Photos by Orest Dorosh – The Polaris Music Prize is an annual award given to the best full-length Canadian album, based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales, or record label. Established in 2006, it was inspired by other notable prizes like the UK’s Mercury Prize. The Polaris jury is composed of music journalists, broadcasters, and critics who select a short list of albums before determining the final winner.
The Polaris Music Prize is distinctive because it emphasizes creativity and quality over commercial success, aiming to spotlight artists who might not have received mainstream attention. Its prize money has grown over the years, currently standing at $50,000 CAD for the winner, while short-listed artists receive $3,000 CAD each.
The award ceremony usually features live performances by the nominated artists and has become a significant event in the Canadian music industry. Past winners include artists like Arcade Fire, Kaytranada, Feist, and Caribou, representing a wide range of musical styles.
2024 Winner Jeremy Dutcher
The Heritage Prize is a hall of fame-minded critics prize/public polling campaign meant to celebrate classic Canadian albums created before Polaris began in 2006. Like the Polaris Music Prize, winners and nominees of the Heritage Prize are albums of the highest artistic distinction, without regard to sales or affiliations.
This years performers: Jermy Dutcher, Jordan Miller with Thunder Queens, Elisapie, Bambii, DijahSB, Elisapie, NOBRO, TOBi,‘Eve Was Black’ Collage Dance
