The 2021 Hyundai Mercury Prize ‘Albums of the Year’ were announced today, 22 July 2021.
The Mercury Prize celebrates the best of British and Irish music, recognising artistic achievement across a range of contemporary genres.
The shortlist was chosen by an independent judging panel and was revealed at a launch event, hosted by BBC Music’s Huw Stephens on 22 July 2021. The shortlist was also announced live on air just after 11am on BBC Radio 6 Music, with a Mercury Prize special from midday presented by Huw Stephens.
8 out of 12 of the shortlisted acts have previously been funded by PRS Foundation.
See the shortlist in full below.
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
The 2021 Hyundai Mercury Prize judges are: Anna Calvi – Musician & Songwriter; Annie Mac – Broadcaster & DJ; Danielle Perry – Broadcaster & Writer; Gemma Cairney – Broadcaster & DJ; Hazel Wilde (from Lanterns on the Lake) - Musician & Songwriter; Jamie Cullum - Musician & Broadcaster; Jeff Smith - Head of Music, 6 Music & Radio 2; Michael Kiwanuka - Musician & Songwriter; Mike Walsh - Music Consultant; Phil Alexander – Creative Director, Kerrang!/Contributing Editor, Mojo; Tshepo Mokoena – Editorial Director, VICE.com; Will Hodgkinson - Chief Rock & Pop Critic, The Times. The Chair of the judging panel is Jeff Smith.
The judges said: ‘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 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’.
The 2021 Awards Show will take place on Thursday 9 September at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith.
