The long list of 40 albums has been announced for the 2016 Polaris Music Prize. Nominees range from established award-winners to brand new emerging artists. No nominated musician this year has previously won the Polaris Music Prize.
Now in its 11th year, the Prize is awarded for artistic merit to the best Canadian full-length of any genre, label or sales category, from albums released between June 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016.
The long list of 40 nominees was determined by an independent jury of Canadian broadcasters and journalists. A short list of 10 artists will next be selected in time for an announcement on Thursday, July 14.
The winner for Album of the Year will be selected by the Polaris Grand Jury, receive $50,000 and be honoured at the Polaris Music Prize Gala (held at The Carlu in Toronto on September 19, and simulcast on CBC Music and AUX.tv). The remaining nine artists will receive $3,000 each, courtesy of Slaight Music.
Among the 40 artists on the Polaris long list, the following are supported by CIMA and our members:
- Jean-Michel Blais – II (Arts & Crafts)
- Daniel Caesar – Pilgrim’s Paradise (The Feldman Agency)
- City and Colour – If I Should Go Before You (Dine Alone Records)
- Half Moon Run – Sun Leads Me On (Crystal Math Music Group)
- Basia Bulat – Good Advice (Secret City Records)
- Carly Rae Jepsen – E.MO.TION (Feldman Agency)
- Nap Eyes – Thought Rock Fish Scale (TGE)
- Operators – Blue Wave (Last Gang Records)
- PUP – The Dream Is Over (Royal Mountain Records)
- Daniel Romano – Mosey (SXSW)
- Andy Shauf – The Party (Arts & Crafts)
- The Strumbellas – Hope (Six Shooter Records)
For the complete long list and more information on the 2016 Polaris Music Prize, click here.