This week, the Polaris Music Prize, presented by CBC Music, has unveiled the 10 albums on the 2018 Short List.
Selected from the previously announced 40 album Long List, the 2018 Polaris Music Prize Short List is:
- Alvvays – Antisocialites
- Jean-Michel Blais – Dans ma main
- Daniel Caesar – Freudian
- Jeremy Dutcher – Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa
- Pierre Kwenders – MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time
- Hubert Lenoir – Darlène
- Partner – In Search Of Lost Time
- Snotty Nose Rez Kids – The Average Savage
- U.S. Girls – In A Poem Unlimited
- Weaves – Wide Open
“Many jurors expressed their difficulty narrowing down their ballots. The diligence that went into their listening and consideration produced an incredible Short List,” said Polaris jury foreperson Katherine Duncan. “These 10 titles traverse language and culture and highlight the beauty and richness of Canada’s musical life in 2018.”
The announcement took place at CBC Broadcasting Centre in Toronto, ON and was announced by CBC Music Morning host and Polaris juror Raina Douris. Douris will also host the Polaris Music Prize Gala, which will be held at The Carlu in Toronto in September.
The Polaris Music Prize awards $50,000 to the artist who creates the Canadian Album of the Year, (released between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018), judged solely on artistic merit, without consideration for genre or record sales. Additionally, the nine other nominated acts whose albums make the 2018 Short List will receive $3,000 each courtesy of Slaight Music. The Grand Jury, consisting of eleven music journalist, bloggers & broadcasters, convenes on the night of the Gala to select the Polaris Music Prize winner, watch the show and winner announcement live-streamed at cbcmusic.ca/polaris on September 17, 2018.