Sound Minds and Safe Spaces: ECMA 2025 Wellness Program unveiled
(St. John’s, NL) - With a continued commitment to supporting the health and longevity of artists and music professionals, The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is proud to announce a robust lineup of wellness programming for artists and music industry professionals at ECMA 2025 in St. John’s, May 7-11.
The ECMA 2025 Wellness Program includes hearing health awareness, mental wellness panels and conversations, and immersive musical mindfulness experiences, including:
The ECMA Wellness Centre, sponsored by Modo Yoga, St. John’s will be available to all ECMA members and delegates in the Brownsdale Room at the Delta Hotels St. John's Conference Centre from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 10 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This space is designed as a peaceful retreat from the busy energy of the event. Whether you need a quiet moment to breathe, a space to meditate, or simply a break to relax and recharge, this welcoming environment offers the perfect opportunity to care for your well-being during the conference.
Listen Up! Addressing Hearing Loss in the Music Industry
On Friday, May 9, ECMA will host a crucial panel session from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in Salon E, Harbourview Ballroom at the Delta Hotels St. John's Conference Centre. With musicians facing a dramatically increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss, this panel brings together audiologist Ian Verge, award-winning music educator Wade Pinhorn, and singer/songwriter Tanya Alexander to explore the impacts of sound exposure and actionable hearing conservation strategies.
Later that day, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., attendees can receive complimentary hearing health check-ups in the Board Room, administered by Ian Verge of Maico Hearing Service. These screenings aim to raise awareness and promote early detection among those most at risk.
REZOUND: A Sound-Infused Sanctuary
Throughout ECMA 2025, experience REZOUND – A Mindful Music Experience in the Brownsdale Room at the Delta Hotels St. John's Conference Centre. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 9 and 10, ambient soundscapes by Ryan Veltmeyer and Simon Blake will transform the space into a tranquil retreat. On Friday and Saturday evenings, attendees are invited to fully immerse themselves during the REZOUND Sound Bath Experience, and Saturday’s programming includes a Yin Yoga session, featuring REZOUND at Modo Studio.
The Member’s Lounge: Your Home Base
Open throughout the conference at the Governor Gower Room at the Delta Hotels St. John's Conference Centre, the Member’s Lounge offers a space to unwind and connect, featuring refreshments, comfortable seating, games, and a private breastfeeding area. Programming includes Guardians of Recovery, a conversation with Tina Olivero about how artists can use their voices for change.
Building Safer Spaces with Project SoundCheck™
In advance of ECMA 2025, staff participated in Project SoundCheck™ training to better recognize and prevent sexual violence at music events. With a trauma-informed lens, this essential initiative equips participants with bystander intervention strategies and helps build safer, more inclusive environments for all.
Supporting Community Wellness
As part of ECMA’s commitment to equity and care, a $250 donation will be made to The Sexual Assault Centre, run by dedicated volunteers through The Journey Project.
Celebrate Queer Voices at ECMA 2025
ECMA is also proud to present the second edition of the Queer Brunch, a vibrant afternoon of music, community, and celebration, in partnership with St. John's Pride, Quadrangle NL, and ACNL. Join us at Quidi Vidi Brewery on Saturday, May 10 at 12 p.m. for an unforgettable showcase featuring Noah Malcolm, Rachel Cousins, Casual Cries For HELP, Gina Burgess, and Clare Siobhan. Stick around after the show for the Queer Meetup starting at 3:30 p.m. —an open, welcoming space to connect, reflect, and celebrate queer artistry and community.
For more information on the ECMA 2025 Wellness Program visit: ECMA.com.
To volunteer at ECMA 2025, apply here: ECMA.com
For more information on the 2025 East Coast Music Awards, Festival, and Conference, taking place May 7-11, visit: ECMA.com.
ECMA would like to acknowledge the generous support of its sponsors and funding partners, including the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador, the City of St. John’s, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), FACTOR, MUSICACTION, TD, Rogers, Stingray, and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) of Canada’s private radio broadcasters.
About ECMA
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is a regional collaboration of people in the music industry of Atlantic Canada that fosters, develops, and celebrates East Coast music and its artists locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The ECMA annually produces the ECMAs, one of the top music industry events in Canada, which includes an Award Show, a Festival, an Industry Conference, and the Accelerator Program. For more information, visit: ECMA.com
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