The Polaris Prize has announced its short list, with names like Arcade Fire, Austra, and Braids among the contenders. The list, narrowed from 40 to 10 possible winners for the $30,000 Canadian prize, was released Wednesday.

Every runner up on the short list is guaranteed a $2,000 consolation prize. Galaxie, Hey Rosetta, Destoyer, Ron Sexsmith, Colin Stetson, Timber Timbre, and Weeknd round out the list of nominees.

Damian Abraham of Polaris Prize 2009’s winner F—ed Up, said:

“The fact that there was no reaction to the Arcade Fire nomination announcement was indicative of the fact that I think everyone thinks they have a lock. But if there’s any proof that what happens in that jury room can’t be predictive, it’s myself, F—ed Up winning — I was convinced that K’Nann or Joel Plaskett were going to get it the year we got it. That’s the thing about Polaris, though the Arcade Fire look like the favourite, I would not be surprised to see any one of these artists walk away with it.”

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