Polaris Prize Short List 2015: Drake, New Pornographers & Alvvays Lead Pack

After unveiling its long list last month, today (July 16) the 10 short list nominees for the 2015 Polaris Prize have been revealed. Celebrating the best in Canadian music on artistic merit alone, this year's list is just as eclectic as one could have expected, with everyone from Drake to The New Pornographers to Alvvays and Tobias Jesso Jr. getting nominations.

This year's short list is quite the mixed bag, with Drake's If You're Reading This It's Too Late leading the pack as far as name recognition goes. However, the "Energy" rapper isn't the only big name on the list; The New Pornographers' Brill Bruisers and BADBADNOTGOOD's album with Ghostface Killah, Sour Soul, have also been included in the short list.

Repping indie rock this year, we have Braids, Caribou, Jesso Jr., Alvvays and Viet Cong. There are also a few lesser known acts on the bill, including Toronto singer-songwriter Jennifer Castle for her critically acclaimed LP Pink Castle and Native American activist/singer Buffy Sainte-Marie.

The winner of the grand prize this year will be announced at the Polaris gala on Sept. 21 and win $50,000. The other acts on the shortlist will receive $3000. This year's winner join the varied list of winners from years' past, which includes throat singer Tanya Tagaq, Goodspeed You! Black Emperor, Arcade Fire, Feist, F*cked Up and more.

Polaris Short List, 2015:

Alvvays, Alvvays
BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah, Sour Soul
Braids, Deep in the Iris
Caribou, Our Love
Jennifer Castle, Pink City
Drake, If You're Reading This It's Too Late
Tobias Jesso Jr., Goon
The New Pornographers, Brill Bruisers
Buffy Sainte-Marie, Power in the Blood
Viet Cong, Viet Cong

[h/t SPIN]

Tags

Drake, The New Pornographers, Alvvays, Tobias Jesso Jr., Ghostface Killah, Braids, Caribou