place all over the island.”

Wood says he still feels honoured to get nominated after all these years.

“It’s been quite a journey. I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to work with a lot of amazing artists all over the world and my music has taken me all over the world … it’s been quite a ride so far,” he said.

“Whether it be East Coast music or P.E.I. music or whatever, it’s very humbling and I’m very honoured to be nominated, and to be recognized through your work and with your peers – there’s no better feeling, it’s great.”

Wood will continue to work with his peers as part of a “Richard Wood and Friends East Coast Kitchen Party” concert in Charlottetown on Jan. 31.

“It really focuses on talent that normally wouldn’t get the chance to see the collaborations with myself,” Wood said.

“It’s really a P.E.I. thing, whether it be Young Samuel, who is an up-and-coming fiddle player, you’ve got Brooke MacArthur, who is carving her own path in the country world, which is awesome. And you’ve got Dylan Menzie.”

Music PEI Week will take place from March 4 to 8 with events across the island.

For more Prince Edward Island news visit our dedicated provincial page.