Buffy Sainte-Marie says timing was key for Polaris win

Celebrated musical innovatorBuffySainte-Mariebeat nine otheracts towin this year's $50,000 Polaris Music Prizea victory she says is of its time. The 74-year-old artist says some songs inPower in the Bloodtrace back to the 70s, a time when they couldn't even get airplay,never mindrecognition.

"It's very interesting that this album should bedoing so well now, in these times," she tells q host Shadrach Kabango.

Last night an11-person grandjury crowned herlatestalbumthe best Canadian record of the past year. The titleis awarded based on merit despitegenre, musiclabel or sales figures.

• Related:Shad on why the Polaris Music Prize matters

Other finalists included rap heavyweightDrake, former Polaris winner Caribou and rising star Tobias Jesso Jr.

WEB EXTRA |Watch Shad's feature interview withSainte-Marie, recorded this past spring, below. (Or listen here.)

When the 74yearoldjoined Shad in May to discuss the record,she underscoredthat shedoesn't believe in burning out. Her dedication shines through in hersometimes fierce, sometimes lyrical collection and her passion and sense of purpose are evident throughout.

Plus, watch Sainte-Marie perform live from Power in the Blood at last night's Polaris Music Prize gala.