Abdominal And Tricot Machine Win ECHO Songwriting Prizes

The votes have been counted and Abdominal has won the second annual SOCAN-sponsored ECHO Songwriting Prize for "Pedal Pusher."

Abdominal (real name Andrew Bernstein) and Rodney Pleasant co-wrote the song, and the hip-hop artist will receive his $5,000 reward prior to his performance at Montreal's Quai Des Brumes on Friday night as part of the Pop Montreal festival.

Abdominal's competition was Nathan's "Scarecrow," Chad VanGaalen's "Graveyard," Feuermusik's "Doppelspiel" and The Besnard Lakes' "Devastation."

The winner of the Prix De La Chanson ECHO, which honours francophone Canadian songwriters, was Tricot Machine's Catherine Leduc for "L'ours."

Leduc won over Frank Martel And L'ouest Celeste's "Les Partitions De L'amour," Xavier Cafeine's "Montreal (Cette Ville)," Numero#'s "Chewing Gum Fraise" and Dumas' "Au Gre Des Saisons."