The Nominee List Includes Eight First-Timers, with a Shift Towards Gender Equality and a Lack of Rock and Metal Representation

The 2024 Mercury Prize nominations bring a mix of established artists and emerging talent, with Charli XCX making her second appearance on the list for her album Brat. The Hertfordshire musician, who previously earned a nod in 2020, is joined by other notable nominees, including Berwyn, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Ghetts, each receiving recognition for their latest albums.

Among the debut nominees, Beth Gibbons makes an appearance with her solo debut Lives Outgrown, following her 1995 win as part of Portishead. Other first-time nominees span genres, from Nia Archives’ Silence Is Loud in jungle music to the indie-pop sounds of CMAT’s Crazymad, for Me. The list also highlights indie bands like The Last Dinner Party, whose album Prelude to Ecstasy has gained attention this year.

Interestingly, this year’s list is marked by an emphasis on gender representation, with eight of the 12 nominees being women or containing female members, mirroring the 2020 list. However, rock and metal genres are notably absent, with no nods to bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Blur, or Yard Act.

The lack of a sponsor this year means the Mercury Prize won’t have its usual live presentation ceremony, traditionally broadcast on BBC, with the winner to be announced in September. The judges include a mix of broadcasters, musicians, and journalists, and they will continue to focus on both emerging talent and more established acts, maintaining the prize’s reputation for highlighting diverse musical achievements.