Mercury Prize 2023 Shortlist: Arctic Monkeys, Young Fathers and J Hus among nominees; Check full list here

Arctic Monkeys, Young Fathers, and J Hus have been nominated for the 2023 Mercury Prize, which honours the finest British and Irish albums of the year. The Arctic Monkeys have earned their fifth nomination with their album "The Car," matching Radiohead as the most-nominated act in the prize's 32-year history. They previously secured a win in 2006 for their debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not." Joining them as contenders are artists like Jessie Ware and breakout dance act Fred Again. The prestigious Mercury Prize recognizes exceptional musical talent and serves as a celebration of the vibrant music scene in the UK and Ireland.

The Mercury Prize is an annual music award given to the best album released by a British or Irish act in the United Kingdom. Introduced in 1992 by Jon Webster and Robert Chandler in association with the British Phonographic Industry and British Association of Record Dealers, the prize serves as an alternative to the Brit Awards.

Ware makes a comeback to the shortlist with her fifth album, "That! Feels Good!," bringing an irresistible disco shimmy after an 11-year gap. Fred Again earns recognition for the speaker-popping anthems of "Actual Life 3." Rappers Loyle Carner and J Hus secure their second nominations, addressing perceptions of masculinity and violence on London's streets. The list includes both returning nominees and fresh faces.


Newcomers Olivia Dean and Shygirl approach pop music in diverse ways - one rooted in traditional songcraft, the other pushing the boundaries of modern production. Chart star Raye also makes the cut with her long-awaited debut, "My 21st Century Blues," released in February after overcoming record label challenges.

2023 Mercury Prize Shortlist: Full list

Arctic Monkeys - The Car
Ezra Collective - Where I’m Meant To Be
Fred Again - Actual Life 3 (January 1 - September 9, 2022)
The Uglygram - Beautiful And Brutal Yard
Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!
Jockstrap - I Love You Jennifer B
Lankum - False Lankum
Loyle Carner - Hugo
Olivia Dean - Messy
RAYE - My 21st Century Blues
0800SHYGIRL - Nymph
Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy



It is to mention that this year's Mercury Prize acts are predominantly from London, accounting for three-quarters of the total. This raises concerns about the lack of diversity in the music industry. Over the past eight years, all the Mercury Prize winners have originated from the capital, showcasing a wide array of genres, including grime, R&B, indie rock, and pop. However, the representation of other towns and cities has noticeably decreased. The last non-London winner was the Scottish group Young Fathers, who are coincidentally nominated again this year for their compelling fourth album, "Heavy, Heavy."

FAQs:

Q1:What is Mercury Prize?
The Mercury Prize is an annual music award given to the best album released by a British or Irish act in the United Kingdom. Introduced in 1992 by Jon Webster and Robert Chandler in association with the British Phonographic Industry and British Association of Record Dealers, the prize serves as an alternative to the Brit Awards.

Q2:Who are members of Arctic Monkeys?
Formed in Sheffield in 2002, Arctic Monkeys are an English rock band. The current members include Alex Turner (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Jamie Cook (guitar, keyboards), Matt Helders (drums, percussion, backing vocals), and Nick O'Malley (bass guitar, backing vocals). Initially, the band was formed by Turner, Helders, Cook, and Andy Nicholson, who departed in 2006, later replaced by O'Malley.