Meridian Prize launched

While the Polaris has recognized top Canadian albums since 2006, there has long been some consternation within industry circles regarding regional dominance by artists from Ontario and Quebec.

Earlier this week, BreakOut West announced the establishment of a prize to honour albums of exceptional artistic achievement from Western and Northern Canada. The Meridian Prize “refers both to a line of orientation and a moment of culmination,” the organization writes. “The point at which artistic intent, execution and meaning align.”

“By honouring works defined by risk, coherence and lasting artistic value, the Meridian Prize recognizes albums that have lasting contributions to Canada’s musical canon,” the introductory post reads.

There is some potential for award crossover: with a shot at becoming the first Manitoban artist to win the Polaris, Begonia also has a chance at the inaugural Meridian Prize for Fantasy Life.

Other local artists announced as nominees are Nehiyaw rocker Fontine (Good Buddy); Peguis crooner William Prince (Further From the Country); and shoegaze outfit Living Hour (Internal Drone Infinity). Other nominees include Cassia Hardy (In Relation), Emma Goldman (All You Are Is We), Foxwarren (2), Home Front (Watch It Die), Jack J (Desert Blue) and Jairus Sharif (Basis of Unity).

The recipient will be announced on Oct. 3 at the annual BreakOut West festival, set to be held this year in Victoria, B.C.

At BreakOut West, the Western Canadian Music Awards are also handed out. Nominated Manitoban artists include James Culleton, the Tacamis Trio, Jocelyne Baribeau, Jana Jacobs and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.

Begonia is nominated for pop artist of the year — in a field that includes Winnipeg’s Leith Ross — and recording of the year, in a field that includes William Prince and Boy Golden. Prince is nominated for songwriter of the year in a field that includes Ross, Fontine, Foxwarren and Mariel Buckley. Boy Golden’s Liam Duncan is nominated for roots artist of the year alongside Prince, and for producer of the year alongside Franco-Manitoban artist Rayannah.

Fontine is also up for Indigenous artist of the year, along with Manitoba’s Burnstick, Alberta’s Kyle McKearney and B.C.’s Garret T. Willie and Blue Moon Marque & Northern Cree.