Two North East acts join Mercury Prize shortlist
The awards return to Tyneside in the autumn with two regional acts hoping to follow Sam Fender onto the winners' list
The North East has two chances to celebrate at this year’s Mercury Prize after JADE and Newcastle jazz collective Knats were both named among the 12 Albums of the Year nominees ahead of October’s awards ceremony at Utilita Arena Newcastle.
They join an impressive shortlist featuring Dave, Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, RAYE, Suede and War Child Records’ HELP(2), with the winner due to be announced on October 22.
The Mercury Prize celebrates the best British and Irish album released over the past year, recognising artistic achievement across every genre. Widely regarded as one of music’s most prestigious accolades, previous winners include PJ Harvey, Arctic Monkeys, Little Simz, Wolf Alice, Ezra Collective and, most recently, Sam Fender, who lifted the trophy on home soil last October after People Watching was crowned Album of the Year.
The ceremony returns to Utilita Arena Newcastle after last year’s landmark event became the first in the Prize’s history to be staged outside London.
While organisers have yet to confirm which artists will perform, Mercury Prize ceremonies traditionally feature live sets from many of the shortlisted acts, giving audiences the rare opportunity to see much of the year’s most celebrated British and Irish music on one stage.
Former Little Mix star JADE receives her first Mercury Prize nomination for her acclaimed debut solo album THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!, while Knats are recognised for A Great Day In Newcastle, an album that wears its Tyneside roots proudly in both title and spirit.
The nomination caps another landmark year for the Newcastle quartet, who last weekend performed at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in support of Nadine Shah during the BBC Proms’ North East concerts.
Radio 1 presenter Maia Beth will also return to Newcastle to host exclusive artist interviews for the Mercury Prize’s social channels and present the event’s red carpet coverage.
She said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back working with the Mercury Prize this year! Last year’s Mercury Prize was a celebration of music - from jazz to pop and everything in between. Having it in Newcastle brought attention to a place I’m so proud of, and I can’t wait to be back celebrating the best music in the best place.”
Alongside the awards show, Newcastle will once again host the Mercury Prize Fringe, with Fenwick returning as a key partner, transforming its Blackett Street windows to celebrate the shortlisted albums while hosting live music events and creative workshops.
Tickets are on sale for the Mercury Prize at Newcastle Utilita Arena on October 22. Bookings via the website.