Music

Arcade Fire wins the 2011 Polaris Prize

by Tyler Munro

Last night Arcade Fire somewhat unsurprisingly took home their first Polaris Prize, winning the honour for The Suburbs and capping off what’s already been a monumental year for the Quebec-based octet.

In winning the prize, which is selected by a jury of over 200 industry professionals, Arcade Fire not only add to their already mountain-sized level of acclaim, but have also won a pretty hefty $30,000 cash prize. While some might take umbrage in the fact that this time around the underdogs didn’t win, the Polaris Prize has always operated separately from commercial success.

“We feel very emotional to receive an award based solely on artistic merit. We really believe in records and we are thankful to the Polaris for recognizing our work and the work of so many great Canadian artists!” said the band after their win.

This year’s shortlist saw a range of nominees, from the veteran Ron Sexsmith to new comer The Weeknd, whose House of Balloons was released non-commercially and is still available free on his website.

While Arcade Fire’s stint as the underdog has come and gone since after winning a Grammy for The Suburbs earlier this year, their first Polaris Prize victory cements not only their place atop Canada’s music scene, but the level of songwriting and musicianship found on the album. It’s that last part we’ve got to focus on.