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”.
Ms. Sainte-Marie’s album is the most overtly activist album in Polaris’s history. “I’m all for freedom of speech …” But it’s kind of dumb if it’s going to distract from your music.
A grand jury of 11 music journalists determined the victor from a 10-album shortlist, which this year harkened a great deal of reflection on music history.
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”.
The eligibility period for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize was June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015.
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“I really am surprised”, she said at Monday night’s gala. “And I thank you very much ’cause this one got heard”.
