Polaris short list is revealed

Performers singing in at least five languages are among this year’s selection of Polaris Music Prize nominees. Ten contenders were revealed for the $50,000 award, which goes to the best album from a Canadian artist or band, including the release Antisocialites from dream pop band Alvvays and Freudian by Toronto R&B singer Daniel Caesar. A number of Indigenous artists are represented among the short list. Newcomer Jeremy Dutcher duets with recordings captured on the East Coast a century ago in the Wolastoqey language, and rappers the Snotty Nose Rez Kids level honest takes on racism in Canada. Projects by Québécois artists Jean-Michel Blais, Hubert Lenoir and Pierre Kwenders are also among the listed albums. Rounding out the bunch are releases from two returning Polaris contenders — U.S. Girls and Weaves — as well as indie rock newcomers Partner. The Polaris winner will be awarded on Sept. 17.