Mercury Prize 2024Music and politics intersect as nominees for prestigious award are revealed

Recent months have seen significant developments both in music and politics. Charli XCX’s BRAT has dominated digital spaces with its bold lime green aesthetic and avant-garde pop sound. At the same time, Cat Burns’ album captures the essence of modern youth with its indie pop and acoustic vibes.

On the political front, President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and his endorsement of Kamala Harris as his successor have dominated the news. Charli XCX has further intertwined her music with politics by supporting Harris on social media. Her tweet, “kamala IS brat,” has gone viral, contributing to the success of the #bratsummer trend on TikTok, which has garnered nearly a million tags. This unexpected crossover has amplified both Harris’s and Charli XCX’s profile.

Amid this whirlwind of events, Charli XCX and Cat Burns, along with ten other remarkable artists, have been named as contenders for Album of the Year at the prestigious Mercury Prize. Known for celebrating the best in British and Irish music, this year’s shortlist is especially remarkable for its progressive gender representation, with eight of the twelve nominees being women or featuring female members, echoing the inclusivity seen in 2020.

The nominees

The 2024 Mercury Prize shortlist, revealed on July 25, includes an impressive lineup of albums:

• Barry Can’t Swim: When Will We Land? – Electronic beats and soulful melodies create immersive soundscapes.
• BERWYN: Who Am I – A fusion of rap, R&B, and spoken word exploring identity and self-discovery.
• Beth Gibbons: Lives Outgrown – Minimalist arrangements and ethereal vocals reflecting personal growth.
• Cat Burns: early twenties – An indie pop and acoustic portrayal of modern youth.
• Charli XCX: BRAT – Bold, avant-garde pop that marks a significant moment in her career and stands as a tribute to rave culture.
• CMAT: Crazymad, for Me – A blend of country influences with modern pop storytelling.
• Corinne Bailey Rae: Black Rainbows – Love, loss, and resilience showcased through Rae’s exceptional vocals.
• corto.alto: Bad with Names – Jazz elements combined with contemporary sounds.
• English Teacher: This Could Be Texas – Post-punk anthems with incisive lyrics.
• Ghetts: On Purpose, With Purpose – A standout in UK grime with intricate beats.
• Nia Archives: Silence Is Loud – A vibrant take on jungle and drum & bass.
• The Last Dinner Party: Prelude to Ecstasy – An eclectic debut blending art rock, glam, and indie influences.

The Mercury Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in British and Irish music, will announce the Album of the Year winner in September. With this year’s shortlist highlighting such a diverse range of talent, the competition is sure to be fierce. For a taste of the nominated albums, tune in to Today Radio, where you can hear tracks from all the nominees.