The annual award honors the best album from Canada as selected by a jury of music journalists, bloggers, and broadcasters. Castle’s austere “Sparta” was buoyed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Braids’ Raphaelle Standell-Preston captivated from centre stage.
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A day earlier, the Calgary post-punks released a statement saying they would change their name, but that didn’t prevent protesters from showing up outside the Carlu, where the gala took place, wearing T-shirts that said “still named Viet Cong still no apology still racist”. “I’m all for freedom of speech …” But it’s kind of dumb if it’s going to distract from your music.
It was in response to our question about the wave of young indigenous artists who are receiving wide critical acclaim for their work, such as last year’s Polaris victor Tanya Tagaq and Juno Award-winning DJ group A Tribe Called Red, and how she feels about being cited as a major influence in the “indigenous music renaissance”. “I teared up a little bit”.
“I don’t hold back form trying to craft a song that not only touches people but also might expand their horizons”, she continued, “and give them some support for sticking up for what needs to be protected in their own communities”. “I’ll use some of the money to upgrade my studio”. “Also, I thought it could be a great chance to meet Ghostface Killah”.
The eligibility period for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize was June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015.
Despite Sainte-Marie’s celebrated status, she did seem stunned by her victory.
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“That’s always been my problem because I had some serious, serious issues”, she said. “And I thank you very much ’cause this one got heard”.
