The summer of "Brat" continues, with Charli XCX's brash new album named as one of the 12 nominees for the Mercury Prize. The Essex-born singer is shortlisted for her sixth record, which combines hedonistic club beats with introspective lyrics about her relationships and career. Also in the running are Irish country singer CMAT , breakout dance act Barry Can't Swim and BBC Sound of 2024 winners The Last Dinner Party .
And Beth Gibbons is nominated for her debut solo album, Forever Lives, 29 years after winning the Mercury Prize with her band Portishead. The winner will be revealed in September - but for the first time in the award's 32-year history, there will be no public award ceremony. Established in 1992, the prize recognises the best British or Irish album of the last 12 months.
Returning nominees this year include Corinne Bailey Rae , singer-songwriter Berwyn and the rapper Ghetts - each of whose albums examine issues of racism and inequality. Eight of the 12 shortlisted artists are women or female-fronted bands - a record high. They include Leeds-based indie band English Teacher , uplifting songsmith Cat Burns and jungle producer Nia Archives .
The list is rounded out by Scottish musician Corto.Alto , whose album Bad With Names has received rave reviews for its supple, genre-splicing approach to jazz. Some high-profile albums failed to make the cut, including Blur's The Ballad Of Darren, Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism and Heaven Knows, by pop newcomer PinkPantheress.
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