The playlist this week is in anticipation of the upcoming 2023 Polaris Music Prize Gala and winner announcement. On the first playlist, you will find a couple of tracks from each of the 10 shortlisted albums, available on both Spotify and YouTube. The second playlist this week allows you to revisit past Polaris Music Prize winners, offering a collection of great music by talented Canadian artists.

This year’s winning album reveal will once again take place during the Polaris Gala presented by long-time partner CBC Music, happening September 19, 2023.

This year marks the first time since 2013 where the winner won’t be revealed under the beautiful art moderne ceiling at The Carlu. While Polaris will miss our home for the last decade, the opportunity to host the Polaris Gala at historic 129-year-old Massey Hall, Canada’s marquee live venue, represents a wonderful opportunity to shine an even bigger and brighter spotlight on the Polaris nominees and the exceptional music they make. (Source: Polaris Music Prize)

The 2023 Polaris Music Prize Short List is:

  • Alvvays – Blue Rev
  • Aysanabee – Watin
  • Begonia – Powder Blue
  • Dan Mangan – Being Somewhere
  • Daniel Caesar – Never Enough
  • Debby Friday – Good Luck
  • Feist – Multitudes
  • Gayance – Mascarade
  • Snotty Nose Rez Kids – I’m good, HBU?
  • The Sadies – Colder Streams

“This year’s 2023 Short List highlights the impressive and ever-evolving dynamicism of Canadian music from artists at all stages of their career. As always, our incredible jury members are the engine and heart of the Polaris Music Prize, and we’re grateful for their time spent collectively crafting this list. In an age where our attention has become a valuable commodity, these 10 records are deserving of a deep, slow listen. We invite you to sink your teeth in,” said Melissa Vincent, Polaris jury foreperson. (Source: Polaris Music Prize)

The Sadies, Dan Mangan, and Aysanabee are at the top of my wish list. Which album is your favourite? Who do you think will win?

The past Polaris Music Prize winners:

  • 2006 – He Poos Clouds – Final Fantasy (Owen Pallett)
  • 2007 – Close To Paradise – Patrick Watson
  • 2008 – Andorra – Caribou
  • 2009 – The Chemistry Of Common Life – Fucked Up
  • 2010 – Les Chemins De Verre – Karkwa
  • 2011 – The Suburbs – Arcade Fire
  • 2012 – Metals – Feist
  • 2013 – ALLELUJAH! DON’T BEND! ASCEND! – Godspeed You! Black Emperor
  • 2014 – Animism – Tanya Tagaq
  • 2015 – Power in the Blood – Buffy Sainte-Marie
  • 2016 – 99.9% – Kaytranada
  • 2017 – La Papessa – Lido Pimienta
  • 2018 – Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa – Jeremy Dutcher
  • 2019 – 13th Floor – Haviah Mighty
  • 2020 – God Has Nothing To Do With This Leave Him Out Of It – Backxwash
  • 2021 – Parallel World – Cadence Weapon
  • 2022 – José Louis And The Paradox Of Love – Pierre Kwenders