The nominations for the 2021 Mercury Prize have been revealed. Arlo Parks, Mogwai, Wolf Alice, Black Country, New Road, Ghetts, and Laura Mvula are among the artists shortlisted for this year’s prestigious prize. The winner will be announced at a live ceremony at the Eventim Apollo in London on September 9. Find the full list of nominees below.
The Mercury Prize judges, who include last year’s winner Michael Kiwanuka alongside Anna Calvi, Annie Mac, Jamie Cullum, and more, said in a joint statement: “It is testament to the strength of British music that, during a year which saw musicians face the toughest challenges of their lives, so many remarkable albums came out nonetheless.”
They continued: “There was an embarrassment of riches for this year’s Hyundai Mercury Prize judges to choose from, but the final twelve show how diverse, vibrant and far-reaching British music continues to be. Choosing one winner out of twelve albums that bring so much hope for the future will be a challenge indeed.”
Isaac Wood, of the London seven-piece Black Country, New Road, remarked in a press statement: “It felt great to release our debut album earlier this year and to see so many people enjoy it. For it to be nominated for such a prestigious award has blown our minds! We feel truly grateful for the album to be shortlisted in a year when so many other great albums were released too.”
Sam Shepherd aka Floating Points, who was nominated for his album with Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra, said of the nomination: “I am honoured that Promises has been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize this year. It was a dream to work with Pharoah and to write for the LSO so I’m really pleased to share this moment with them. At a time of isolation it has meant a lot to me to hear how the piece has connected with people across all corners of the world. Thank you so much to all those who have listened to and supported this record and congratulations to the other shortlisted artists!”
Full list of Mercury Prize 2021 nominations:
Arlo Parks – Collapsed in Sunbeams
BERWYN – DEMOTAPE/VEGA
Black Country, New Road – For the first time
Celeste – Not Your Muse
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra – Promises
Ghetts – Conflict of Interest
Hannah Peel – Fir Wave
Laura Mvula – Pink Noise
Mogwai – As the Love Continues
Nubya Garcia – SOURCE
SAULT – Untitled (Rise)
Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend