Polaris Music Prize

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Better Know a Jury Member #16: Tom Coxworth August 14 2009

Tom Coxworth (Edmonton)
Radio Host/Producer Folk Roots, CKUA FM and Routes the Folk Show, XM Satellite Radio
Jury Member Since: 2008

Please share the Top 5 Canadian records you put on your final ballot.

Great Lake Swimmers Lost Channels
Woodpigeon Treasury Library Canada
Joel Plaskett Three
Lhasa Lhasa
Chad Van Galen Soft Airplane

Tell us about your top ranked choice. Why #1?

My # 1 Choice was Great Lake Swimmers...the songs are great and it was a surprise for me as at first I wasn't sure of the ''ambient folk'' description. The disc has a great flow to it and once you delve into the lyric there is a very conscious depth. They performed at the Calgary Folk Festival last year and they certainly have a presence. I spent a few minutes with Tony last year in Memphis and came away with a lot of respect for his knowledge and understanding of music history.

Reaction to the Short List: Your most pleasant surprise? Shocked by any omissions?

I had hoped that Woodpidgeon would have got a nod, and really wanted to see Jason Wilson get on anyone's list but all in all it was a great learning process. Wilson's disc is being played constantly here over the past few months.

As for the reaction to the Long List !!! I was surprised how much music I did not know about. This entire process is rather humbling for myself who is pretty focused on folk and roots music. I was constantly hearing music that I did not know was out there....some good...some ...well let's just say suspect for total quality. I have certainly had my ears opened.

Describe the state of Canadian music in five words:

Varied and excitingly diverse.

Imagine the tables are turned and you are the nominee: What would you do with the $20,000 prize money?

Payola for folk DJs...I am getting pretty tired of chicken and granola for play!!!! This is really found money for an artist and it should be directed at increasing their profile. Good strategic media support helps get audience recognition. Invest more in getting the music abroad by showcasing in some of the major events. Profile ...Profile...oh yeh..and maybe at least a night out a Red Lobster for those who helped get them to the dizzying height of fame.

Related Link: CKUA FM

Good luck! RT @ElliottBROOD: The Borderline in London tonight...if we can find a parking spot.
Sep 09 2010, 11:46am from TweetDeck

You're right. Should have said "could", not "should". RT @KLMangan: @PolarisPrize Didn't say that, did he? Said he could be the underdog!
Sep 09 2010, 11:45am from TweetDeck

RT @CBCRadio3: Why does Karkwa want Radio Radio (@laradioradio) to win Polaris? http://r3.ca/09xJ
Sep 09 2010, 10:30am from TweetDeck