News Article

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – Saturday night, March 8, Music PEI Week 2025 wrapped up in grand style with the Awards Gala, presented by Atlantic Lottery, at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Matt Rainnie and featuring performances curated by Craig Fair Productions including an opening number to honour International Women’s Day and a spotlight performance by Achievement in World Music winner, Tiffany Liu, the evening celebrated the best and brightest in Prince Edward Island’s music scene.

Top nominees Lawrence Maxwell, Dylan Menzie, Hikado, and Vishtèn Connexions delivered standout performances, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. By the end of the evening, Menzie, Vishtèn Connexions, and the Absolute Losers each walked away with two awards, solidifying their status as Island music heavyweights.

2025 Music PEI Award Winners

Achievement in Classical Music (Presented by The Terra Nova Fund of Prince Edward Island)
Sarah Hagen

Achievement in Jazz Music
Carlie Howell

Achievement in World Music
Tiffany Liu

Album Art of the Year (Presented by The Buzz)
Dylan Menzie – “North American Dream Kid”
Graphic Design by Niyi Adeogun, Photography by Justin Rix

Album of the Year (Presented by Atlantic Lottery)
Vishtèn Connexions – “Expansion”

Leo Cheverie Community Contributor Award (Presented by SRL Solutions)
Rory O’Donnell

Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year
Tara MacLean – “Live in My Hometown”

Digital Presence of the Year
Hikado

Educator of the Year (Presented by Long & McQuade)
Mark Parsons

Entertainer of the Year (Presented by Ocean 100 & Hot 105.5)
Brad Milligan

Instrumental Recording of the Year (Presented by Craig Fair Productions)
Inn Echo – “Hemispheres”

Lifetime Achievement Award (Presented by City of Charlottetown)
Phase II

Live Music Production Professional of the Year (Presented by ADL)
Chris Knox

Live Sector Award (Presented by Pride PEI)
Craig Fair Productions

Music Video of the Year (Presented by Maritime Electric)
Lawrence Maxwell – “What You See In Me” (feat. Brooke MacArthur)
Directed by Jesse Duarte

Musician of the Year (Presented by Holland College)
Maya Márquez

Lloyd Doyle New Artist of the Year (Presented by The Gray Group)
Bettii – “Shyyyyyy:)”

Pop Recording of the Year (Presented by Discover Charlottetown)
Absolute Losers – “At The Mall”

Prix de L’Acadie (Presented by Rising Tide Community Fund)
Aubin pi la S.C.B

R&B/Soul Recording of the Year (Presented by City of Summerside)
Joce Reyome – “Mr. Rain”

Rap/Hip-Hop Recording of the Year (Presented by The Guardian)
Cavy – “Bad Games” (feat. Merkules)

Recording Sector Award (Presented by Receiver Coffee Co.)
Colin Buchanan

Rock Recording of the Year (Presented by Rodd Hotels & Resorts)
Gizmo – “Buddy System”

Single of the Year (Presented by Stay Golden Custom)
Absolute Losers – “By Fright”

Songwriter of the Year (Presented by SOCAN)
Dylan Menzie

Traditional Roots Recording of the Year (Presented by KENT Building Supplies)
Vishtèn Connexions – “Expansion”

Honoring Island Music Excellence

This year’s celebration also shined a spotlight on two distinguished honorees: Phase II, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Charlottetown, and Rory O’Donnell, the recipient of the Leo Cheverie Community Contributor Award for his unwavering impact on PEI’s music and cultural landscape.

Public voting played a key role in two of the night’s most coveted awards: Brad Milligan took home Entertainer of the Year honors, while Lawrence Maxwell secured Music Video of the Year for “What You See In Me” (feat. Brooke MacArthur).

A Week of Celebration and Gratitude

Music PEI Week 2025, running from March 4-8, featured a packed schedule of events celebrating the Island’s vibrant music scene. From showcases to industry networking sessions, it was a week to remember.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the many funders who make Music PEI Week possible: Province of Prince Edward Island, Innovation PEI, Skills PEI, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), City of Charlottetown, and City of Summerside.

Gold Sponsors: The Gray Group, Pride PEI, Ocean 100 & Hot 105.5 (Stingray Radio), SOCAN, Atlantic Lottery, PEI Mutual, Cavendish Farms
Silver Sponsors: Terra Nova Fund, The Buzz, Craig Fair Music Productions, ADL, Discover Charlottetown, Receiver Coffee Co., The Guardian, Rising Tide Community Fund, Stay Golden Custom, Kent Building Supplies, Long & McQuade, SRL Solutions, Holland College
Bronze Sponsors: Inn at Bay Fortune, Wagworthy, Arsenault Best Cameron Ellis, CYMBA Music Publishing, COWS, Maritime Madness, Locarius, Heartwood Guitar Care Services, Kendra Stretch Realty, Jan & Sue’s Chocolates, Downtown Charlottetown, Blaze Pizza, Foulkes Productions, Straight Bridge Crossing Limited, and many valued community partners.

And lastly, to our jurors, fans, and industry professionals—thank you for making Music PEI Week a true celebration of Island music. See you in 2026!