The Polaris Music Prize has unveiled the 20 nominated songs for the 2026 SOCAN Polaris Song Prize long list, chosen by the 205 members of the Polaris jury. Similar to the Polaris Music Prize, the Song Prize honors the Canadian song of the year based on artistic excellence, regardless of genre or popularity. A single artist will be awarded the $10,000 Song Prize for one song, with the prize money divided between the Canadian performers of the song and the credited Canadian songwriter(s).
Out of the long list, five songs will be selected for the Song Prize shortlist, to be revealed on July 29. The winning song will be announced at the Polaris Concert and Award Ceremony, supported by FACTOR, at Toronto’s Massey Hall on September 22.
The 2026 SOCAN Polaris Song Prize long list includes:
– “Fabienk” by Angine de Poitrine
– “Yor Zarad” by Angine de Poitrine
– “Gallows” by Aquakultre
– “Holy” by Aquakultre
– “My Fantasy Life” by Begonia
– “Put Your Feathers On” by Blue Moon Marquee and Northern Cree
– “Vending Machines” by Mariel Buckley
– “Step Out” by Cadence Weapon, Junia-T, and DijahSB
– “Hurts Like Hell” by Charlotte Cornfield
– “The Boy” by Rochelle Jordan
– “Correct” by Les Louanges
– “La journée va être chaude” by Les Louanges
– “Jelly Meadow Bright” by No Joy, Fire-Toolz
– “Paris” by Ouri feat. Oli XL
– “Hunger For Death” by Pup
– “Seed” by Julianna Riolino
– “No Damn Fears” by Sloan
– “Varieties of Quiet” by Arielle Soucy
– “House on Fire” by Patrick Watson and Martha Wainwright
– “Lean” by Charlotte Day Wilson feat. Saya Gray
Except for Saya Gray, who was nominated last year for “Shell (Of A Man),” all artists on the list are first-time nominees. Last year, folk singer Mustafa and his co-writers, Emmanuel Hailemariam, Simon Hessman, and Nicolas Jaar, won the prize for “Gaza Is Calling.”