The SOCAN Polaris Song Prize, which recognizes the top Canadian song of the year, has revealed its shortlist. The winning songwriters and performers will share a $10,000 prize, awarded solely on artistic merit by the Polaris jury, regardless of genre or commercial success.
Last year, the Polaris Music Prize and the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) collaborated to introduce the Song Prize, offering artists additional recognition in an era that often prioritizes singles. This year, Saya Gray is the only returning nominee, with all other contenders making their debut on the shortlist. The victor will be unveiled at the Polaris Concert and Award Ceremony on September 22.
The nominees for the SOCAN Polaris Song Prize include “Fabienk” by Angine de Poitrine, “Hurts Like Hell” by Charlotte Cornfield, “Hunger for Death” by Pup, “House on Fire” by Patrick Watson and Martha Wainwright, and “Lean” by Charlotte Day Wilson and Saya Gray.
As we anticipate the winners of both the song and album categories at the Polaris Prize, listeners can engage with the weekly CBC Music radio series, “The Ten,” hosted by Odario Williams. Each Sunday until September 20, the program delves into the shortlisted albums, with episodes available on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in NL). The broadcasts can be accessed via the CBC Listen app or on demand after airing.