Canadian singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards is pictured at a Toronto rehearsal studio on Tuesday January 12, 2012 as she promotes her new album "Voyageur." The first time Edwards was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize back in 2008, she didn't know much about the award.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young.
July 17, 2012 - 2:59 PM
TORONTO - Toronto rapper Drake and Vancouver rock duo Japandroids are among the first-time nominees for the Polaris Music Prize, which announced its diverse 10-artist short list on Tuesday.
Drake is nominated for his moody, chart-topping hit "Take Care" while it was Japandroids' sophomore rager "Celebration Rock" that made the cut.
Other newcomers to the music prize's short list included Montreal electro upstart Grimes, Toronto folk-soul singer Cold Specks, recently split Montreal-based electro-rock duo Handsome Furs, and fellow Montreal duo Yamantaka // Sonic Titan.
Many Polaris veterans made the cut, too.
Edmonton-reared rapper Cadence Weapon is up for the $30,000 prize again for "Hope in Dirt City," Calgary-raised songstress Feist is nominated for "Metals" and Ottawa singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards is in the running for a second time for "Voyageur."
Toronto hardcore band F---ed Up has also been nominated for the concept album "David Comes to Life," three years after winning the prize.
The Polaris Music Prize is voted on by 200-plus music journalists, bloggers and broadcasters and is awarded to the top Canadian album of the year.
The winner will be announced at a gala at Toronto's Masonic Temple on Sept. 24.
Past winners of the prize include Karkwa, Patrick Watson and Arcade Fire.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012