🎙️ East Coast DNA Podcast: Apollo Sessions Vol. 1 with Al MacGillivray In this episode, host Darcy Walsh sits down with Al MacGillivray to discuss the highly anticipated launch of the Apollo Sessions at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre in Pictou, Nova Scotia. The inaugural event, happening this Saturday, December 21, promises an unforgettable evening celebrating homegrown Nova Scotia talent. Apollo Sessions Vol. 1 will feature a headlining performance by Halifax rock legends Contrived, suppor...
Dec 20, 2024•13 min
🎙️ Jon Cornwall - Grinchy Me | Song Spotlight & Interview 🎄 Get ready for an inside look at Grinchy Me , the latest Christmas single by Halifax-based folk and Canadiana artist Jon Cornwall. Featured on his sophomore album, Great Villagers , this heartfelt holiday track explores the stress and emotional overwhelm of the season—balanced with joy, support, and finding comfort in loved ones. 🌟 About the Song: Grinchy Me is a touching and relatable Christmas song about seasonal sadness, obliga...
Dec 18, 2024•36 min
🎤 East Coast DNA Chats with Rising Star Evan Cooper 🎶 In this episode of East Coast DNA, host Darcy Walsh sits down with 14-year-old singer-songwriter Evan Cooper at the Marigold Cultural Arts Centre in Truro, NS. Hailing from Fredericton, NB, Evan shares insights into his creative journey, what inspires his heartfelt lyrics, and his ambitions as a young artist breaking into the music scene. From his debut single "Don't Come Crying Back to Me" to his performances at events like the Harvest Mus...
Dec 01, 2024•28 min
Join us as we sit down with Justin McGrath , the creative mind behind Truro’s Shadow Folk , a band renowned for their psychedelic soundscapes and unforgettable live performances . 🌌✨ Recorded at the Marigold Cultural Centre , this episode dives into their artistry and what fuels their vibrant presence on stage. 🔥 Catch Shadow Folk LIVE tonight at The Commune in Truro, NS! Don’t miss the electric energy they’ll bring to the stage—it’s going to be a show to remember! 🌟 Follow Shadow Folk and Ea...
Nov 29, 2024•37 min
East Coast DNA welcomes back Brigid , the Truro-based musical trio of Emma Smit-Geraghty, Beth Terry, and Sarah Glinz. Known for their stunning three-part vocal harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, Brigid has been making waves in the East Coast music scene since releasing their debut album, Someone Like Her , in September 2022. Last year, they joined us to celebrate the holidays and share stories behind their sophomore album, Mid-December . Now, they’re back to promote their new single , a beau...
Nov 27, 2024•26 min
East Coast DNA is thrilled to present an exclusive interview with 11th & Duke, a band rooted in the heart of Trenton, Nova Scotia. Named after the corner of 11th & Duke Street, where their journey began, the band embodies the spirit of community and togetherness. This special place was once the hub of the neighborhood, where their family not only raised them but also supported every kid from Hillside to Smelt Brook and beyond. As a 'Fam Jam Band,' 11th & Duke bring together friends, ...
Nov 20, 2024•40 min
In this special episode of East Coast DNA, we sit down with Con O'Brien, the legendary frontman of The Irish Descendants, to discuss the band’s 2024 Christmas tour and their highly anticipated 35th Anniversary Box Set. The box set, a limited edition collection celebrating 35 years of musical excellence, features 35 remastered tracks across 3 LPs and 3 CDs—a perfect addition for any fan. Con talks about the rich history behind the band’s success, including brushes with royalty, international tour...
Nov 13, 2024•34 min
In this episode of East Coast DNA, we’re thrilled to welcome folk-pop singer-songwriter SHEAL (Sheilagh McNab) to discuss her heartfelt new album, Golden Hours. From her roots in Nova Scotia to her life in Toronto, SHEAL’s music reflects a journey of self-discovery, presence, and gratitude. We dive into her collaboration with producer duo Gavin Gardiner (The Wooden Sky) and James Robertson (Dwayne Gretzky) of MOONRIIVR, and get the scoop on her upcoming shows: Thursday, November 7th at Burdock i...
Nov 06, 2024•38 min
East Coast DNA teams up with The Boom at Noon to bring you an exclusive feature on Andre Pettipas! 🎸 Fresh off a successful string of big-stage festival appearances with Andre Pettipas and the Giants and two well-received solo tours supporting K-Os, Andre is back with a new, "Lost Boys" inspired, solo offering. In this episode, he shares exciting updates on a collaboration with fiddling legend Ashley MacIsaac, plans for the highly anticipated third annual Giantstock music festival, and new mate...
Oct 30, 2024•44 min
Today, we’re joined by Mike McKenna Jr. , a talented singer-songwriter from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia , known for his raspy, soulful voice and captivating storytelling through folk and Americana Canadiana . With roots in the coastal, working-class communities of Glace Bay and Mira River , Mike’s music paints vivid narratives of Maritime life, steeped in nostalgia and rich history. In this episode, we dive deep into his upcoming album, Smokey Mountain High , releasing on November 1, 2024 . 🎸 Mike...
