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TANYA TAGAQ NAMED WINNER OF 2014 POLARIS PRIZE

Posted on September 23, 2014

It was announced last night that throat singer Tanya Tagaq is the winner of this year’s 2014 Polaris Prize for her album Animism. Hailed as a huge honour in Canadian Music, the Polaris Music Prize is a not-for-profit organization that annually honours, celebrates and rewards creativity and diversity in Canadian recorded music by recognizing, then marketing the albums of the highest artistic integrity. The 9th annual gala was held last night in Toronto and was hosted by Jay Baruchel, star of Manitoba-made hockey flick Goon

“Tanya Tagaq has set a bar for innovation and originality in our industry," said Carole Vivier, CEO & film commissioner at Manitoba Film & Music. "This award is evidence of the talent, imagination, and creativity of Manitoba artists and Canada as a whole. We are honoured to have supported such a ground-breaking album."
 
Critics have called Animism a “beautiful musical bravery” and a “magnificent, unique, overwhelming life force.” Tagaq’s music is rooted in Inuit throat singing, but incorporates electronica, industrial, symphonic and metal influences.
 
Tagaq was presented with the award shortly after giving a bone-chilling performance aided by a choir, which sent the social media world into a frenzy of admiration. Her album beat out Arcade Fire, Drake, and Mac DeMarco for the $30k prize.
 
The last Manitoba act to appear on the Polaris short list was The Weakerthans for their album Reunion Tour in 2008. Tagaq is the first Manitoban to take home the award.

 

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