Karkwa have won the 2010 Polaris Music Prize for their fourth studio album Les chemins de verre (The Glass Paths). The quintet formed in Montreal in the late ’90s and released their first record Poisson Cru in 2003. Parts of Les chemis de verre were recorded at La Frette Studios in Paris and they have since considered it the sixth member of the band.

The award is annually given to the best Canadian LP based on artistic merit regardless of genre, sales, or record label. Winners of the award receive a cash prize of $20,000. This year’s ceremony was held at CTV’s Concert Hall studios at Toronto’s Masonic Temple. All ten artists who were shortlisted performed material from their respected albums during the event.

Fucked Up claimed the prize last year for their sophomore album The Chemistry of Common Life.

Shortlist nominees:

The Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night

Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record

Caribou – Swim

Karkwa – Les chemins de verre (winner)

Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice

Owen Pallett – Heartland

Radio Radio – Belmundo Regal

The Sadies – Darker Circles

Shad - TSOL

Tegan and Sara – Sainthood