THE nominees for this year’s coveted Mercury Prize have been revealed.
As always, 12 albums have been shortlisted for the prestigious award, which aims to highlight the most exciting and innovative music released over the past year.
This year, a mix of established and left-field names are up for the award, including debut albums for Brit Award winners Celeste (Not Your Muse) and Arlo Parks (Collapsed In Sunbeams).
Wolf Alice’s chart-topping album Blue Weekend – the band’s third nomination following their win in 2018 with Visions Of A Life – is up for the award, as is Mogwai’s ‘As The Love Continues’.
The 2021 awards show will take place on Thursday, September 9 at London’s Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith and will feature live performances from many of the shortlisted artists.
This year’s judging panel is: Anna Calvi (musician/songwriter); Annie Mac (broadcaster/DJ); Danielle Perry (broadcaster/writer); Gemma Cairney (broadcaster/DJ); Hazel Wilde (musician/songwriter); Jamie Cullum (musician/broadcaster;) Michael Kiwanuka (musician/songwriter); Mike Walsh (music consultant); Phil Alexander (Kerrang!/Mojo); Tshepo Mokoena (Vice); Will Hodgkinson (The Times) and Jeff Smith (BBC Radio 6 Music/Radio 2).
Hyundai Mercury Prize 2021 shortlist:
Arlo Parks – Collapsed In Sunbeams
BERWYN – DEMOTAPE/VEGA
Black Country, New Road – For the First Time
Celeste – Not Your Muse
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra – Promises
Ghetts – Conflict Of Interest
Hannah Peel – Fir Wave
Laura Mvula – Pink Noise
Mogwai – As the Love Continues
Nubya Garcia – SOURCE
SAULT – Untitled (Rise)
Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend
