More North East talent in Mercury Prize shortlist, as awards return to Newcastle
There's plenty of North East talent represented in this year's Mercury Prize nominees, hoping to follow in the footsteps of North Shields' own Sam Fender, who took home the prestigious award last year.
There's plenty of North East talent represented in this year's Mercury Prize nominees, hoping to follow in the footsteps of North Shields' own Sam Fender, who took home the prestigious award last year.
South Shields JADE, formerly of Little Mix, and Geordie Jazz group Knats, are on the list of artists up for the prize, which celebrates the best UK and Irish album of the year.
Also on the list is Sir Paul McCartney, who has been nominated for the first time ever.
The Beatles star’s album recounts memories from his formative years.
The 14-track record was named after a place close to his childhood home in Forthlin Road in the Liverpool suburb of Speke.
Released at the end of May, it was Sir Paul’s first album in five years and reached number one on the UK album charts.
The Full list of nominees for this year's Mercury Prize:
Dave - The Boy Who Played The Harp
Dove Ellis - Blizzard
Knats - A Great Day In Newcastle
Paul McCartney - The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Raye - This Music May Contain Hope
Suede - Antidepressants
War Child artists - Help(2)
Florence And The Machine - Everybody Scream
Jade - That's Showbiz Baby!
Kojey Radical - Don't Look Down
Nia Archives - Emotional Jungalist
Olivia Dean - The Art Of Loving
Albums are nominated based on musical merit, irrespective of how successful the record or act have been in the year.
The event will feature live performances from many of the nominated artists before the winner is announced.
The Mercury Prize ceremony will be held on Thursday October 22 at the Utilita Arena Newcastle.
The event was also held in Newcastle in 2025, its first year outside London.
North Shields' own Sam Fender won last year’s prize for his album People Watching.
Other winners in recent years include English Teacher, Little Simz, Arlo Parks and Wolf Alice.
Along with a trophy, the winner of the Mercury Prize receives £25,000.