The 2016 nominations for the UK’s prestigious Mercury Prize have been announced. The prize has undoubtedly a cornerstone responsible for launching a host of now iconic UK artists turn into influential global superstars. Past winners include Portishead, Dizzee Rascal, Arctic Monkeys, and James Blake – just so you know exactly what you’re dealing with here.
This year the board had a difficult decision dwindling down the best of the best releases from the last year. Adele’s multiplatinum-selling album 25 surprisingly didn’t make the list, but the legendary David Bowie’s ★ (BLACKSTAR) posthumously release did. Sidewalk Hustle favorites Bat For Lashes, Savages, and Radiohead are also up for the £25,000 prize. The winner will be announced at the Mercury Music Prize ceremony on September 15.
Check out the list of nominees below.
2016 Mercury Prize Nominations
ANOHNI, HOPELESSNESS
Bat For Lashes, The Bride
David Bowie, ★
Jamie Woon, Making Time
Kano, Made in the Manor
Laura Mvula, The Dreaming Room
Michael Kiwanuka, Love and Hate
Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool
Savages, Adore Life
Skepta, Konnichiwa
The 1975, I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it
The Comet Is Coming, Channel the Spirits