TORONTO — The Polaris Music Prize has unveiled its shortlist for the year, featuring 10 acts including contemporary folk-poet Mustafa, alt-pop singer Nemahsis, and electronic experimentalist Marie Davidson. The announcement highlights significant Canadian talent, with artists hailing from various regions, particularly Quebec.
Notably, this year sees a reduction in the grand monetary award for the winner, now set at $30,000, down from the previous $50,000. Organizers have cited a decrease in financial contributions from sponsors as the reason for the diminished prize. The shortlist consists of diverse artists such as singer-songwriter Lou-Adriane Cassidy, indie pop duo Bibi Club, and psychedelic rock band Population II. Rounding out the contenders are Calgary-raised and Montreal-based Yves Jarvis, the Anishinaabe-led duo Ribbon Skirt from Montreal, Toronto punk group the OBGMs, and soul-pop artist Saya Gray.
The winner of the Polaris Music Prize will be announced during a gala event at Massey Hall in Toronto on September 16. In addition, the newly introduced $10,000 Polaris Song Prize will be awarded for the first time during the same event, recognizing the Canadian song of the year based on artistic merit. A shortlist for the song contenders will be disclosed on July 29.
The Polaris Music Prize is dedicated to honoring the most significant albums each year based on artistic merit rather than sales or genre, having been established two decades ago. Initially, the prize carried a purse of $20,000, which has increased over the years but has now seen a recent decrease due to financial constraints faced by the organization.
Executive director Amber Still stated, "Like many arts organizations, Polaris has experienced a decrease in sponsorship this season." Contributors to the Polaris Prize include the Slaight Family Foundation and SOCAN, who together provide $40,000 towards the winners of both the album and song prizes. Major partners also include CBC, the funding body FACTOR, and support from the Ontario and federal governments.
Several of the albums on this year's shortlist delve into political themes. Mustafa's album "Dunya" addresses personal loss and the impact of the Gaza Strip occupation through the lens of his childhood friend's narrative. Similarly, Nemahsis's debut album "Verbathim" contemplates issues surrounding womanhood, societal expectations, and self-expression, co-produced by Noah Shebib, known for his work with Drake.
Returning nominees include Marie Davidson with her latest album "City of Clowns," which merges playful electro sounds with critiques of capitalism, and the OBGMs with "Sorry, It’s Over," grappling with past relationships through the lens of therapy.
In Quebec, Lou-Adriane Cassidy’s album "Journal d’un Loup-Garou" presents a concept album about wrestling with inner demons, while Bibi Club's "Feu de grade" draws inspiration from childhood girl scout experiences in Montreal. Toronto's Saya Gray releases her debut album, showcasing the unique sonic energy she cultivated while working as a musical director for Willow Smith and as a touring bassist for Daniel Caesar.
Yves Jarvis’s "All Cylinders" blends retro influences from various eras of rock and pop, while Population II's "Maintenant Jamais" channels the essence of iconic figures like Ozzy Osbourne and Pink Floyd. Furthermore, Ribbon Skirt's "Bite Down" represents a fusion of Tashiina Buswa's Anishinaabe heritage with indie rock sounds, exploring generational trauma.
The Polaris Music Prize saw its last winner, Jeremy Dutcher, claim the title for his album "Motewolonuwok," making history as the only artist to have won the honor twice. This year’s gala promises to be a notable event as Haviah Mighty, the 2019 winner, will host, showcasing live performances from almost all the nominated artists except Mustafa. Tickets for the gala are available through the Massey Hall website and at the venue's box office.
