Much rejoicing this morning chez moi, cuz Patrick Watson has won the Polaris Prize! This is Canada's equivalent of the UK Mercury Prize, and is awarded solely on artistic merit. The ten nominees included Arcade Fire and Feist. Now that lesser-known artists have won two years in a row, it seems that artists at this level of international success are not the judges' favourites. There were several standout nominees including The Dears, Miracle Fortress and Junior Boys.In the Toronto Star, Patrick Watson (the artist, not the band) was quoted as saying, "I really didn't want to win...I was hoping Chad would, " referring to Chad VanGaalen. Meanwhile Chad said of the awards ceremony, "I had a lovely free dinner and everyone (was) totally nice to me."Here is a performance of Drifters by Patrick Watson:You can also find on YouTube a few videos of Patrick Watson playing with Cinematic Orchestra.
Anna says
Now I really do believe in musical fate 100%. Just 5 minutes ago, I was admiring this video, while I had never heard him before, and now I see your post!
Grats to him then.
darmuzz says
It makes me happy when the award shows get it right (but of the 10 nominees, I have to say I would have been happy enough with 8 of them!)
darmuzz says
I think the judges are very determined not to make the "obvious" choices. Feist especially, she is so everywhere in Canada, she is like our Norah Jones.
Much rejoicing this morning chez moi, cuz Patrick Watson has won the Polaris Prize! This is Canada's equivalent of the UK Mercury Prize, and is awarded solely on artistic merit. The ten nominees included Arcade Fire and Feist. Now that lesser-known artists have won two years in a row, it seems that artists at this level of international success are not the judges' favourites. There were several standout nominees including The Dears, Miracle Fortress and Junior Boys.In the Toronto Star, Patrick Watson (the artist, not the band) was quoted as saying, "I really didn't want to win...I was hoping Chad would, " referring to Chad VanGaalen. Meanwhile Chad said of the awards ceremony, "I had a lovely free dinner and everyone (was) totally nice to me."Here is a performance of Drifters by Patrick Watson:You can also find on YouTube a few videos of Patrick Watson playing with Cinematic Orchestra.
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