MusicFreaks

Tag: Vol. II

  • Polaris Prize 2026 shortlist announced

    The Canadian music landscape is buzzing as the Polaris Music Prize unveils its highly anticipated shortlist for 2026, setting the stage for another year of critically acclaimed artistry. This prestigious award celebrates the best Canadian album of the year, and this year’s nominees showcase an incredible diversity and depth of talent.

    The ten acts vying for recognition span a wide spectrum of genres, demonstrating that excellence in Canadian music comes in many forms. On the list are established names alongside emerging voices, including Angine de Poitrine with Vol. II, Aquakultre with 1783, and Begonia with Fantasy Life.

    Other standout nominees highlight the varied appeal of contemporary Canadian soundscapes: Bibi Club with Amaro, Charlotte Cornfield with Hurts Like Hell, Beverly Glenn-Copeland with Laughter in Summer, Rochelle Jordan with Through the Wall, Les Louanges with Alouette!, Peaches with No Lube So Rude, and Tanya Tagaq with Saputjiji.

    The nomination pool is rich and vibrant, featuring artists who have captured the zeitgeist while pushing creative boundaries. This year’s selection promises a fascinating journey through Canadian musical innovation.

    The anticipation builds toward the awards ceremony, where the ultimate winner will be crowned and receive a substantial 30,000 dollars prize. The event is set for September 22 at Toronto’s historic Massey Hall.

    The evening promises to be a musical treat, featuring performances from many of the nominated artists, including Aquakultre, Begonia, Bibi Club, Charlotte Cornfield, Beverly Glenn-Copeland (with Elizabeth Copeland), Les Louanges, and Tanya Tagaq. It will be a celebration of the talent flourishing across the country.

    Beyond the official shortlist, the excitement extends to the extensive longlist, which included numerous other compelling acts such as The Beaches, Boy Golden, Mariel Buckley, Ora Cogan, cootie catcher, Daphni, Nadah El Shazly, Holy Fuck, Kaytranada, Men I Trust, No Joy, Ouri, PUP, Julianna Riolino, and Charlotte Day Wilson. This broader selection confirms the high level of creativity circulating in Canadian music this year.

    Adding further context to the history of the prize, the 2025 Polaris Music Prize was awarded to Yves Jarvis for his remarkable album All Cylinders.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Polaris Prize 2026 Shortlist Revealed

    The anticipation is building, and the soundtrack to the music world is about to get a serious spotlight. The Polaris Music Prize has officially unveiled its 10-album shortlist for the 2026 edition, setting the stage for an unforgettable cross-Canada journey of musical excellence.

    Following a massive selection process that considered over 40 albums across the country, the judges have narrowed the field to these ten exceptional works. These nominated artists represent a diverse and compelling collection of sounds, proving that incredible talent is bubbling up from every corner of the nation.

    The nominees span genres and styles, showcasing raw emotion and masterful artistry. On the list are Angine de Poitrine with Vol. II, Aquakultre’s entry 1783, Begonia’s Fantasy Life, Bibi Club’s Amaro, Charlotte Cornfield’s Hurts Like Hell, Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s Laughter in Summer, Rochelle Jordan’s Through the Wall, Les Louanges’ classic Alouette!, Peaches’ No Lube So Rude, and Tanya Tagaq’s acclaimed Saputjiji.

    The excitement doesn’t stop with the list. The awards ceremony itself is shaping up to be a major event, scheduled for September 22 at Toronto’s historic Massey Hall. Polaris has confirmed that many of these celebrated nominees will be taking the stage, promising a night filled with incredible live performances.

    Fans can look forward to seeing some of the heavy hitters perform, including Aquakultre, Begonia, Bibi Club, Charlotte Cornfield, Beverly Glenn-Copeland (alongside Elizabeth Copeland), Les Louanges, and Tanya Tagaq. Adding an extra layer of theatrical flair, Slash Need is slated to deliver an interpretation of Peaches’ work.

    The event will be hosted by Odario Williams of CBC Music’s Afterdark, ensuring the evening is steeped in musical conversation. And the stakes are high: unlike previous years, this year’s top honours will not be decided by a small grand jury, but by a vote from the full Polaris jury.

    The winner will walk away with a substantial $30,000 prize. Get ready to mark your calendars and prepare your tickets—they are already on sale now for the Polaris concert and award ceremony!

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Six hospitalised following Angine de Poitrine set at Montreal Jazz Festival

    The stage lights were blinding, the energy electric, and the crowd at the Montreal Jazz Festival was absolutely massive. Angine de Poitrine delivered a performance that wasn’t just music; it was a spectacle, drawing one of the largest audiences the festival has ever witnessed.

    This historic night, which unfolded on Saturday, June 27th, brought an unprecedented level of energy and attendance to the TD Stage at Place des Festivals. Officials noted that this turnout dwarfed previous events, marking a milestone in the festival’s history—a scale rarely seen since legendary performances like Stevie Wonder’s appearance in 2009.

    The sheer volume of people attending the show led to an unexpected challenge. Paramedics were called in to assess multiple incidents resulting from the massive crowd. In total, ten people were assessed during the event; six later required transport to the hospital, while four others were seen by medical teams and opted not to be transported.

    The incidents involved a mix of issues, including falls, traumatic injuries, and cases of intoxication among some of the attendees. While the situation required coordinated effort from emergency services, officials remained reassuring that no one was in immediate life-threatening danger.

    Festival management celebrated the magnitude of the event. General manager Maurin Aux remarked on the show as a “historic night,” highlighting how Angine de Poitrine‘s presence generated an energy unlike anything they had experienced before.

    The duo, composed of Klek de Poitrine and Khn de Poitrine, have carved out a unique niche in the music world. They captivate audiences with elaborate polka-dot costumes and papier-mâché masks, marrying microtonal guitar, complex drumming, and influences spanning prog rock to punk.

    Their popularity has exploded, fueled by releases like their second album, ‘Vol. II,’ which cemented their status as one of the most sought-after acts of 2026. Their impact extends beyond the stage; they have attracted major celebrity fans, including Dave Grohl.

    As the demand for Angine de Poitrine continues to soar, the band is gearing up for an extensive international tour. They are set to return to the UK later this year with appearances at venues like End Of The Road and Manchester Psych Fest, followed by dates across Europe, ensuring their unique sound continues to resonate far beyond Montreal.

    Credit: NME

  • Angine de Poitrine Make UK TV Debut, Impress Shania Twain With Khn’s Hair

    Jools Holland’s latest broadcast offered a delightful musical feast, bringing three unique Canadian icons to the stage for an evening of shared artistry and unforgettable performances. The show transformed into a cozy hub where genre boundaries dissolved as music from diverse corners of the world converged.

    The evening featured a stellar showcase of prog-rock sensibilities with Angine de Poitrine, a captivating duo who made their much-anticipated UK television debut. They graced the stage by delivering tracks like Sarniezz and Fabienk, pulling directly from their recent album Vol. II, released earlier this spring.

    Adding a touch of timeless country charm to the mix was Shania Twain. She promoted her upcoming album Little Miss Twain, slated for release on July 24th, with heartfelt renditions that spanned classic country and enduring pop. Twain shared her spotlight by performing a beloved cover of Hank Williams’ I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, alongside a rendition of You’re Still The One.

    Jools Holland provided the perfect backdrop for this musical journey, accompanying both acts on the piano, weaving the disparate sounds into a cohesive and warm tapestry. The evening was less about competition and more about celebration—a true testament to the interconnectedness of global music talent.

    Credit: Stereogum