What is the eligibility window for albums to be considered for the Polaris Music Prize?
To be eligible for the Polaris Music Prize, an album or song must be released within the specified eligibility window, which typically spans from April 1 of the previous year to May 1 of the current year. This ensures that the jury considers the latest and most relevant music.
I have made music that deserves to win. How do I submit my recording for Polaris consideration?
We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in the Polaris Music Prize! We rely on a unique process involving a jury of knowledgeable music critics who nominate albums and songs they believe are exceptional. To have music considered by the Polaris jury, we recommend submitting it to the Polaris Submission Portal. There is no cost to do this.
How do you decide who gets nominated?
Our nominations come from an expert jury comprising writers, broadcasters, bloggers, programmers, and other media authorities on Canadian music. These dedicated individuals submit ballots listing the albums they feel are most deserving based on their extensive experience and perspective as music curators. To ensure impartiality, no one with a financial stake in an artist (such as managers, label personnel, bookers, or publishers) can serve on the jury. You can view the list of our esteemed jurors here.
What type of music is considered for the Polaris Music Prize?
The Polaris Music Prize is open to all genres of music. Our goal is to recognize and celebrate the artistic merit of Canadian music, regardless of genre or commercial popularity. We encourage diversity and welcome recordings from all musical styles.
How is the jury selected?
Each year, Polaris staff and the Jury Foreperson carefully select the jury members. Our goal is to include individuals who have a broad range of musical interests, an exceptional knowledge base, and a passion for discovering and championing the most artistically significant Canadian music.
What criteria do the jurors use to evaluate music?
Jurors evaluate music based on artistic merit. This includes the creativity, originality, and overall impact of the music. The aim is to identify music that stand out for their artistic contributions rather than their commercial success.
“Artistic merit” is based on an individual determination by each member of the Jury. Some (but not all) factors that jurors consider in making this determination for themselves include:
- The music as a whole piece of work;
- The contents of the music; and
- The qualities of the music that distinguish it from other nominees. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to:
- Production;
- Relevance;
- Songs;
- Vocal performance;
- Instrumental performance;
- Being of its time; and
- Being ahead of its time.
Can I lobby the jury?
We understand that you might want to make your music known to the jurors. While outright lobbying is discouraged to maintain fairness, friendly contact that makes jurors aware of your record can be helpful. We recommend researching jurors from your area or those who specialize in your genre of music and contacting them directly through their respective media outlets. The list of jury members and their affiliations can be found on our website here.
Do you have a list of contacts for the jury members?
We do have a list of our jury members, but to protect their privacy, we do not distribute it publicly. We encourage you to reach out to them through their media affiliations, which are listed on our website.
Should I hire a publicist to lobby the jury?
The decision to hire a publicist is entirely up to you. Some albums have been nominated and won with minimal publicity support, while others have had significant publicity backing. Our experience shows that jurors prioritize the quality of the music above all else and are not swayed by excessive publicity efforts.
Can I be on the jury?
If you are actively involved in covering or filtering new and local Canadian music for print, radio, TV, or the web, we would be happy to consider you as a potential juror. Polaris seeks to include jurors from across the country who bring diverse musical perspectives and a dedication to artistic merit. Jury applications are accepted from October to December each year.
I have another question, but it may not be frequently asked. Who can I ask?
We’re here to help! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email us at aaron.brophy@polarismusicprize.ca. We’ll make sure the most appropriate person responds to your query.
What are the benefits for artists who are nominated or win the Polaris Music Prize?
Being nominated for or winning the Polaris Music Prize provides significant recognition and exposure for artists. It highlights their work to a wider audience and can open doors for further opportunities in their musical careers. The Prize also includes a cash award for the winner to support their future artistic endeavours.
Polaris commissioned business consultants Nordicity in 2023 to conduct a thorough impact report to assess the opportunities that being part of the Polaris universe may provide artists. An overview of this report can be found here.
What is the history of the Polaris Music Prize?
The Polaris Music Prize was established in 2006 with the goal of honouring and rewarding Canadian music of high artistic distinction. Since its inception, the Prize has celebrated a diverse range of artists, contributing to the recognition and appreciation of Canadian music on a global scale.
How does the Polaris Music Prize support Canadian music beyond the annual award?
In addition to the annual Prize, Polaris supports Canadian music through various initiatives, including the Heritage Prize, which celebrates classic Canadian albums, and other programs that promote Canadian artists and their work. Our aim is to foster a vibrant and dynamic music community in Canada.
How can I stay updated on Polaris Music Prize news and events?
You can stay updated on all Polaris Music Prize news and events by following us on our social media channels, subscribing to our newsletter via our website, and regularly checking our official website for announcements and updates.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful! If you have more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your interest in the Polaris Music Prize, and we look forward to celebrating the art of Canadian music with you.
