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 I 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 2024 Polaris Event Season is set to kick off with the unveiling of the Prize’s 40-album Long List on June 11, followed by the highly anticipated 10-album Short List on July 11. This year, the Polaris Gala, where the winning album will be revealed, will take place on September 17 and returns to the historic and iconic Massey Hall in Toronto.

Polaris has also unveiled its festival season creative look, working once again with an independent Canadian visual designer. This year’s shimmering digital landscape was designed by Toronto-based 3D artist and designer Moshe Petros a.k.a. Droophead and will be woven across all Polaris web, social and video properties as well as the Polaris Gala stage.

From April 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024, 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, and there is one missing from the Tidal Music, Spotify, and YouTube playlists that is in my Long List Wish List. “Diamond Jubilee” by Cindy Lee is not on streaming services, but you can find the entire album on YouTube, which is posted below, or from Geocities. It is very worth checking out!

TEKE::TEKE’s album Hagata, Uh Huh’s self-titled album, and Badge Époque Ensemble’s Air, Light & Harmony are all high on my wish list. I’m also rooting for albums by Saskatchewan artists, such as Katie Tupper’s Where To Find Me and Runway’s self-titled album. The playlist representing 39 of the 40 albums, are my dream long list. How many from this list make it to the official Polaris Music Prize Long List will be revealed June 11. There are so many more albums released in the eligible time period that I enjoy, but they just didn’t make it to DarBar’s Polaris Long List Wish List.

Enjoy all the fantastic tunes from talented Canadian artists featured on these remarkable albums!