advertisement
FYI

2021 Polaris Music Prize Shortlist Announced

On Thursday (July 15), organizers of the Polaris Music Prize announced the 10 albums short-listed for the $50K prize, with the ultimate winner to be announced on Sept. 27.

2021 Polaris Music Prize Shortlist Announced

By FYI Staff

On Thursday (July 15), organizers of the Polaris Music Prize announced the 10 albums short-listed for the $50K prize, with the ultimate winner to be announced on Sept. 27.


Every year since 2006, the PMP has been awarded to a Canadian album of distinction, without regard to musical genre or commercial popularity. The nine runners-up from the short list each receive $3,000, provided by Slaight Music.

Presenting sponsor of the Awards is CBC Music. Major sponsors are as follows: FACTOR, the Government of Canada, Slaight Music, and Radio StarMaker Fund.

 
The 2021 Polaris Music Prize Short List nominees, as follows::

advertisement

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson – Theory of Ice

Cadence Weapon – Parallel World

DijahSB – Head Above The Waters

Dominique Fils-Aimé – Three Little Words

Mustafa – When Smoke Rises

The OBGMs – The Ends

Klô Pelgag – Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs

TOBi – Elements Vol. 1

The Weather Station – Ignorance

Zoon – Bleached Wavves

 

Past winners of the annual Award include Backxwash (2020), Haviah Mighty (2019), Jeremy Dutcher (2018), Lido Pimienta (2017), Kaytranada (2016), Buffy Sainte-Marie (2015), Tanya Tagaq (2014), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (2013), Feist (2012), Arcade Fire (2011), Karkwa (2010), Fucked Up (2009), Caribou (2008), Patrick Watson (2007) and Final Fantasy, aka Owen Pallett, (2006).

advertisement
Howard Willett (right) with Whiskey Jack
Courtesy photo

Howard Willett (right) with Whiskey Jack

FYI

Obituaries: Toronto Harmonica Ace/Vocalist Howard Willett Remembered By His Peers

This week we also acknowledge the passing of The Cure keyboardist/guitarist Perry Bamonte, bubblegum hitmaker Jerry Kasenetz, influential U.S. label head Howie Klein and innovative jazz musician Michal Urbaniak.

Howard Willett, a vocalist and harmonica player with the Bebop Cowboys, Whiskey Jack and many other Ontario country/roots outfits, died on Dec. 31. His age has not been reported.

On his Perlich Post blog, Toronto music journalist Tim Perlich says, "I'm saddened to hear that Parry Sound-born singer/harmonica ace Howard Willett has passed away. Howard was a longtime performer on the Toronto scene, well known for his work with the Bebop Cowboys, Swing-a-Billy Orchestra, Whiskey Jack, Junction City AllStars, The Shifters and many others. He'll be greatly missed."

keep readingShow less
advertisement