The time is nigh – in a few hour, the winner of the Mercury Prize 2023 will be announced. Held in London’s eventim Apollo, the Hammersmith venue will resound to the vibrations of 12 nominated artists, each with their case for scooping the trophy.
Ever-eclectic, this year’s album-focussed rundown moves from Irish folk to club-focussed jazz, via immersive electronics, UK soul, pivotal rap, and more, all battling for the unique trophy, and the £25,000 prize.
When and where is it taking place?
The Mercury Prize 2023 takes place at its now-customary home of London’s eventim Apollo. It takes place this evening – September 7th – and the action starts at 9pm.
Who is hosting?
National treasure Lauren Laverne will be onstage as master of ceremonies.
Who is nominated for the Mercury Prize 2023?
This year’s 12 nominees are as below.
- Arctic Monkeys – The Car
- Ezra Collective – Where I’m Meant to Be
- Fred again… – