Quebec artists Les Louanges and Angine de Poitrine lead the nominations for the second SOCAN Polaris Song Prize. The 19-song longlist recognizes artistic merit regardless of genre or commercial popularity. The winner will receive $10,000, and the final list of song nominees will be announced on July 29.
Who are the leading Quebec nominees in the SOCAN Polaris Song Prize?
Quebec performers have secured significant representation in the latest longlist. Vincent Roberge, performing as Les Louanges, earned two nominations for the tracks “La journée va être chaude” and “Correct.” The math rock duo Angine de Poitrine, consisting of Khn and Klek, also holds two nominations for “Fabienk” and “Yor Zarad.”
Other notable nominees from the region include:
- Arielle Soucy: Folk singer-songwriter from the Laurentians.
- No Joy: Montreal-based shoegaze group.
- Ouri: Guyanese artist currently based in Montreal.
While Quebec artists are prominent, the list includes talent from across Canada. Aquakultre, a Nova Scotian artist, also secured two nominations for the songs “Gallows” and “Holy.”
Why is the industry shifting toward single-song recognition?
The introduction of the SOCAN Polaris Song Prize in 2025 marks a departure from the traditional album-focused model. Since 2006, the main Polaris Music Prize has rewarded the “album of the year” based on artistic merit. This long-standing tradition ignores commercial popularity to focus on creative depth.
By adding a dedicated song category, the organization acknowledges the changing way audiences consume music. Modern listeners often engage with individual tracks through streaming services rather than full-length albums. This shift allows artists like Les Louanges to gain recognition for specific compositions even as they compete in the album category. Les Louanges’ album Alouette! and Angine de Poitrine’s Vol.II are already on the longlist for the album-based awards.
This dual recognition creates a broader platform for diverse genres. The current longlist spans math rock, shoegaze, and folk, sitting alongside major names like producer Kaytranada and songwriter Lou-Adriane Cassidy. This structure suggests a future where industry awards must balance the historical prestige of the album with the reality of the single-driven digital era.
Comparison of Award Focus
| Feature | Polaris Music Prize | SOCAN Polaris Song Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Unit | Full Album | Individual Song |
| Established | 2006 | 2025 |
| Selection Criteria | Artistic Merit | Artistic Merit |
When will the Polaris winners be announced?
The selection process follows a strict timeline leading up to the main event. The shortlist for the album-based Polaris Music Prize is scheduled for announcement on July 9. Following that, the song finalists for the SOCAN award will be revealed on July 29.
The final winners will be crowned at the gala held on September 22. The event will take place at Massey Hall in Toronto. Last year, Toronto artist Mustafa won the inaugural song prize with the track “Gaza Is Calling.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money does the SOCAN Polaris Song Prize winner receive?
The winner of the song prize receives a $10,000 cash prize.
What criteria are used to select the winners?
The prize is awarded based on artistic merit. The selection process ignores musical popularity or genre.
Who won the first SOCAN Polaris Song Prize?
Toronto artist Mustafa won the first award with his song “Gaza Is Calling.”
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