Mercury Prize Shortlist Reveals Familiar Faces Alongside emerging Talent
london, September 10, 2024 - The 2024 Mercury Prize nominations were unveiled today, showcasing a diverse range of albums but drawing attention for a perceived lack of entirely new artists among the twelve shortlisted contenders. The nominees represent a spectrum of genres, from indie and electronic to hip-hop and folk, with established acts like Pulp and Wolf Alice appearing alongside rising stars such as CMAT and PinkPantheress.
The annual prize,recognizing the best british or Irish album released in the past year,carries significant weight within the UK music industry. The winner, announced on September 5, 2024, receives a prize of £25,000 and a boost in profile that can propel an artist’s career. this year’s nominations reflect a blend of critical acclaim and commercial success, but the inclusion of several previously nominated artists has sparked debate about opportunities for breakthrough talent.
Last year’s victor was Leeds-based band English Teacher, marking the first time an act from outside London had claimed the award in a decade, following Scottish hip-hop group Young Fathers’ win in 2014.They triumphed over albums by Charli xcx and Beth Gibbons.
The full list of nominees includes:
CMAT – Euro-Country
Emma-Jean Thackray – Weirdo
FKA twigs - eusexua
Fontaines DC – Romance
Jacob Alon – In Limerence
Joe Webb – Hamstrings and Hurricanes
Martin Carthy – Transform Me Then Into a Fish
Pa Salieu – Afrikan Alien
PinkPantheress – Fancy That
Pulp – More
Sam Fender – People Watching
Wolf Alice – The Clearing
