Albums by Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party, Beth Gibbons and others have been shortlisted for the UK's prestigious Mercury Prize.
The nominees for the award, which will be announced in September, were announced Thursday morning. The 12 contenders are electronic producer Barry Kahn-Swim’s “When Will We Land?”; rapper Berwyn’s “Who Am I”; Portishead singer Beth Gibbons’ “Lives Outgrown”; singer-songwriter Cat Burns’ “Early Twenties”; Charli XCX’s critically acclaimed “Brat”; Irish singer CMAT’s “Crazymad, for Me”; R&B singer Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Black Rainbows”; Corto Alto’s “Bad With Names”; alternative rock band English Teacher’s “This Could Be Texas”; rapper Gates’ “On Purpose, With Purpose”; producer and DJ Nia Archives’ “Silence Is Loud”; And “Prelude to Ecstasy” by the distinguished band The Last Dinner Party.
According to the Mercury Prize website, the award “recognises and celebrates 'Albums of the Year', establishing a reputation for highlighting the work of exciting emerging talent and more established bands and artists”. Albums released by British and Irish artists with a UK release date between 15 July 2023 and 12 July this year were eligible. The Albums of the Year contenders were selected by an independent judging panel of broadcasters and musicians, with the aim of selecting works across a range of genres.
Traditionally, the Mercury Prize holds an annual live performance event to showcase each of the nominated works. This year, the organization has announced that “other extensive promotional activities” will replace the event, with details to be announced at a later date.
Jazz quintet Ezra Collective won the Mercury Prize last year for the song Where I'm Meant to Be.
