Polaris Music Prize

• Return to the main blog page

Better Know a Record Store #2: Compact Music September 07 2009

Ian Boyd, Compact Music (Ottawa)

What's your store's claim to fame?

Compact Music is Ottawa's true music shopping experience. We offer all genres with vinyl, music DVDs and that's all. No gardening tools here. We are on-site retailers at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest and the Ottawa International Jazz festival. Our staff has our 75 years of music retailing experience.

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

I have learned over the years not to reveal my personal taste in music. I can assure that it is very broad based but will remain neutral as to my favourite titles. I will provide you with a depth chart of 5 titles any of which could win. Whether I like them or not is irrelevant.

1. Metric
2. Elliot Brood
3. Hey Rosetta
4. Great Lake Swimmers
5. Fucked up

As I am quite a bit older then the majority of the judges there is no doubt in my mind that I will be surprised at the final decision.

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

I look forward to the short list every year. I am always impressed with it and welcome the panel's decision. I was surprised that the Stills were left off the list this year. Their Juno victory was worthy. They were in the wrong category. It showed how far removed CARAS is from the street. People will be listening to that record many years from now. You should be able to say that about every short listed record on the Polaris list.

Describe the state of Canadian music in 5 words:

Impossible. I have seen the demise of 8 track, rise of and demise of cassette, the demise of vinyl and now resurgense of vinyl, the digital revolution and, at least in my store, the resilence of compact discs. We are an industry in constant transition. All along there has been great music. If radio programmers took light of the Long List of Polaris named artists then radio would be much more engaging for listeners.

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?

We would use it to upgrade our store. Probably add 50 inch screens, new rugs, expanded product line etc. The banks don't look kindly upon this industry so upgrades are not as easy to finance. It would be a welcome cheque.

Related Link: Compact Music

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