If two ECMA award nominations are any indication, members of local band Alert the Medic have learned their lessons well. Alert the Medic wants to be the life of the ECMA party The Pictou Advocate January 30, 2008 Pictou County band Alert the Medic has been nominated for two East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) this year. The band is in the running for Sirius Satellite Radio Rock Recording of the Year and CBC Galaxie Rising Star Recording of the Year and nothing will stop them from attending one of the biggest parties of the year, the ECMAs, scheduled for Fredericton the second weekend of February. Alert the Medic attended the ECMAs last year for the first time and can’t wait to return this year. “We’ll definitely by there,” said band member Matt Campbell. “Last year in Halifax was our first ECMA experience and it was a great time. There’s live music everywhere you go and everyone is in good spirits.” “It’s a great way for us artists to all get together too. We all have different schedules and it’s events like this where we can all meet in the middle and catch up.” “You can always count on the Pictou County talent being the life of the party too!” Campbell says the band can’t pinpoint one explanation as to why they were nominated this year. “I don’t really think we can narrow it down to just one thing, there are so many factors that have contributed to this. I think it’s just from hard work on every aspect; song writing, touring, our live performance, whatever it is we give it everything we’ve got.” Alert the Medic is always working on new material and plan on extensive touring after the ECMAs. “The ECMA nominations were a great way to start the year; it’s really inspiring us to work even harder. We’ll definitely be touring a lot through-out the year and we’ve been writing fairly steady.” “This current album still has a lot of life left in it with our third single ‘The Perfect Love Song’ just recently going to radio, however, we’re always looking ahead and some talks have recently started on recording a new album.” But all the touring hasn’t stopped them from continuing to play as many shows as they can in the Pictou County area. Alert the Medic is currently looking into booking some shows in the Pictou County bars for the late winter, but they are also excited about an all ages show they are attempting to organize in Pictou County. “That’s how we got our start and it’s always fun to come back and play those shows.” With all that said, they are just happy to be recognized for the hard work and energy they put into their music and performances. “We’re thrilled! I’ve watched the ECMAs my whole life and to be recognized for your music on this level is a huge honour.”