Oct 24, 2024•38 min
🎙️ East Coast DNA Podcast presents: Preeper Rhaye MacKay 🎶 In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Rhaye and Bill Preeper from the folk trio Preeper Rhaye MacKay. Joined by multi-instrumentalist Sandy MacKay, they’ve crafted a "Maritime Appalachian Music" sound that blends acoustic and electric instruments with lush 3-part harmonies. Inspired by legends like Woody Guthrie, Ian Tyson, and Bob Dylan, their music is described as a modern Peter, Paul & Mary. The trio’s upcoming album, Wood &...
Oct 23, 2024•24 min
Gabriel Minnikin: A Halifax Music Scene Staple East Coast DNA is excited to welcome Gabriel Minnikin, a Nova Scotia-born artist with a rich history in the Maritime music scene, to the show! In this episode, we explore Gabriel’s early days in the Halifax music scene during the 1990s, his relocation to the UK, and his return to Nova Scotia. We also dive into what attendees can expect at his upcoming album release concert for "Anne Lorraine," and we’re excited to see more live performances and hear...
Oct 16, 2024•33 min
🎙 Wild Oscah Returns to East Coast DNA! 🎙 We’re excited to welcome Wild Oscah back to the show for a fresh update on his rap career and his work in music promotion and production. Tune in as we discuss his recent progress, creative process, and what’s coming next for this rising hip-hop artist. 🚀🎤 💥 Early Birds Alert : Catch Wild Oscah live at Flava Drop at The Roxbury in Downtown Halifax! 🎶 The event features DJ Amoona and an electrifying lineup of LIVE hip-hop performances by Allie Kat, ...
Oct 06, 2024•14 min
🎙 Abby J Hall – Debut EP Vital Signs & Celebrating the Journey 🎙 This week, East Coast DNA sits down with Toronto-based singer-songwriter Abby J Hall to discuss the release of her debut EP, Vital Signs ! 🎶✨ In this episode, Abby dives into her personal journey of self-discovery, love, and heartbreak reflected in the seven tracks of her EP, including standout songs like "IN MY DREAMS" and "THE OBSERVER" . Abby shares her inspiration behind the project, her collaborations with Grammy-nomina...
Oct 05, 2024•36 min
🎙️ East Coast DNA Podcast | Featuring Montgomery Night 🌙 In this episode, we introduce a fresh face on the East Coast music scene— Montgomery Night ! Mixing alternative rock styles with storytelling lyrics , catchy guitar riffs , and powerful vocals , this band is quickly making waves. We dive into their creative process, musical influences, and what it’s like to be a new band emerging in the East Coast’s vibrant music scene. Don’t miss out on this exciting interview with Montgomery Night! 🗣️...
Oct 04, 2024•38 min
East Coast DNA caught up with Sparrow Blue during their cross-Canada No Lies, No Tricks tour for an exclusive in-person interview in New Glasgow, NS! 🎸🎤 We dive into the stories behind their latest music, life on the road, and how they’ve grown as a band through their biggest tour to date. From raw emotions to road-trip antics, you won't want to miss this candid conversation with one of Canada's rising indie rock bands. 🚐✨ About Sparrow Blue: Formed in St. Albert, AB, Sparrow Blue is a hard-h...
Oct 03, 2024•40 min
In this episode of East Coast DNA, we sit down with Customer Service—Owen, Nick, Matt, and Max—to discuss their 2024 debut EP, Live More Forever, and how they’ve been shaping their sound in the indie rock world. 🎸 East Coast DNA reveals the inside scoop from Giantstock 2.000, where Leah Willis of Bill Ricky joined the band as a surprise 5th member. We also talk about their journey through the local music scene, their past performances, and what’s next—including their upcoming show at The Marque...
Oct 02, 2024•27 min
🎙️ East Coast DNA Podcast | Featuring Troy Arseneault of Arseneault Group Entertainment 🎶 In this episode, we sit down with Troy Arsenault, founder of Arseneault Group Entertainment, to explore his extensive career in the East Coast music scene. Troy shares stories from his time as a performer in bands like Alert The Medic and Trout, while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at his work promoting shows across the region. As a key player in the Halifax Urban Folk Festival (HUFF), Troy has be...
Oct 01, 2024•33 min
In this episode of East Coast DNA , we sit down with Halifax-based singer/songwriter Abi Mack . Abi’s music is more than just melody—it's a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Drawing from her personal experiences with mental health challenges, Abi shares how her journey through depression, PTSD, and anxiety has shaped her upcoming album, “i survived, and now I will thrive.” We discuss Abi’s emotional songwriting process, the healing power of music, and her deep commitment ...
Sep 29, 2024•25 min
We're honored to welcome the legendary Terry Kelly to East Coast DNA! East Coast DNA sat down with Terry Kelly, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker from Nova Scotia. In this episode, we dive into his extraordinary career as a musician, motivational speaker, and advocate for accessibility and inclusion Despite losing his sight at an early age, Terry has overcome challenges to build an incredible career, earning multiple East Coast Music Awards, a Juno nomination, and a C...
