Since 2006, The Polaris Music Prize awards have been recognizing some of the most talented Canadian musicians. The Long List is comprised of 40 albums that were favored by entertainment jurors. That list is then shortened to the Short List of 10 albums which will be announced on July 16th. The ultimate winner is announced at the Gala, which will be held on September 16 at The Carlu in Toronto. Many of The Orchard distributed artists have been recognized on the 2019 Long List such as TOBi, Elisapie, Marie Davidson and more.
TOBi’s debut album STILL (Same Plate) has found a place both on the Long List and in the charts since its May 3 debut. At only nine years old, TOBi moved from Nigeria to Toronto. To make sense of his new world, he wrote music about “societal lessons that constricted his true self.” In this bountifully creative city (where he sold out Velvet Underground), TOBi was able to use his new Western lifestyle as a foil to his African heritage. From this, TOBi wrote songs that came from his gut and own experiences. “This album is me,” TOBi told The Source, “despite all the odds, setbacks and obstacles… [I’m] just continuing to persist in it presently and mindfully.” By introducing his culture in saying his full name or speaking his language, TOBi and STILL provide a musical narrative that stretches beyond Africa, America and everywhere in between.
Tanika Charles’ The Gumption was released on May 10 via Unique Applause — taking on a vintage feel with music “for this moment, with modern pop sensibilities and lyrically evident strength of will.” This is the Trinidadian-Canandian’s third album following Soul Run and it continues to reinstate the talent of this genre-bending soul-queen. Songs like “Tell Me Something” and “Going Home” showcase the potential of Motown to be crossed over with R&B and everything in between. Charles is currently based in Toronto and continues to craft her sound into masterpieces that combine the sounds of the past, present and future.
A big congrats to all our distributed artists, labels, and partners included on the Polaris Music Prize Long List! Don’t forget — the Short List is published on July 16. And the 2019 Polaris Music Prize winner will be announced at the Polaris Gala on Monday, September 16. You’ll be able to stream the event here.
Tanika Charles The Gumption (Unique Applause / Indie Pool)
Marie Davidson Working Class Woman (Bonsound)
Elisapie The Ballad of the Runaway Girl (Bonsound)
Salomé Leclerc Les choses extérieures (Audiogram)
Les Louanges La nuit est une panthère (Bonsound)
TOBi STILL (Same Plate)
