Albums by Charli XCX, the Last Dinner Party, Beth Gibbons and more have been shortlisted for the U.K.’s prestigious Mercury Prize.
The nominees for the award, the winner of which will be revealed in September, were announced on Thursday morning. The 12 contenders are electronic producer Barry Can’t Swim’s “When Will We Land?”; “Who Am I” by rapper Berwyn; Portishead frontwoman Beth Gibbons’ “Lives Outgrown”; “Early Twenties” from singer-songwriter Cat Burns; Charli XCX’s critically acclaimed “Brat”; “Crazymad, for Me” from Irish singer CMAT; R&B singer Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Black Rainbows”; “Bad With Names” by jazz fusion act Corto.alto; alternative rock band English Teacher’s “This Could Be Texas”; “On Purpose, With Purpose” from rapper Ghetts; producer and DJ Nia Archives’ “Silence Is Loud”; and “Prelude to Ecstasy” from breakout band the Last Dinner Party.
According to the Mercury Prize’s website, the award “recognizes and celebrates the ‘albums of the year’, establishing a reputation for highlighting the work of both exciting emerging talent and more established bands and artists.” Albums by British and Irish artists with a U.K. release date between July 15, 2023 and July 12 of this year were eligible. The albums of the year contenders were selected by an independent judging panel made up of broadcasters and musicians, with the goal of selecting works across a range of genres.
Typically, the Mercury Prize holds an annual live performance event showcasing each shortlisted act. This year, the organization has announced that “other extensive promotional activity” will replace the event, with details to be announced at a later time.
Last year’s Mercury Prize winner was jazz quintet Ezra Collective for “Where I’m Meant to Be.”