Polaris Prize Names Arcade Fire, Austra, Weeknd and More to 2011 'Short List'

Posted on Jul 6th 2011 2:12PM by Jenny Charlesworth
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Had Arcade Fire's runaway hit album, 'The Suburbs,' failed to make the Short List for Canada's celebrated Polaris Prize, both critics and fans would have been up in arms. Luckily, there was no Vancouver-style riot when their album, which cleaned up at both the Junos and Grammys, was the first announced today (July 6) by Damian Abraham of 2009 winners F---ed Up at a Toronto press conference as a contender for the $30,000 cash prize and distinction.

It was the other albums on the list -- now whittled down from 40 to 10 titles -- that prompted more debate amongst the artists and industry folks on hand.

"The fact that there was no reaction to the Arcade Fire nomination announcement was indicative of the fact that I think everyone thinks they have a lock [on the competition]," Abraham told Spinner following the Short List reveal. "But if there's any proof that what happens in that jury room can't be predictive, it's myself, F---ed Up winning -- I was convinced that K'Nann or Joel Plaskett were going to get it the year we got it. That's the thing about Polaris, though the Arcade Fire look like the favourite, I would not be surprised to see any one of these artists walk away with it."

Electro-goth Godess Austra landed a coveted nod (and $2,000 if her disc doesn't end up grabbing top honour -- all the runners up on the Short List are now awarded this consolation prize) for 'Feel It Break.' Other nominees included Braids, Galaxie, Hey Rosetta!, Destoyer, Ron Sexsmith, Colin Stetson, Timber Timbre and the Weeknd.

"I'm definitely honestly surprised but really excited and super proud, not only of being nominated but also being nominated alongside friends who've made records I really enjoy," Stetson, whose disc 'New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges' was named today, tells Spinner.

"If either of the records that I play on besides mine won, I, of course, would be incredibly proud," he adds, referencing his sax guest spots on both Arcade Fire and Timber Timbre's disc.

Though the Montreal musician admits his avant-garde-leaning album is perhaps the dark horse of the list, he sees Polaris as the great equalizer.

"That's what the Polaris is about -- everyone is coming in as equals."

Watch Broken Social Scene Perform at the 2010 Polaris Prize Awards
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