A Look At The 2021 Polaris Music Prize Short List
Feat. Mustafa, Cadence Weapon, Zoon, DijahSB, The OBGMs and more.
by Alexander Nicoll
- Published on
The Polaris Music Prize is one of the most coveted music awards in Canada. The annual prize awards $50,000 to one outstanding album made in the past year.
Unlike the Juno Awards, which uses sales figures, the Polaris Prize is merit-based and there is only one award given out. Founded in 2006, many emerging Canadian talents have been recognized on their way to more established success. Past winners have included Patrick Watson, Caribou, Fucked Up, Arcade Fire, Feist, Buffy Saint-Marie, Kaytranada and most recently, our June cover star, Backxwash.
Following this huge list of heavy-hitters it’s exciting to look at the breadth of nominees and think about who will be next. In preparation for this announcement later this year, here’s a look at the shortlist.
Mustafa – When Smoke Rises
TOBi – ELEMENTS Vol. 1
The Weather Station – Ignorance
Klô Pelgag – Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs
Cadence Weapon – Parallel World
Dominique Fils-Aimé – Three Little Words
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson – Theory of Ice
DijahSB – Head Above The Waters
Zoon – Bleached Wavves
The OBGMs – The Ends
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