Jeremy Dutcher has once again captured the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, securing his second victory for the album 'Motewolonuwok.' The acclaimed artist was honored on September 16, 2024, at Toronto's Massey Hall, a venue that has become synonymous with this celebration of Canadian musical artistry. This achievement solidifies Dutcher's unique position in Canadian music history, as he is the only artist to have won the Polaris Music Prize twice. His first win was in 2018 for his groundbreaking debut album, 'Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa.'
The 2025 Polaris Music Prize ceremony took place on September 16, 2025, at the legendary Massey Hall in Toronto, where Yves Jarvis won for his album «All Cylinders».
Dutcher, a Two-Spirit artist hailing from Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), is celebrated for his innovative approach to music, which masterfully blends traditional songs with elements of neoclassical, jazz, and pop. This distinctive fusion has garnered him international acclaim and led to significant collaborations with other prominent musicians. His work is deeply rooted in his heritage, as he painstakingly transcribed ancestral Wolastoq songs from 1907 wax cylinders found at the Canadian Museum of History, breathing new life into melodies that were once at risk of being lost. This dedication to cultural preservation through music underscores the profound connection between his art and his identity.
The Polaris Music Prize, establishJeremy Dutcher has once again captured the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, securing his second victory for the album 'Motewolonuwok.' The acclaimed artist was honored on September 16, 2024, at Toronto's Massey Hall, a venue that has become synonymous with this celebration of Canadian musical artistry. This achievement solidifies Dutcher's unique position in Canadian music history, as he is the only artist to have won the Polaris Music Prize twice. His first win was in 2018 for his groundbreaking debut album, 'Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa.'
The 2025 Polaris Music Prize ceremony took place on September 16, 2025, at the legendary Massey Hall in Toronto, where Yves Jarvis won for his album «All Cylinders».
Dutcher, a Two-Spirit artist hailing from Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), is celebrated for his innovative approach to music, which masterfully blends traditional songs with elements of neoclassical, jazz, and pop. This distinctive fusion has garnered him international acclaim and led to significant collaborations with other prominent musicians. His work is deeply rooted in his heritage, as he painstakingly transcribed ancestral Wolastoq songs from 1907 wax cylinders found at the Canadian Museum of History, breathing new life into melodies that were once at risk of being lost. This dedication to cultural preservation through music underscores the profound connection between his art and his identity.
The Polaris Music Prize, established in 2006, is a testament to artistic merit, recognizing the most compelling Canadian album of the year irrespective of commercial success or genre. The award comes with a $30,000 prize, generously provided by the Slaight Family Foundation. This year's ceremony also introduced the inaugural SOCAN Polaris Song Prize, amounting to $10,000 and awarded to Mustafa for his composition «Gaza Is Calling», further expanding the recognition of Canadian musical talent. The Polaris Music Prize has consistently championed artists who take creative risks and operate outside conventional industry norms, filling a vital niche in the Canadian music landscape, much like its inspiration, the UK's Mercury Prize. The prize's commitment to artistic integrity is reflected in its jury process, which involves a diverse panel of music critics who select nominees based purely on artistic merit.
In 2025, 40 albums were nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, selected from 189 submitted works. The jury, consisting of 205 media representatives, evaluated albums released between April 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Dutcher announced that his $30,000 prize money would be donated to Kehkimin, a Wolastoqey language immersion school founded by his mother. The 2024 Polaris Music Prize gala featured performances from several of the shortlisted artists, including Elisapie, The Beaches, Nobro, and TOBi. The Polaris Music Prize is awarded based on artistic merit, with no consideration for genre, sales history, or label affiliation. The winner is determined by a grand jury of music media professionals.ed in 2006, is a testament to artistic merit, recognizing the most compelling Canadian album of the year irrespective of commercial success or genre. The award comes with a $30,000 prize, generously provided by the Slaight Family Foundation. This year's ceremony also introduced the inaugural SOCAN Polaris Song Prize, amounting to $10,000 and awarded to Mustafa for his composition «Gaza Is Calling», further expanding the recognition of Canadian musical talent. The Polaris Music Prize has consistently championed artists who take creative risks and operate outside conventional industry norms, filling a vital niche in the Canadian music landscape, much like its inspiration, the UK's Mercury Prize. The prize's commitment to artistic integrity is reflected in its jury process, which involves a diverse panel of music critics who select nominees based purely on artistic merit.
In 2025, 40 albums were nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, selected from 189 submitted works. The jury, consisting of 205 media representatives, evaluated albums released between April 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Dutcher announced that his $30,000 prize money would be donated to Kehkimin, a Wolastoqey language immersion school founded by his mother. The 2024 Polaris Music Prize gala featured performances from several of the shortlisted artists, including Elisapie, The Beaches, Nobro, and TOBi. The Polaris Music Prize is awarded based on artistic merit, with no consideration for genre, sales history, or label affiliation. The winner is determined by a grand jury of music media professionals.