The anticipation is palpable as we edge closer to the official reveal of the Polaris Music Prize Short List on July 11! This prestigious award honours the Canadian album of the year, judged solely on artistic merit without consideration for genre or record sales. The 2024 Short List promises to spotlight the exceptional talent and creativity thriving within the Canadian music scene.
For the fourth straight season, CBC Music, the presenting partner of the Polaris Music Prize, is launching its signature Short List Summer programming to showcase the 10 nominated albums on the 2024 Polaris Short List. The excitement kicks off on Thursday, July 11, with a live two-hour event hosted by Damhnait Doyle, starting at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. AT, 4:30 NT). Tune in across Canada on CBC Music and CBC Listen to be among the first to discover which 10 albums make the coveted Short List. During this special broadcast, a new nominee will be revealed every 12 minutes, featuring music from the nominated albums and insights from Polaris jurors. This announcement follows the reveal of the 40-album Long List on June 11, determined by the 207 members of the Polaris jury.
Anchoring the Short List Summer programming will be THE TEN radio series, featuring 10 separate Polaris specials that provide an in-depth look at each of this year’s Short List nominees. These specials lead up to the announcement of the 2024 Polaris Music Prize winner on Tuesday, September 17, at the Polaris Gala, which will be held at the historic Massey Hall in Toronto, Ontario. Tickets to the Polaris Gala are available now.
CBC Music’s THE TEN radio specials will be hosted by Odario Williams, broadcasting each Sunday on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 p.m. (6:30 NT) starting Sunday, July 14, until Sunday, September 15. Each episode will feature discussions about the shortlisted albums with music writers and Polaris jurors from around the country, along with a deep album listening session. A more detailed radio schedule will be announced along with the reveal of the 10 nominated Short List albums on July 11.
In addition to the radio specials, CBC Music will ramp up its Polaris Short List coverage on cbcmusic.ca, diving into one nominated album each week, beginning Monday, July 15. Follow CBC Music on YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and TikTok for Polaris Music Prize content that will explore the Short List albums and the artists behind them.
The Polaris Music Prize awards $50,000 courtesy of Slaight Family Foundation, going to the artist who creates the Canadian Album of the Year, judged solely on artistic merit. This celebration of music, free from commercial considerations, highlights the true artistry and creativity within the Canadian music landscape.
As we count down to the reveal on July 11, let’s celebrate the remarkable talent within our borders. Each of these artists has contributed something unique and valuable to the Canadian music landscape, and their work deserves to be heard and appreciated. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to these names, I encourage you to explore these albums and join in the celebration of the artistry that makes the Polaris Music Prize such a cherished institution.
Stay tuned for the official announcement, and here’s to another year of exceptional Canadian music! Playlist will be added after the reveal.
(Source: Polaris Music Prize and ChatGPT)
Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee is also on the short list.
I was only 1 out of 5 on my Short List Ballot but many were on my short list wish list. I am most disappointed that TEKE::TEKE’s Hagata did not make it through.