Drake, Buffy Sainte Marie, New Pornographers nominated for Polaris Music Prize

TORONTO _ Former winners Patrick Watson and Caribou are once again in the running for the $50,000 Polaris Music Prize.

Records from perennial nominees Drake, Joel Plaskett and the New Pornographers were also among the 40-album long list unveiled Tuesday in Halifax.

The Polaris is awarded to the best Canadian album of the previous year as chosen by a jury of nearly 200 journalists, broadcasters and bloggers.

Newcomers to Polaris contention this year include Toronto’s Alvvays, Vancouver pianist Tobias Jesso Jr. and veteran songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie.

The 10-album short list will be revealed July 16 and a winner will be named during a Toronto gala on Sept. 21.

Other previous victors include Tanya Tagaq, Feist and Arcade Fire.

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