2024 POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE GALA
@ MASSEY HALL, TORONTO
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
The 2024 Polaris Music Prize Gala was a whirlwind of electric performances, heartfelt tributes, and unforgettable moments. Held at Massey Hall in Toronto, the night celebrated Canada’s most exciting and innovative musical talents across genres and communities. The evening was crowned with Jeremy Dutcher taking home this year’s prestigious Polaris Music Prize, a well-deserved recognition of his groundbreaking work that seamlessly blends traditional Indigenous sounds with modern classical and pop elements.
The night was treated with an explosive performance by The Thunder Queens, who were joined by The Beaches’ very own Jordan Miller. The energy in the room was commendable as they delivered a hard hitting, anthemic set, combining punk attitude with a glam rock flair. Their chemistry was magnetic, and the guitars roared with a vengeance. It was a riotous way to start the show, setting the bar high for the night.
Next, the audience was treated to the hauntingly beautiful video premiere from Cindy Lee. Known for her avant-garde approach, Cindy Lee’s visual presentation was a mesmerizing display of dreamlike sequences and lo-fi aesthetic. The atmospheric soundscape accompanied by haunting vocals left the crowd in a hypnotic trance, making this one of the more experimental and artistically bold moments of the night.
Elisapie, nominated for her deeply personal and poignant album, took to the stage with an ethereal performance that blended folk, Inuit throat singing, and pop sensibilities. Her voice carried an emotional depth that captivated the audience, as her songs spoke of identity, culture, and survival. With the backdrop of minimal yet powerful instrumentation, her set was a powerful testament to Indigenous storytelling through music.
The punk-rock energy of NO BRO turned the heat back up with a hard-hitting, raucous performance. Known for their fast-paced, no-nonsense style, the Montreal-based band brought a relentless energy that had the audience headbanging and bouncing off their seats. Their raw, unapologetic sound served as a reminder of the genre’s rebellious roots and its ability to challenge the status quo.
In one of the evening’s most moving segments, the crowd was treated to a special tribute performance honoring Allison Russell. Featuring a medley of her most impactful songs, the tribute was a beautiful celebration of her contributions to the Canadian music scene. The performance was heartfelt, with soaring vocals and rich harmonies, reminding everyone why Russell remains one of the country’s most cherished artists. Although Russell wasn’t in attendance, the crowd was treated to a moving ballet performance whose energy radiated through the venue.
TOBi’s performance brought an infectious energy to the room with his blend of hip-hop, soul, and Afrobeat influences. His delivery was sharp, and his lyrics resonated deeply, touching on themes of self-reflection, identity, and social justice. The crowd was immediately drawn into his powerful presence on stage, and his ability to seamlessly transition between introspective moments and high-energy beats was impressive.
As this year’s Polaris winner, Jeremy Dutcher’s performance was nothing short of transcendent. Dutcher, who blends his Wolastoqiyik roots with classical and pop music, created a deeply moving experience that felt both timeless and urgent. His voice soared through the venue, backed by lush orchestral arrangements, as he sang in both English and the Wolastoqey language. His set felt like a celebration of culture and heritage, yet also a statement of resistance and perseverance.
DijahSB, one of Toronto’s rising stars, delivered a punchy, feel-good set that had everyone vibing along to their smooth flows and infectious beats. Their relatable lyrics, often rooted in mental health and perseverance, connected deeply with the audience, while their laid-back stage presence made the performance feel personal and intimate. It was a refreshing contrast amidst the night’s more intense acts, but no less impactful.
Closing the night, DJ and producer BAMBII turned the room into a full-fledged dance party with a genre-bending set that mixed dancehall, techno, and bass-heavy beats. Her mastery over the decks and ability to read the crowd ensured that the night ended on a high-energy note, with people dancing well past the official end of the show.
The 2024 Polaris Music Prize Gala was a testament to the diversity and creativity of Canadian music. From emotional ballads to raucous punk anthems, experimental visuals, and infectious beats, this year’s show was a true celebration of the nation’s top musical talents. Jeremy Dutcher’s win capped off an evening that will undoubtedly go down as one of Polaris’s most memorable editions.
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SPILL LIVE REVIEW: 2019 POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE GALA
SPILL LIVE REVIEW: 2018 POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE GALA
