July 20, 2015
Fred Penner, host of this year’s Polaris Prize Gala in Toronto.
Exactly one month after the Polaris Long List was released, the 2015 Polaris Short List was announced July 16 in Toronto, whittling down the names of 40 nominees to 10 for the best Canadian Album of the Year.
The Short List names are as follows:
Alvvays – Alvvays
BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah – Sour Soul
Braids – Deep In The Iris
Caribou – Our Love
Jennifer Castle – Pink City
Drake – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Tobias Jesso Jr. – Goon
The New Pornographers – Brill Bruisers
Buffy Sainte-Marie – Power In The Blood
Viet Cong – Viet Cong
According to the Polaris Prize website, this year marks first-time nominations for six names on the Short List, including Alvaays, Jennifer Castle, Tobias Jesso Jr., BADBADNOTGOOD, Viet Cong, and Buffy Saint-Marie. Both Braids and The New Pornographers have made the Short List once before, while Caribou and Drake have made the list twice in the past.
This is the first year that the winner will take home $50,000 as prize money, up from the former prize of $30,000 in previous years. 2015 is also significant, as it celebrates the tenth year of the Polaris Music Prize since its inception in 2006. A list of past nominees and winners is available here.
A jury of nearly 200 members from across the country determines the prize winner. The Polaris Board of Directors selects jury members each year.
This year’s winner will be announced at the Polaris Music Prize Gala on September 21, 2015. Fred Penner will be there to host the ceremony at The Carlu in Toronto, which will be broadcast live on AUX TV.
Favourite pic today: Our @clairedahg releasing Fred Penner from his Carlu crypt. pic.twitter.com/Vdztr3Mav9
— Polaris Music Prize (@PolarisPrize) July 16, 2015
Fred Penner has been making more appearances as of recent, including playing CBC Music Fest last month. The Winnipeg native will be making an appearance out West this summer at Lethbridge’s annual free Love & Records outdoor record fair.
A Spotify playlist comprised of songs from the 40 Long List albums can be listened to below.
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In other news…
- Grimes speaks out about sexism in the industry
- What are the most popular Spotify songs in Winnipeg?
- The Weakerthans call it quits
- Headdresses banned at Edmonton Folk Fest
- Touring a source of sadness for musicians
- Lineup released for Ottawa CityFolk
- All Nations Festival celebrates Coast Salish people
–Leyland Bradley
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Get at me @LeylandMarie or leyland.bradley@gmail.com.