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- calendar_today September 23, 2026
The vibrant music scene of Quebec took center stage at the 21st annual Polaris Album Prize ceremony in Toronto, as Angine de Poitrine, a microtonal duo from Saguenay, dominated the prestigious event. The group secured both the sought-after Polaris Prize for their LP “Vol. 2” and the accompanying SOCAN Polaris Song Prize for the innovative track “Fabienk,” underscoring their standout contributions to Canada’s contemporary music landscape.
Major Recognition for Quebec’s Microtonal Talent
Angine de Poitrine, praised for their bold approach to microtonal music, has steadily built a reputation for breaking musical norms while drawing listeners into fresh sonic experiences. Their recent Polaris Album Prize victory shines a spotlight on their latest project, the “Vol 2 album”, which impressed both fans and critics with its complex yet accessible arrangements. Hailing from Saguenay, the band’s success communicates a strong message about the creative force pulsing through Quebec’s regional communities.
Dual Achievement: Album and Song Accolades
This year’s dual win marks a historic feat for the Saguenay band. Not only did Angine de Poitrine bring home the Polaris Album Prize for “Vol. 2,” but their composition “Fabienk” also earned the SOCAN Song Prize, awarded to recognize outstanding songwriting in Canadian music. Between the two awards, the musicians received $40,000—comprised of $30,000 from the Slaight Family Foundation and $10,000 from SOCAN, both cornerstones of Canada’s support for the arts. These honors further entrench Angine de Poitrine among the year’s most prominent music prize winners.
Judging Artistic Merit in Canadian Music Awards
The Polaris Prize is renowned for its rigorous selection process, emphasizing artistic merit above all else. Winners are selected by a jury of 205 media professionals and music experts from across the nation. This approach ensures that the annual laureates, like Angine de Poitrine, are recognized for genuine creativity and exceptional output rather than commercial performance. Such standards help maintain the awards’ reputation among major Canadian music awards.
Innovation and Dedication: Voices from the Band’s Team
Sébastien Collin, the manager of Angine de Poitrine, expressed pride in the group’s journey. He emphasized that the recognition celebrates not only the duo’s unique sound but also their relentless commitment to musical excellence and innovation. Collin described “Vol. 2” as the culmination of a long process of experimentation and refinement, reflecting the group’s dedication to developing music innovation that remains approachable to listeners. The band’s work demonstrates that ambitious art and wide appeal can go hand in hand.
Local Success with Broader Impact
Angine de Poitrine’s achievement resonates well beyond Saguenay, sparking excitement throughout Quebec’s artistic community. As a Saguenay band achieving national recognition, their ascent is a testament to the musical originality emerging from Quebec. The Fabienk song and “Vol. 2” album exemplify the progressive spirit that drives artists in the region to reach new heights. Their victories at the Polaris Album Prize and SOCAN Song Prize ceremonies not only elevate their profile but also highlight the dynamic character of Quebec’s music scene on the national stage.
Setting New Standards in Canada’s Music Scene
With their dual awards, Angine de Poitrine establishes a benchmark for originality and ambition in Canadian music. As this year’s music prize winners, their work on the Polaris Prize stage reaffirms the importance of creative risk-taking and artistic vision. The recognition from these leading Canadian awards signals an era where groundbreaking music, such as that of Angine de Poitrine, continues to inspire and energize communities across Quebec and the country at large.
