Britain’s hottest musical talent will go head-to-head tonight (Friday 5 September) in the hope of taking home the Mercury Prize. From groundbreaking artists to established names, all are vying for the prestigious title of Album of the Year.
A panel of esteemed industry figures whittled down hundreds of entries to a shortlist of just 12. Among the nominees are Plaistow grime star Ghett’s fourth album On Purpose, With Purpose and Barry Can’t Swim, for his debut When Will We Land?
For the first time in its 32-year history, the public ceremony and live performances have been scrapped in favor of an intimate gathering at Abbey Road Studios. You can still catch all the action live on BBC Four from 8pm.
This year’s shortlist celebrates a diverse mix of genres and musical styles, from chamber pop on Beth Gibbons Lives Outgrown to the modern jazz stylings of corto.alto on Bad with Names. For artists like Berwyn and Corinne Bailey Rae, 2024 is the second time they will be considered for the honor.
Mercury Prize Nominee for 2024
Here is the full list of nominees for the 2024 Mercury Prize:
- Barry can’t swim- When will we land?
- BERWYN – Who am I?
- Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown
- Cat Burns – early twenties
- Charli xcx – BRAT
- CMAT – Crazymad, for me
- Corinne Bailey Rae – Black Rainbows
- corto.alto – Bad with names
- English teacher – this could be Texas
- Ghetts – With purpose, with purpose
- Nia Archives – Silence Is Loud
- The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy
Bookie’s favorite is Charli xcx, whose BRAT album became the soundtrack for June, July and August. Defined by chaotic antics, lime green everything, and viral TikTok dances, the summer of BRAT has even reached as far as Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.
The winner of this year’s Mercury Prize will walk away with a trophy, £25,000 and likely success on the map. Past winners such as Arctic Monkeys, Wolf Alice and Arlo Parks have all seen sales of their work soar in the weeks following the ceremony.
The Mercury Prize ceremony will be broadcast on BBC Four from 8pm to 9.15pm.
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