Get ready to celebrate, because Newfoundland and Labrador’s music scene is making waves on the national stage! Three talented musicians from the province are in the running for Canada’s most prestigious music awards, the Junos, and their stories are nothing short of inspiring. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: these nominations aren’t just about music—they’re about innovation, collaboration, and pushing boundaries. Let’s dive in!
As the Juno Awards draw near, all eyes are on Andrew Staniland, Florian Hoefner, and Jim Vivian, whose groundbreaking work has earned them spots among Canada’s top musical talents. Staniland, a celebrated composer and professor at Memorial University, is no stranger to the Junos, with three previous nominations and multiple East Coast Music Awards under his belt. But this time, it’s personal. His latest nomination for The Laws of Nature in the classical composition category feels like the culmination of a decade-long journey exploring the fusion of digital instruments and classical music.
And this is the part most people miss: Staniland didn’t just compose an album—he created an entirely new instrument for it. Meet JADE, a device controlled by sensors or even brainwaves through EEG sonification. Yes, you read that right—brainwaves! With the help of dancers from Kittiwake Ballet, Staniland turned their neural activity into music in real time, capturing how their movements and thoughts influenced the sound. Talk about blending art and science!
“It’s not just another album,” Staniland shared in an interview with CBC Radio’s On The Go. “This project is a massive part of my life, bringing together so many elements of my creative journey into one package.”
Now, let’s cross the Atlantic—well, not literally, but musically. The Atlantic Jazz Collective, featuring N.L.’s Florian Hoefner and Jim Vivian alongside N.S. saxophonist Mike Murley, is up for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year with their debut LP, Seascape. What makes this nomination stand out? It’s a testament to St. John’s growing role as a jazz hub. Hoefner and Vivian have been instrumental in fostering this scene through their Atlantic Jazz Nights series, which brings international artists to the city.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While jazz has historically been a niche genre in the province, Hoefner believes the tide is turning. “There’s a greater appreciation for jazz now,” he said, pointing to the biweekly jam sessions at the Majestic that attract younger artists. Is jazz finally having its moment in Newfoundland and Labrador? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Seascape itself is a collaboration of global proportions, featuring U.K. singer Norma Winstone and American drummer Joe LaBarbera. “We thought, ‘This group is too good not to record,’” Hoefner recalled. The result? An album that’s not just a musical achievement but a celebration of St. John’s as a creative epicenter.
Vivian, already a Juno winner, summed it up perfectly: “Bringing our world back here to create something from here feels especially meaningful. It’s amazing that this project, with such incredible guest musicians, comes out of our province.”
The 2026 Juno Awards will take place in Hamilton, ON, on March 29, and these nominations are a reminder of the power of local talent on a national stage. But here’s the question we’re left with: As Newfoundland and Labrador’s music scene continues to evolve, what’s next? Will we see more artists blending technology and tradition, or will jazz finally take center stage? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!
For more on the Juno nominees, check out the full list here, and don’t forget to download the CBC News app for the latest updates. And if you’re as inspired by these stories as we are, let’s keep the conversation going!
