The announcement was made by 2023’s winner of the $50,000 cash prize Debby Friday, capping off a show that showcased performances from the ten shortlisted nominees. Dutcher accepted the award flanked by seven members of his “musical family,” thanking them before launching into his acceptance speech.

“All you artists out there, don’t sacrifice your vision,” said the Montreal composer. “People are going to tell you what to do, how to do it. You know.”

I don’t know, but I’m also not an artist. In fact, in my capacity as a juror on the prestigious prize, I entered the theatre with a hunch about which album I thought should win, and had my locks thoroughly tested throughout the evening’s performances. The diversity of genre and production (par for the course when it comes to Polaris) means the acts this year function more as a variety show. 

The Beaches’ Jordan Miller shredded under the spotlight with the London, Ontario based teens of Thunder Queens. “Eve Was Black,” from Allison Russell’s The Returner, was played along a moving dance sequence choreographed by Montrealer Kevin Thomas, artistic director of Collage Dance. Charlotte Cardin’s absence is mediated by a six-piece string band. BAMBII is behind her decks playing from her EP, Infinity Club, but dancers take centre stage under a white spotlight. Their silhouettes give a physical manifestation to her raucous beats. One audience member remarked that it felt more like a concert than an award show. Other performers included nominees Elisapie, TOBi, NOBRO, and DijahSB.

Jeremy Dutcher performs live at the 2024 Polaris Gala (photo by Wade Muir)

The audience was an eclectic mix of artists, journalists, industry folks, and their ilk, the majority of whom make up part of the 207-person body of jurors that make up its membership. Looks range from tees and flannels to three-piece suits and ball gowns. This year’s shortlist nominees were culled from 224 albums. 

Polaris is perhaps not the most well-known mark of award success for music in Canada—that place goes to the Junos. But it certainly feels closer to the pulse of what’s happening right now, more aligned with the conditions and the reality of being a musician in Canada at this moment. Perhaps that’s given its relative newcomer status—the prize was founded in 2006. But in retrospect, the Polaris Music Prize has always positioned itself as a selective tastemaker. Its streak of winners include Feist, Pierre Kwenders, Arcade Fire, Kaytranada, and others who continued to defy the limits of success. Dutcher adds his own page to that history book as the first ever two-time winner. 

“My mom and my dad are here this evening,” Dutcher said, capping off his winning speech. “They gave me life, I bought them lunch today. Feels like a fair trade.”