The SOCAN Polaris Song Prize brings together music lovers, artists, and a dynamic jury to discover, discuss, and award the best in Canadian music, based on artistic merit, regardless of sales or popularity. Through our awards, concerts, and community programs, we inspire audiences in Canada and worldwide to champion groundbreaking Canadian artists.
Each year, our jury of over 200 music critics — including writers, broadcasters, bloggers, curators, and programmers from across Canada and adjoining unceded Indigenous lands — selects the 20 song Long List, the five song Short List, and ultimately, the Song Prize winner.
The Long List recognizes and highlights 20 exceptional Canadian songs, bringing significant visibility and artistic recognition to artists from diverse genres and backgrounds. Being long-listed by Polaris often serves as a critical moment of validation and discovery for artists and their music.
This year’s Song Prize Long List will be announced on June 24, 2025. The Song Prize Short List will be announced on July 29, 2025. Stay connected and be the first to receive exclusive insights, artist features, jury commentaries, and event news by subscribing to our newsletter.
