Karkwa Hope They're Not Considered the Polaris Music Prize Dark Horse

For the first time in its five-year history, the Polaris Music Prize has included two francophone bands in its Short List nominations: Montreal indie rockers Karkwa and Acadian hip-hop trio Radio Radio. But instead of elbowing each other to the front of the pack, the two bands have a camaraderie, as well as a secret agreement.

"We have a deal," Karkwa lead singer Louis-Jean Cormier tells Spinner. "If we win, we give $5,000 to Radio Radio, but if they win, they give us $5,000, and then we give some to the jury."

The two bands, who occasionally share drummer Stéphane Bergeron onstage, swear that no other deals were struck between them and the other nominees. "No, and no drug deals," promises Cormier.

Besides the pact, Karkwa admits the nomination itself was "a great surprise and an honour," and if awarded the $20,000 cheque, they will "buy a new van, do something practical and throw a big party with Radio Radio, which will probably happen either way."

Aware of the differences in language, the band is pleasantly surprised to see the two inclusions this year, and explain their perspective of the jury's minds.

"It's a matter of the album and it has nothing to do about the language, style, career, and especially not sales," says Bergeron. "I hope we're not considered the dark horse of the list."

"I think that the Polaris jury can erase language barriers and let the best record win because it's all about the music."



According to keyboardist François Lafontaine, the web and new media have sparked "a lot of curious people" when it comes to the francophone music scene, but he says it's not really as big a deal as people make it out to be. "We don't do the same music as Janet Jackson or Madonna. We're a specific thing, but I think that there are music lovers everywhere in the world and open-minded people -- Polaris reflects this really well."

After the gala, Karkwa has their sights set on a proper tour for their record 'Les Chemins De Verre' and adapting to new parenting roles. "Stéphane is going to be a father soon and François just had a baby two months ago," Cormier says. "Life is changing, I think we have to be adults now, but we're going to keep on rocking and keep on touring."

The winner for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize will be announced on Monday (Sept 20).