As we eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Polaris Music Prize Long List, it’s time to dive into the excitement and showcase a playlist of songs by artists that we hope to see on this prestigious list. The Polaris Music Prize recognizes the Canadian album of the year, solely judged on artistic merit without consideration for genre or record sales. It’s a celebration of the exceptional music created by talented artists across the country. Join us in discovering and appreciating the remarkable talent within the Canadian music scene as we present DarBar’s Polaris Long List Wish List Playlist.

The 2023 Polaris Event Season is set to kick off with the unveiling of the Prize’s 40-album Long List on June 13, followed by the highly anticipated 10-album Short List on July 13. This year, the Polaris Gala, where the winning album will be revealed, will take place on September 19 at the historic and iconic Massey Hall in Toronto. The shift in venue offers an opportunity to shine an even bigger spotlight on the Polaris nominees and their outstanding contributions to Canadian music.

The “Waveform” Theme: Under the creative vision of Montreal-based artist Aude Guivarc’h, the Polaris Event Season will feature the mesmerizing “Waveform” theme. Various iterations of Guivarc’h’s landscapes will be unveiled throughout the season, bringing a unique visual experience to the Polaris Gala stage. Directed by Daniel Tal, the official event season kick-off video offers a glimpse into the captivating world of “Waveform.”

As we eagerly await the announcement of the Polaris Long List, let’s celebrate the incredible talent within the Canadian music industry with DarBar’s Polaris Long List Wish List Playlist. From May 1, 2022, to May 1, 2023, a remarkable range of albums became eligible for consideration, representing the diversity and creativity of Canadian artists. The playlist is not in a particular order, but the albums that were on my ballot are in the top half of the playlist. There are so many more albums that were released in the eligible time period that I enjoy but just did not make it to the Polaris Long List wish list. Enjoy!

(Sources: Polaris Music Prize and OpenAI)