If you've ever thought it required a banjo and/or a fiddle to be a successful music act in Newfoundland, then you may be in for a surprise.
Repartee, a St. John's four-piece that mixes dance, rock and synth-pop, dominated the MusicNL Awards Sunday night, winning every award for which they were nominated: group of the year, album of the year, rising new artist of the year, pop/rock artist of the year and the fans' choice award.
"I'm overwhelmed. I've said that word so many times tonight, but I don't know how to describe it," lead singer Meg Warren, whose group's self-titled debut was released this year, told CBC News. "I just feel so much love from the people in this room ... This is really amazing."
PLAYListen to music from St. John's Repartee.
CBC Radio 2 Morning host Tom Power won media person of the year, and his group, the Dardanelles, won in the Celtic/traditional category.
Chris Kirby, also out of St. John's, took home both male artist and songwriter of the year awards, while Katie Baggs won best female artist.
Full list of winners for the 2012 MusicNL awards
Album of the Year: Repartee - Repartee
Male Artist of the Year: Chris Kirby - Wonderizer
Female Artist of the Year: Katie Baggs - Home Again Home Again
Group of the Year: Repartee
Rising Star New Artist or Group of the Year: Repartee
Fan's Choice Entertainer of the Year: Repartee
Folk/Roots Artist or Group of the Year: The Once - Row Upon Row of the People They Know
Celtic/Traditional Artist or Group of the Year: The Dardanelles - The Eastern Light
Pop/Rock Artist or Group of the Year: Repartee - Repartee
Alternative Artist or Group of the Year: Mark Bragg - Your Kiss
Country Artist or Group of the Year: Terry Penney - The Last Guitar
Jazz/Blues Artist or Group of the Year: Dwayne Cote and Duane Andrews - The Empress
Gospel Artist or Group of the Year: Dan Bursey - Spread Your Love
Side Musician of the Year: Sandy Morris
Songwriter of the Year: Chris Kirby - Waiting So Long
Industry Professional of the Year: Tony Murray
Volunteer of the Year: Justin Davis
Educator of the Year: Kathy Conway
Company of the Year: Heavy Weather
Media Person of the Year: Tom Power - CBC Radio