The winner for the prestigious Polaris Prize was announced on September 9, 2023 and Toronto artist Debby Friday took the top honour (which includes $50,000) for her album Good Luck.
We didn't report of the Short List, which was revealed on July 13 so here's is a complete list below. Links with an asterisk (*) will take you to the band's performance at the Gala.
On June 13, 2023, the latest Polaris Music Prize Long List was unveiled. This prestigious competition celebrates musical creativity and diversity in the Canadian music scene. The short list will be announced on July 13.
The opening night of the 2023 Junos saw two local acts awarded with the coveted statuettes. The rest of the awards will be handed our at a televised ceremony on Monday, March 13 at 8pm on CBC.
The world is still reeling from the loss of one of Canada's most distinctive voices. Gord Downie, the lead singer of the legendary Tragically Hip passed away on October 18, 2017 after a brave battle with cancer. He left behind an unforgettable legacy. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.
Gord knew this day was coming — his response was to spend this precious time as he always had — making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss on the lips.
Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.
We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.
Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years — those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.
The very first time I met Gord Downie was in Ottawa at Barrymore's. I think The Hip's first album just came out. We started chatting about music. I asked him what some of his fave bands were. Within the first 3 names, TEENAGE HEAD was mentioned. Not a bad way to meet a singer in a rock n roll band. RIP Gord Downie.
Gord Downie wasn't just the Hip. He was a spokesman for the country. Whenever he had the chance, he spoke for us.
As an indigenous person, I felt the things he said on a personal level. He spoke for the rights of all of us and spent his last days fighting for us.
We all knew it was coming, but we all hoped he would fight it. He can't be cut down so needlessly. We all hoped that he would beat this.
As a Canadian, it's a huge loss. He was the benchmark for what someone in his position should do with their fame. I will be listening to The Hip today with the rest of you and mourning the loss. RIP Gord Downie
Gord Downie. Thank you for being such a beautiful example of what it is like to be Canadian. We are blessed to have shared this lifetime with your music and your stories. You have created new folklore to pass through the generations and have left a powerful legacy of pride, hope, love and togetherness.
In his honour, here are a few area performers covering Gord's amazing work.
3 amazing local artists have taken the first step towards winning the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. The Long List was recently unveiled and a trio of albums from area musicians are on it. Hamilton rockers Arkellsand B.A. Johnston are in the running along with Welland's Daniel Romano.
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