Polaris Music Prize

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Better Know a Record Store #1: Soundscapes August 31 2009

Greg Davis, Owner
Soundscapes(Toronto)

What is your record store's claim to fame?

Soundscapes has been actively promoting Canadian music since we opened our doors in 1999. Our claim to fame is that we're the local record store of Polaris Prize founder, Steve Jordan! I remember long before the Prize existed, Steve used to frequent the shop and we'd discuss an idea he had for a prize to celebrate the best in Canadian music. He talked about it for so long I thought it might never come to fruition! You know, the old saying "all talk, no action". Well, in the end, Steve was "all action" because through his sheer determination, music industry connections, and passion for Canadian music, the Polaris Prize came to life and we couldn't be happier for Steve and all the musicians who've benefited from the national exposure the Prize provides.

Which record on the Short List would you like to see win the Prize and why?

I'd like to see the prize go to either Fucked Up or Joel Plaskett due to the sheer ambition displayed by each of them. Fucked Up has forged an exciting new direction for punk music, the influence of which will be felt for years to come. While Joel Plaskett has shown he is THE SONGWRITER in Canada right now, releasing a thematically cohesive triple!! album, the likes of which hasn't been seen in a long time (the only recent attempt being the Magnetic Fields 69 Love Songs, one of the great musical achievements of the past 10 years).

Reaction to the Short List: Biggest surprise? Shocked by any
omissions?

There are a few too many artists on the Short List that made solid, but not special, albums that are possibly on it due to name recognition/familiarity. I believe this award should be for those artists that forge a new direction, that create art that is unique and stands out from the pack. The biggest omission is Timber Timbre, a favourite of our store, and a truly unique album.

Describe the state of Canadian music in 5 words:

Support local independent record stores!

Imagine there is a new Polaris Record Store Prize and you are a
nominee. What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize if you won?

On a selfish note, I'd love to take a year off and travel around the world, attending music festivals along the way or tagging along on tour with one of my favourite bands. But, practically, it would probably be reinvested in the shop by expanding our inventory, upgrading our computers, developing an e-commerce site, hosting more in-store performances and, generally, trying to stay relevant in the era of
digital media.

Related Link: Soundscapes

RT @teganandsara: Home Recordings the bonus album from our vinyl box set is streaming at http://bit.ly/9mrMUN.
Jul 30 2010, 4:26pm from TweetDeck

@nicooooole in @torontoist on @TheSadies awesome summer .
Jul 30 2010, 4:25pm from TweetDeck

Cool. RT @CiTRradio: CRTC policy decision gives Community Radio Fund of Canada $775,000 in funding to support community and campus stations.
Jul 30 2010, 4:01pm from TweetDeck