Begonia, JayWood Nominated for Polaris Music Price Long List

The Polaris Music Prize ended months of debate and speculation with the announcement of this year's long list of top Canadian albums and there are a few familiar names...

Pop powerhouse Begonia earned a nomination for her second album, Power Blue (Birthday Cake). Her debut, Fear, earned her a spot in 2020. 

Indie songwriter/producer JayWood makes his debut on the long list with his latest album, Slingshot (Captured Tracks / Royal Mountain Records).

Both albums garnered significant praise from media tastemakers and music critics and have helped to keep both artists busy with tour, festival, and showcase dates.

Shoegaze act Zoon, aka Daniel Monkman who was raised in Selkirk and is now based in Hamilton, returns to the long list with his album, Bekka Ma'iingan, following up nods for Bleached Waves (2021) and Sewn Back Together (2022, shortlist) with OMBIIGIZI.

The slate of albums was put forward by the 199-member jury -- which includes national music journalists, broadcasters, and bloggers. The coveted prize awards $50,000 to the best full-length Canadian album, while shortlisted artists each receive $3,000 courtesy of Slaight Music. The jury makes its selection entirely on artistic merit.

The 10-album Short List will be revealed on July 13 and the 2023 Polaris Music Prize winner will be revealed at a gala event on September 19 at Toronto's Massey Hall. 

Past nominees from Manitoba include Begonia (2020), Cannon Bros. (2012), Christine Fellows (2008), Figure Walking (2017), Greg MacPherson (2014, 2010), Imaginary Cities (2011), John K. Samson (2017, 2012), KEN Mode (2013), Propagandhi (2018), Super Duty Tough Work (2020), The Weakerthans (2008 Short List), William Prince (2020), and Vagina Witchcraft (2021).

The 2023 Polaris Music Prize Long List

All Hands_Make Light, Darling the Dawn
Alvvays, Blue Rev
Aquakultre, Don't Trip
Aysanabee, Watin
Badge Époque Ensemble, Clouds of Joy
Begonia, Powder Blue
Bibi Club, Le soleil et la mer
Big|Brave, nature morte
Philippe Brach, Les gens qu'on aime
Mariel Buckley, Everywhere I Used to Be
Daniel Caesar, Never Enough
Chiiild, Better Luck in the Next Life
Feist, Multitudes
Debby Friday, Good Luck
Gayance, Mascarade
Ghostkeeper, Multidimensional Culture
Home Front, Games of Power
JayWood, Slingshot
Khotin, Release Spirit
Thierry Larose, Sprint!
Murray Lightburn, Once Upon a Time in Montreal
Isabella Lovestory, Amor Hardcore
Dan Mangan, Being Somewhere
N Nao,  L'eau et les rêves
Tami Neilson, Kingmaker
Eliza Niemi, Staying Mellow Blows
Nico Paulo, Nico Paulo
Planet Giza, Ready When You Are
poolblood, mole
Jessie Reyez, Yessie
The Sadies, Colder Streams
Jairus Sharif, Water & Tools
Andy Shauf, Norm
Dylan Sinclair, No Longer in the Suburbs
Snotty Nose Rez Kids, I'm Good, HBU?
Alexandra Stréliski, Néo-Romance
U.S. Girls, Bless This Mess
Witch Prophet, Gateway Experience
Yoo Doo Right, A Murmur, Boundless to the East
Zoon, Bekka Ma'iingan