Debby Friday Wins 2023 Polaris Prize She received a nomination for her debut album Good Luck,which put her in the company of other acclaimed artists like Alva’s, Feist, Daniel Caesar, the Sadie’s, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
In 2023, Canadian electronic artist Debby Friday clinched the prestigious Polaris Music Prize for her debut album, Good Luck, which Sub Pop released in March. This annual award recognizes the finest Canadian album of the year and comes with a substantial $50,000 cash prize.
The selection process involves a panel of writers, programmers, and broadcasters who initially sifted through 221 albums to create a longlist. From there, they narrowed it down to a final 10-album shortlist. Among the notable contenders were Alva’s Blue Rev, Feist’s Multitudes, and Daniel Caesar’s Never Enough, alongside albums from Yosemite, Begonia, Dan Mangan, Gayface, the Sadie’s, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
In the prior year, Pierre Keeners secured the award for his album José Louis and the Paradox of Love. Distinguished past recipients of the Polaris Music Prize include Cadence Weapon, Backwash, Havilah Mighty, Jeremy Dutcher, Lido Pimiento, Arcade Fire, Tanya Tagaq, Karaganda, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Fucked Up, Feist, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Caribou.