It’s that time of year again music lovers! The 2013 Polaris Music Prize, recognizing the best in Canadian music based on artistic merit, was held in downtown Toronto last night and the winners were not necessarily the most well-known acts.
With a diverse group of nominees, including alt-rockers Metric and hook-heavy twin sisters Tegan & Sara, (along with seven very other well deserving acts), it was Godspeed You! Black Emperor who skipped the event but still took home the highly coveted title (and $30,000) for their album “Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend! – their first in a decade.
While most bands would be thrilled with the honour after such a long break, Godspeed posted an open letter today on their label’s website pretty much denouncing the Polaris Awards, while still showing off a sense of selflessness and personal priority. The band will be donating their winnings to the purchase of musical instruments for inmates at a Quebec prison.
While Godspeed weren’t on hand (or, as it sounds like, in the mood!) at the event, most of the artists we spoke to were just happy to be there!
A Tribe Called Red was clearly thrilled at the honour, saying how awesome it was to be there, while first-time nominee Zaki Ibrahim made it clear – she was excited for a good show! “I really think that it’s going to be like one of those concerts that I’d pay top dollar for.”;
So with stellar performances from eight of the 10 nominees (excluding Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Tegan & Sara, who were represented by an incredible choir performing their hit Closer), the show was definitely a winning night for everyone there. In fact as it is every year – it was a winning night for Canadian music.
~ By Jonathan Knox
