MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE 2021: ALL THE NOMINEES

The 12 albums shortlisted for 2021’sHyundai Mercury Music Prize have been revealed, with Wolf Alice (pictured), Laura Mvula, Arlo Parks, Ghetts and Celeste among the nominees.

As usual, the shortlist is majority independent releases (eight in total), though Atlantic has two nods, with Ghetts (for his third album, Conflict of Interest) and Mvula (for her third, Pink Noise, her debut on the label). Sony counts Columbia signing Berwyn for his first mixtape, Demotape/Vega, and Universal has Polydor artist Celeste, who is recognized for her debut, Not Your Muse.

In announcing the shortlist, the judges said as one: “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. There was an embarrassment of riches to choose from for this year’s Hyundai Mercury Prize, but the final 12 show how diverse, vibrant and far-reaching British music continues to be.”

The winner will be announced at the awards show on 9/9 in London at the Eventim Apollo. The BBC will provide coverage via television, online channels and social media outlets.

Here’s the shortlist:

Arlo Parks, Collapsed in Sunbeams (Transgressive)
Berwyn, Demotape/Vega (Columbia)
Black Country, New Road, For the First Time (Ninja Tune)
Celeste, Not Your Muse (Polydor)
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra, Promises (Luaka Bop)
Ghetts, Conflict of Interest (Atlantic)
Hannah Peel, Fir Wave (My Own Pleasure)
Laura Mvula, Pink Noise (Atlantic)
Mogwai, As the Love Continues (Rock Action)
Nubya Garcia, Source (Concord)
Sault, Rise (Forever Living Originals)
Wolf Alice, Blue Weekend (Dirty Hit)