Celebrating Music As Art with Polaris Prize Director, Amber Moyle
By Julia Girdharry
We spoke with Amber Moyle to discuss the Polaris Music Prize’s impact on the Canadian music scene and how to champion diversity within it.
Canadian music is notoriously hard to pin down, with its roots tangled in the storied legacies of The Tragically Hip and Rush. It emerges from a country marked by severe winters and intense summers, where the vast, rugged landscapes and shifting political climates leave their mark on the sound. This combination creates a music scene that’s as diverse and multifaceted as Canada itself, challenging to describe but endlessly fascinating.
Take Tanya Tagaq, a Polaris Music Prize winner whose music channels throat singing to preserve and amplify Indigenous sounds in the face of Canada’s ongoing cultural revisionism. Her work is not only a reflection of her heritage but also a potent commentary on the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Kaytranada, whose beats dig deep into overlooked musical treasures from across the globe. His inventive style blends these finds into fresh, unique sounds that honor the tradition of crate-digging.
Both artists, like all Polaris Music Prize winners, have reimagined what Canadian music can feel like, championing their styles and perspectives. The Polaris Music Prize isn’t just about handing out accolades—it’s a celebration of music as a high art form. Under the leadership of Amber Moyle and a passionate team, Polaris Music Prize has solidified its role as a platform that elevates Canadian music while reflecting its diversity and richness. Moyle’s transition from the public culture sector to Polaris’ helm is as intriguing as it is inspiring, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to recognizing music’s broader cultural impact.
Since joining Polaris, Moyle has made it their mission to turn the Prize into more than just an annual event, transforming it into an ongoing platform that educates, inspires, and connects audiences with Canada’s diverse music scene. By fine-tuning Polaris’ message, they’ve helped hundreds of journalists, radio programmers, and social influencers tap into the stories behind the music, amplifying the Prize’s influence far beyond the award ceremony. As Amber explains, “We redid our mission statement so we could secure charitable status and firm up who we are. I think those pieces coming together made a big difference.” This shift has allowed Polaris to not only celebrate music but actively shape the conversation around it.
Championing Music as Art
The core mission of the Polaris Music Prize is to celebrate music as art. And like all great art, music reflects life—allowing listeners to explore, challenge, and discover. By offering a platform that honors music’s complexity, Polaris ensures a meaningful impact on both artists and the industry. As Moyle explains, “We try to ensure that the albums we believe, through our jurors, are pieces of art that are recognized by the public and the industry as such, without regard to genre or popularity.”
The Polaris Music Prize process is a year-round effort led by a jury of music critics, radio hosts, and journalists, reflecting the diverse music community across Canada. “Our board is extremely diverse in representation,” says Moyle. Throughout the year, jurors nominate albums, starting with a long list of 220 to 240 records. After detailed discussions, the list narrows to a long list of 40, then to a short list of 10. These artists perform at the gala, where a grand jury of 11 selects the winner.
Moyle emphasizes that diversity in the nominee selection is not an explicit goal, but a natural outcome of bringing together jurors from various backgrounds. “One of the misconceptions about Polaris is that we champion diverse artists,” they explain.
“But our focus is on artistic merit—creativity and creating work that is of its time or ahead of its time. When we say we champion the best albums, it’s about the work of art itself.” – Amber Moyle
Still, the diversity of the jury often leads to nominees from a variety of demographics. “Our shortlisters and winners come from all different types of backgrounds… predominantly POC folks, queer folks, and Indigenous folks. We’re proud of that, but it’s because of the effort we put into selecting the backbone of the organization.”
A Global and Local Impact
The Polaris Music Prize serves as a springboard, amplifying Canadian music’s presence at home while propelling its artists onto the global radar. While the industry in Canada can feel tight-knit, even insular, Polaris aims to expand its reach, offering opportunities that resonate far beyond national borders. “People understand that it gives folks a credential,” says Moyle. “The title of being nominated is something that artists can use from the day they get nominated and forever.”
One of the most significant shifts under Moyle’s leadership has been amplifying the Polaris Music Prize’ global reach. Nominations catch the attention of international media outlets, giving Canadian artists more exposure on a global scale. “We see it as part of our Google alerts… it’s getting picked up by international media every time someone uses their Polaris nomination to market or promote themselves.”
But the focus isn’t solely on the global market. The Polaris Music Prize Team is equally committed to strengthening local music communities and breaking the isolation that can come from working in a silo. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t be working together and supporting each other,” They note. The community partner program plays a critical role here, bringing together a range of voices—from not-for-profits to grassroots organizations and business partners across Canada. Through this effort, Polaris opens the door to a larger conversation about how to celebrate, elevate, and sustain Canadian music.
As Moyle puts it, “My hope is that we can do a better job of giving weight to the name of Polaris Music Prize, building a more global presence… because it benefits the artists at the end of the day.” By pulling more people into the fold, Polaris Music Prize generates opportunities that ultimately give back to the music community with as much impact as possible.
The Polaris Music Prize is a catalyst for change in the Canadian music scene. By elevating diverse and innovative artistry, it challenges traditional perceptions and opens new doors for artists and listeners alike. As Polaris Music Prize continues to spotlight groundbreaking work and expand its global reach, it’s not just about celebrating music—it’s about redefining how we engage with it. Through its bold approach, it’s shaping the musical landscape, encouraging audiences to explore new sounds and perspectives while empowering artists to push their creative boundaries. In this way, Polaris Music Prize is crafting a richer, more inclusive dialogue around music that resonates far beyond the borders of Canada.
To learn more about Polaris Music Prize, visit polarismusicprize.ca.