The 2018 Polaris Music Prize Short List Is Here
The Polaris Music Prize, presented by CBC Music, has unveiled the 10 albums on the 2018 Short List.
The 2018 Polaris Music Prize Short List is:
Alvvays – Antisocialites
Jean-Michel Blais – Dans ma main
Daniel Caesar – Freudian
Jeremy Dutcher – Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa
Pierre Kwenders – MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time
Hubert Lenoir – Darlène
Partner – In Search Of Lost Time
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – The Average Savage
U.S. Girls – In A Poem Unlimited
Weaves – Wide Open
“Many jurors expressed their difficulty narrowing down their ballots. The diligence that went into their listening and consideration produced an incredible Short List,” said Polaris jury foreperson Katherine Duncan. “These 10 titles traverse language and culture and highlight the beauty and richness of Canada’s musical life in 2018.”
The announcement took place earlier today at CBC Broadcasting Centre in Toronto, ON and was announced by CBC Music Morning host and Polaris juror Raina Douris. Douris will also host the Polaris Music Prize Gala, which will be held at The Carlu in Toronto on September 17 and live-streamed at cbcmusic.ca/polaris.
The Polaris Music Prize awards $50,000 to the artist who creates the Canadian Album of the Year, judged solely on artistic merit, without consideration for genre or record sales. Additionally, the nine other nominated acts whose albums make the 2018 Short List will receive $3,000 each courtesy of Slaight Music.
Albums eligible for 2018 Polaris Music Prize consideration must be released between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018. An independent jury of music journalists, broadcasters and bloggers from across Canada determine the Long List and Short List. Eleven people from the larger jury pool are then chosen to serve on the Grand Jury. This Grand Jury convenes on the night of the Gala to select the Polaris Music Prize winner.
Past winners have included Lido Pimienta (2017), Kaytranada (2016), Buffy Sainte-Marie (2015), Tanya Tagaq (2014), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (2013), Feist (2012), Arcade Fire (2011), Karkwa (2010), Fucked Up (2009), Caribou (2008), Patrick Watson (2007) and Final Fantasy / Owen Pallett (2006).
