The 2025 Polaris Music Prize season is officially underway! The Long List of 40 exceptional Canadian albums was revealed on June 11, marking the start of another thrilling season of celebrating artistry, innovation, and creativity in Canadian music. As always, Polaris continues its proud tradition of recognizing the best Canadian album of the year based solely on artistic merit—without consideration for genre, sales, or commercial popularity.
To join in the excitement, I’ve curated DarBar’s Polaris Long List Wish List Playlist, featuring songs from artists we hoped to see included on this year’s Long List. It’s a celebration of boundary-pushing sounds, lyrical brilliance, and the incredible talent that continues to define and redefine the Canadian music landscape. This post and playlist was meant to be posted before the reveal but I was away last week and it did not get posted.
About the Polaris Music Prize
At the heart of the Polaris Prize is a diverse jury of over 200 music journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, and curators from across Canada and adjoining unceded Indigenous territories. Their expertise and passion help shape the Long List, Short List, and ultimately select the winner of this prestigious prize.
This year, Polaris marks 20 years of championing music that challenges, inspires, and endures. Alongside the announcement of the Long List, Polaris teased a brand new initiative launching as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations—an exciting development that promises to further elevate the recognition of Canadian musical artistry.
What’s Next?
- Short List Announcement: July 11
- Polaris Gala: September 17 at Massey Hall, Toronto
With the Short List on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore DarBar’s Wish List playlist and get immersed in some of the best music Canada has to offer. Whether or not these artists made the final cut, their work deserves your ears and your heart.
🎧 Press play, discover new favourites, and celebrate 20 years of Polaris with us.
Because music that moves us—deserves to be heard.
The official Polaris Music Prize Long List post to follow or go check it out now on the Polaris Music Prize website.
https://tidal.com/playlist/6f55c0fd-aa62-43fe-80f4-2a560512993c