Sep 27, 2024•32 min
Robert Thomas is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has had a significant career as a songwriter for major artists. Based in Moncton, Thomas is also known for his work with The Session Men, a group of skilled musicians from New Brunswick. The band members include Ray Legere (fiddle, mandolin, guitar) and Jon Arseneau (guitar). Collectively, they have performed with well-known artists like Alison Krauss, The Rankins, and Natalie MacMaster. Thomas’s band focuses on acoustic roots, folk, and American...
Sep 25, 2024•39 min
🎧 Exclusive Interview with Liam Thomson! Join East Coast DNA host Darcy Walsh for an insightful conversation with Liam Thomson, an exceptionally talented up-and-coming singer-songwriter from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. From his early days as a musician to his current projects, Liam is expanding his artistic repertoire with impressive momentum. In this episode, Liam opens up about his creative journey, recent releases, and what’s next for him in the music scene. 🌟 Discover More About Liam Thomson...
Sep 22, 2024•22 min
Kylie Fox Returns to East Coast DNA! The burgeoning New Brunswick-based singer-songwriter Kylie Fox is back on East Coast DNA to share her second studio full-length album, Sequoia. Supported by ArtsNB, Music New Brunswick, and the Canada Council for the Arts, Sequoia is an 11-track album developed with her band and six-time ECMA-winning producer Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Fortunate Ones, The Good Lovelies). Deeply rooted in folk-Canadiana, Sequoia also delves into folk-rock and jazz-pop fusion,...
Sep 20, 2024•27 min
🎶 East Coast DNA Presents: A Conversation with Joel Plaskett - A Journey Through the East Coast Music Scene 🎶 East Coast DNA host Darcy Walsh engages in an in-depth conversation with the iconic Joel Plaskett about his enduring impact on the East Coast music scene. From his early days with Thrush Hermit to his celebrated solo career, Joel shares insights into his musical journey, his creative process, and his contributions to shaping the sound of the East Coast. As one of the most influential s...
Sep 18, 2024•40 min
🎶 East Coast DNA Presents: A Conversation with Mike Campbell - The Vision Behind HUFF & His Legacy in Canadian Music 🎶 In this special episode, East Coast DNA host Darcy Walsh sits down with the legendary Mike Campbell —former MuchMusic VJ and founder of the Halifax Urban Folk Festival (HUFF). Mike shares stories from his early days as a VJ, helping shape Canada's music culture on MuchMusic, and his pivotal role in supporting Canadian independent artists . He also dives into his lifelong d...
Sep 13, 2024•38 min
🎧 New Interview with Marite Kuus - Artistic Director of Antigonight: Art After Dark Festival! Join East Coast DNA host Darcy Walsh as he sits down with Marite Kuus, the Artistic Director of the 2024 Antigonight: Art After Dark Festival. Now in its 15th year, this unique festival transforms downtown Antigonish/Nalikitquniejk into a vibrant hub of creativity, with interactive art installations, live performances, and family-friendly activities. This year’s theme, “Sense: Fire, Water, Earth, Air,”...
Sep 11, 2024•15 min
Kelsey Erskine is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Truro, NS, currently studying music and the music industry at NSCC. Alongside her studies, she's been honing her craft and performing both solo and in ensembles. Now, Kelsey sits down with East Coast DNA host Darcy Walsh to talk about her new single "Strong," dropping on September 11, and what’s ahead for her in the coming year. 🎧 Catch the full interview where we dive into her creative process, her journey so far, and what fans can expe...
Sep 08, 2024•19 min
Episode 3: Mark S Cosh - Drum Giant 🥁 Episode 3 of East Coast DNA Presents Giantstock's Giants Talks 🎧 This episode features Mark S Cosh, the powerhouse drummer of Andre Pettipas and the Giants. Mark is the heartbeat of the band, laying down the beats that drive their high-energy performances. Learn about his musical background, influences, and what makes him tick as a drummer in one of Nova Scotia’s top rock bands. 🎪 Don’t miss Mark and the Giants as they take the stage at Giantstock this La...
Aug 29, 2024•16 min
Episode 2: John MacDonald - Guitar Giant 🎸 Episode 2 of East Coast DNA Presents Giantstock's Giants Talks 🎧 Join us as we chat with John MacDonald, the talented guitarist of Andre Pettipas and the Giants. Known for his electrifying riffs and backup vocals, John brings a unique energy and sound to the band. Dive into his journey with the Giants and what it means to him to be part of this rock force from Nova Scotia. 🎪 Get ready to rock out with John and the band at Giantstock this Labour Day w...
Aug 29, 2024•14 min
Episode 1: Travis Pettipas - Bass Giant 🎸 Episode 1 of East Coast DNA Presents Giantstock's Giants Talks 🎧 In this episode, we're sitting down with Travis Pettipas , the groove master behind the basslines of Andre Pettipas and the Giants. Travis brings the low-end thunder and is also one of the band’s key backup vocalists. Get to know the man who keeps the rhythm section tight and discover what drives his passion for music. 🎪 Don’t miss your chance to see Travis and the rest of the Giants liv...
Aug 29, 2024•21 min
