Arcade Fire, Drake and more nominated for Polaris Music Prize 2014

Arcade Fire, Drake, and Mac De Marco are among the artists shortlisted for this years Polaris Music Prize.

The annual award is Canada's equivalent to the Mercury Prize and it's given to the best Canadian album. Past winners have included Arcade Fire, Fucked Up, Caribou, Feist, and, Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

Montreal actor, producer, and writer Jay Baruchel was also announced as this year’s gala host and read the names of the ten nominees.

"As both a music nerd and a patriot the decision to be a part of this award that honours the best in our country's music was an easy one,” said Baruchel. “I am beyond flattered and more than a little nervous. Above all else I am honoured to be hosting the Polaris Music Prize Gala. Here's to me being arguably the least hip person in the room come awards night."

Baruchel is known for his roles in This Is The End, Goon, the How To Train Your Dragon series, The Trotsky, Knocked Up, and Tropic Thunder.

The jury which is made up of journalists, broadcasters, bloggers and programmers from across Canada have the tough task of deciding on a winner from this final shortlist:

Arcade Fire – Reflektor
Basia Bulat – Tall Tall Shadow
Drake – Nothing Was The Same
Jessy Lanza – Pull My Hair Back
Mac Demarco – Salad Days
Owen Pallett – In Conflict
Shad – Flying Colours
Timber Timbre - Hot Dreams
Yamantaka // Sonic Titan 
Uzu Tanya Tagaq – Animism

Winners will be announced at a gala will be held on Monday 22 September at The Carlu in Toronto.