Polaris Music Prize

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Better Know a Record Store #6: Zulu October 12 2009

Nicolas Bragg, General Manager, Zulu Records (Vancouver)

Who are you? What's your store's claim to fame?

We are Vancouver's oldest independent music source since 1981. We grew from the ashes of the old Quintessence store, which put out some amazing punk records back in the day and later continued on the Zulu Records imprint. Over the years we have modeled ourselves as a community centre and record store and try to reach out into the community of musicians and fans as a place to celebrate the best music of all genres. Claim to fame? We've had some memorable instores over the years - Jay Reatard, Minus 5 and R.E.M., Jonathan Richmond and more - and been in some forgettable films too!

Reaction to the 2009 Short List: Biggest surprise? Shocked by any
omissions?

Based on the amazing talent on the short list, my reaction would be that it is getting tougher and tougher to crack the top ten... also, 90% of the nominees hail from Eastern Canada, which suggests that either Western Canadian music production needs a shake up, or that Western Musicians move out east (Montreal anyone?) in reaction to the increased Vancouver cost of living, or finally that perhaps there is some truth to the rumours that there is no shortage of boredom, ennui, and angst (all creative catalysts) out east. Not shocking, but still.... My favourite Canadian record of the year was Tim Hecker's An Imaginary Country... pretty good for a kid from Delta doing a PhD at McGill.

Which record on the Short List is your personal favourite, and why?

I am a big champion of Chad VanGaalen's Soft Airplane - especially as Chad recently agreed to perform here at Zulu - as it is a very unnerving album that captures his unique voice, wide sonic vision and love of multi-instrumentation experimentation. Add to the fact that Chad is extremely involved in the arts and you have a talent that hopefully will contribute quite a legacy to the Canadian cultural fabric.

Describe the state of Canadian music in 5 words:

Neil Young Tonight's The Night.

Imagine there is a new Polaris Record Store Prize and you are a
nominee. What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize if you won?

Honestly? Pay some bills and invest in the infrastructure of the store - its a toss up between a fancy cappuccino machine and a new P.O.S. system. That said, in following suit with donating the prize I think it would be great to give the money to the Portland Hotel Society who support people with mental illness and addiction in the Downtown Lower East Side - just a little thanks for early years they employed our friends in Black Mountain.

Related Link: Zulu Records