The Polaris Music Prize Gala

The stage is set, the lights are on, and the excitement is palpable. Music lovers, critics, and artists alike are ready for one of Canada’s most prestigious nights of the year—The Polaris Music Prize Gala, happening on September 17, 2024, at the iconic Massey Hall in Toronto. With CBC Music as a presenting partner, this year’s Gala promises to be an unforgettable celebration of artistic merit, featuring stellar performances, emotional moments, and the highly anticipated announcement of the 2024 Polaris Music Prize winner.

What Makes the Polaris Music Prize Special?

The Polaris Music Prize is no ordinary music award. It stands apart by prioritizing artistic excellence over genre or commercial success. Each year, an independent panel of Canadian music journalists, broadcasters, and bloggers selects the best Canadian albums, solely based on merit. The Prize, a not-for-profit registered charity, was founded with the mission of celebrating the art of music and inspiring fans in Canada and around the world to champion Canadian music.

Polaris believes in music’s power to transform culture and shape identity. The Prize not only spotlights incredible talent but also brings together a dynamic jury to discover, discuss, and honour albums that challenge the status quo. The winning artist will receive a generous prize of $50,000, while each of the nine other shortlisted artists will take home $3,000, courtesy of Slaight Music.

The Journey: From Long List to Short List

The journey to the Polaris Gala began on June 11, when 236 albums in consideration was narrowed down to the Long List of 40 nominated albums was announced. These 40 albums represented the depth and diversity of Canadian music, ranging from indie rock to hip hop, electronic to folk, and everything in between. By July 11, this list was narrowed down to the Short List, which spotlights the 10 albums considered for the 2024 Polaris Music Prize. These 10 artists are recognized for producing works of the highest artistic distinction and will perform live at the Polaris Gala.

A Night of Unforgettable Performances

The Polaris Gala isn’t just about announcing the winner—it’s a full celebration of live music from some of the country’s most exciting and innovative artists. This year’s performers include:

• BAMBII: The Toronto DJ and producer who has been shaking up dance floors with her unique electronic sound.
• Dijah SB: A rising star in the Canadian hip-hop scene, known for their introspective lyrics and relatable storytelling.
• Jeremy Dutcher: A Polaris Prize winner in 2018, this classically trained singer-songwriter continues to blend the modern and traditional with breathtaking results.
• Elisapie: The Inuk singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in the stories and spirit of her people.
• Jordan Miller of The Beaches (with The Thunder Queens): An explosive performance sure to rock the stage with energy and grit.
• NOBRO: This all-female punk band is known for their electrifying stage presence and fierce sound.
• TOBi: A critically acclaimed rapper and singer who’s captured hearts with his soulful music.

Additionally, attendees will experience a seven-dancer ballet set to Allison Russell’s powerful track Eve Was Black, and a special animated video release of Cindy Lee’s “If You Hear Me Crying”, adding even more artistic depth to the evening.

The Grand Jury Decides the Winner

The winner of the 2024 Polaris Music Prize will be selected by a 11-member Grand Jury, chosen from the larger pool of 208 music critics, bloggers, and broadcasters from across the country. These jurors will come together at the Gala to debate and ultimately decide which of the 10 shortlisted albums deserves the title of Canadian Album of the Year. Their decision is based purely on artistic merit, with no regard for sales, genre, or affiliations.

This rigorous and thoughtful process ensures that the Polaris Music Prize continues to be a celebration of music’s artistic integrity, while promoting diversity and creativity within Canada’s ever-evolving music scene.

Watch the Gala Live!

Can’t make it to Massey Hall? Don’t worry! You can still experience the excitement of the Polaris Gala through CBC Music’s Instagram, which will be offering live updates of the event as it unfolds. And if you want to relive the magic, the entire gala will be available to stream on CBC Gem starting October 2, 2024.

Looking Ahead: The Polaris Heritage Prize

While all eyes are on the 2024 Polaris Music Prize winner, another exciting event looms on the horizon—the Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize, which will be awarded in October 2024. This award celebrates classic Canadian albums released before the inception of Polaris in 2006, giving timeless works the recognition they deserve. Like the Polaris Music Prize, the Heritage Prize is judged purely on artistic merit.

Conclusion

The Polaris Music Prize Gala isn’t just an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of Canada’s diverse and boundary-pushing music scene. With its commitment to honouring music for its artistic merit, the Polaris Prize continues to inspire and uplift artists while providing music fans with a platform to discover some of the most innovative and meaningful albums in Canadian music.

2024 Short List:

The Returner – Allison Russell

INFINITY CLUB – BAMBII 

99 Nights – Charlotte Cardin

Diamond Jubilee – Cindy Lee

The Flower That Knew – Dijah SB

Inuktitut – Elisapie

Motewolonuwok – Jeremy Dutcher

Set Your Pussy Free – NOBRO

Blame My Ex – The Beaches

Panic – TOBi

Polaris Music Prize past 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 – 13the 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

2023 – Good Luck – Debby Friday