SYDNEY — Cape Breton fiddle star Morgan Toney is experiencing a wave of surprise and excitement after receiving a Juno nomination. Toney’s EP, Resilience, has been recognized in the Traditional Roots Album of the Year category at the upcoming Juno Awards, scheduled for March 24 in Halifax.
Although Toney was already aware of the nomination, the official announcement and the subsequent community response caught him off guard. Describing the feelings surrounding the nomination, Toney said, We were like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is huge news.’ So, we called around and let everybody know. There was a lot of excitement happening.
The online support from fans and the local community has been overwhelming for Toney. He expressed his gratitude, stating, We saw a lot of posts online too, which was really good to see that recognition, and knowing that our support circle is now huge. We have the whole of Cape Breton behind us right now, and they’re with us. We’re all walking together. It’s a great feeling.
Toney, who hails from We’koqma’q and Wagmatcook First Nations, is not just a musician but also a cultural ambassador, blending the musical traditions of Cape Breton. Collaborating with fellow Cape Bretoners Keith Mullins and Ryan Roberts, Toney’s latest work, Resilience, was released on November 10.
Bringing national recognition to Cape Breton’s folk and traditional Mi’kmaw music is an honor for Toney. However, he also feels the pressure of being the sole representative for both at this year’s Junos. Toney acknowledged this, saying, What I feel right now is definitely a little bit of pressure. I’m the only Mi’kmaw artist in those categories. I’m the only Cape Breton artist in those categories. It’s pressure, but it’s also really meaningful to take our island to the Junos; we’re going to take advantage of that and really show what Cape Breton’s all about.
The year 2024 is off to a remarkable start for Toney, with nominations secured for both the Juno Awards and the East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs). Despite only starting to play the fiddle five years ago, Toney remains humble about his swift rise in the industry and hopes to maintain the momentum he has gained.
Looking ahead, Toney emphasized the importance of taking things step by step. With the ECMAs approaching soon and the Junos on the horizon, he vows to continue creating music and delivering exceptional performances.
The announcement of the Juno nomination has brought well-deserved recognition to Morgan Toney and his unique musical style. As he prepares to represent Cape Breton in the Traditional Roots Album of the Year category, the support and excitement from his community continue to inspire and propel his journey forward.
