S Poddar
The shortlist for the prestigious Mercury Prize is out, celebrating exceptional albums with eight debut artists in the mix. Notable nominees include Charli XCX, Beth Gibbons, and The Last Dinner Party, showcasing the diverse talent in the British and Irish music scene.
Charli XCX’s nomination for her sixth album, “Brat,” marks her second time on the list, with her first nod for “How I’m Feeling Now” in 2020. The album’s vibrant green aesthetic has even made waves in the US presidential race. Other repeat nominees include rapper Berwyn for “Who Am I,” Corinne Bailey Rae for “Black Rainbows,” and Ghetts for “On Purpose, With Purpose.”
Beth Gibbons, a former Mercury Prize winner with Portishead’s “Dummy” in 1995, earns recognition for her solo debut, “Lives Outgrown.” The list of debut nominees is equally impressive, featuring Nia Archives with “Silence Is Loud,” CMAT’s “Crazymad, for Me,” Cat Burns’ “Early Twenties,” and Barry Can’t Swim’s “When Will We Land?” Other fresh faces include English Teacher with “This Could Be Texas,” and The Last Dinner Party for “Prelude to Ecstasy.” Glasgow composer corto.alto’s “Bad With Names” secures the jazz spot, although folk, rock, and metal genres are notably absent.
This year’s lineup highlights gender diversity, with eight of the twelve nominees being women or featuring female members, matching the 2020 list’s record. While some big names like Radiohead’s side project The Smile, Pet Shop Boys, Blur, and Dua Lipa are missing from the shortlist, the Mercury Prize continues to emphasize both new and established talent.
The panel of judges includes broadcaster Danielle Perry, musician Jamie Cullum, DJ Jamz Supernova, and several others from the industry. This year, the prize lacks a sponsor, meaning the winner will be announced in September without the usual live ceremony and performances broadcast by the BBC.
