Debby Friday Wins The 2023 Polaris Music Prize
The eclectic artist won the prestigious Prize for her debut album Good Luck. Her victory came with a $50K reward courtesy of Slaight Music, and was announced at the Polaris Gala at Massey Hall in Toronto on Sept. 19. The Prize goes to the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit without regard to genre, sales history or label affiliation.
By FYI Staff
Debby Friday has won the 2023 Polaris Music Prize for the album Good Luck. Her victory came with a $50,000 monetary reward courtesy of Slaight Music, and was announced at the Polaris Gala, held at Massey Hall in Toronto on Sept. 19. The Prize, presented by CBC Music, goes to the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit without regard to genre, sales history or label affiliation.
It was determined by a Grand Jury of 11 music media professionals drawn from the greater Polaris jury pool of 205 music media and selecters from across the country. This was the 18th edition of the Polaris Music Prize.
Friday's debut full-length, Good Luck was released in March 2023. Co-produced by Friday and Polaris-nominated composer and producer, Graham Walsh, it is described as musically eclectic, with influences ranging from punk to techno. Born in Nigeria and raised in Montreal, Friday currently resides in Toronto.
Her name was announced by Polaris 2022 winner Pierre Kwenders, capping a night of musical performances at the Polaris Gala. The gala also featured sets from Short List nominees Aysanabee, Begonia, Debby Friday, Gayance, Dan Mangan, The Sadies, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Members of Alvvays were also in attendance. Feist and Daniel Caesar were unavailable due to touring commitments.
Highlights from The Polaris Music Prize will air on CBC Music Live on Friday, September 22 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC Radio One and CBC Listen and Monday, September 25 at 6 p.m. (6:30 NT) on CBC Music and CBC Listen.
The past winners are Pierre Kwenders (2022), Cadence Weapon (2021), 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 / Owen Pallett (2006).
More info on Polaris here.
Here is the 2023 Polaris Short List, along with a video from all of the nominated albums.
Alvvays - Blue Rev
Aysanabee - Watin
Begonia - Powder Blue
Daniel Caesar - Never Enough
Feist - Multitudes
Debby Friday - Good Luck
Gayance - Masquerade
Dan Mangan - Being Somewhere
The Sadies - Colder Streams
Snotty Nose Rez Kids - I'm Good, HBU?
