The Polaris Music Prize marks its 20th anniversary this September, honoring the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic excellence alone since 2006. Launched to bridge a gap for artists exploring unconventional paths and eschewing limiting labels, the prize drew inspiration from the esteemed Mercury Prize in the U.K. and Ireland. Described as a critics’ award by Liisa Ladouceur, a founding board member, the jury pool, consisting of critics, determines both the Polaris long and short lists, with the long list introduced in 2008 to distinguish itself from conventional award shows.
Founder Steve Jordan envisioned Polaris as a unique celebratory event for those who typically shy away from traditional award ceremonies. The inaugural year was characterized as “scrappy” by Ladouceur, with the grand jury selecting the winner after lively debates among 11 members. Over the years, Polaris has provided a platform to champion music culture emphasizing meaningful expression and craftsmanship, as noted by Shad, a five-time Polaris nominee.
Reflecting on two decades of Polaris, here are five standout moments from the annual accolade’s history:
1. Final Fantasy, an unconventional violin band, clinched the inaugural prize in 2006, surprising many and showcasing Polaris’s distinctiveness.
2. Tanya Tagaq’s victory in 2014 with her album “Animism” marked the first win for an Indigenous artist, accompanied by a moving performance honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
3. Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s anti-acceptance speech following their 2013 win highlighted their reluctance towards traditional award structures, resonating with the essence of genuine artistic expression.
4. Kaytranada’s 2016 triumph as the first Black artist to win the Polaris Prize underscored the gradual diversification of the award’s recognition, heralding new musical narratives.
5. Jeremy Dutcher’s 2018 win for “Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa” showcased a burgeoning Indigenous renaissance, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and cultural representation.
These pivotal moments encapsulate the evolution and impact of the Polaris Music Prize over the past two decades, celebrating artistic innovation and diversity in the Canadian music landscape.
