The highly-anticipated shortlist for the prestigious music award has been revealed, showcasing the finest albums by British and Irish artists. The winner of this coveted accolade will be crowned at a glamorous awards ceremony held at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, on September 7.
The diverse range of genres and musical styles represented on this year’s shortlist is truly remarkable. It spans from the mesmerizing jazz quintet Ezra Collective, who have been nominated for their exceptional 2022 album, “Where I’m Meant to Be,” to the afroswing rapper J Hus, whose album “Beautiful and Brutal Yard” was released earlier this month and has already made a significant impact.
Arctic Monkeys, the sensational Sheffield band led by the talented Alex Turner, have secured their fourth shortlisting with their remarkable 2022 album, “The Car.” This achievement comes as no surprise, as the band previously won the award for their groundbreaking debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” in 2007.
A number of first-time nominees have also made the shortlist, including Ezra Collective, Fred Again with his remarkable 2022 release, “Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9, 2022),” and the captivating art pop duo Jockstrap with their album “I Love You Jennifer B” from last year. Additionally, folk group Lankum, soul singer Olivia Dean, and pop sensation RAYE have also made it to the shortlist for the first time, along with the talented dance musician Shygirl.
London-born rapper Loyle Carner has earned his second spot on the shortlist, this time for his impressive album, “Hugo.” Scottish indie group Young Fathers have also returned for a second round, while the renowned singer-songwriter Jessie Ware has received her first shortlisting in over a decade.
The shortlist was carefully selected by a panel of independent judges comprising critics, DJs, fellow musicians, and industry experts. The announcement was made during a captivating launch event on Thursday, orchestrated by Jon Webster and Robert Chandler.
Established in 1992, the Mercury Prize, previously known as the Mercury Music Prize, is an annual accolade presented to the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish artist that year. Scottish rock band Primal Scream were the inaugural winners of this prestigious award. Since then, a plethora of exceptional artists like Suede, Pulp, Ms Dynamite, Dizzee Rascal, PJ Harvey, and Badly Drawn Boy have claimed this esteemed honor.
In recent years, the Mercury Prize has recognized outstanding talents such as Arlo Parks, Michael Kiwanuka, Dave, and Wolf Alice. In 2022, it was British-Nigerian rapper Little Simz who emerged victorious with her remarkable album, “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.” She triumphed over fellow nominees, including pop icon Harry Styles, Joy Crookes, rock duo Nova Twins, singer-songwriter Sam Fender, Self Esteem, and indie-rock duo Wet Leg.
Now, music enthusiasts eagerly await to see who will seize the crown and join the illustrious list of winners. The full shortlist for 2023 is as follows:
1. Arctic Monkeys – “The Car”
2. Ezra Collective – “Where I’m Meant to Be”
3. Fred again.. – “Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9, 2022)”
4. J Hus – “Beautiful And Brutal Yard”
5. Jessie Ware – “That! Feels Good!”
6. Jockstrap – “I Love You Jennifer B”
7. Lankum – “False Lankum”
8. Loyle Carner – “Hugo”
9. Olivia Dean – “Messy”
10. RAYE – “My 21st Century Blues”
11. Shygirl – “Nymph”
12. Young Fathers – “Heavy Heavy”
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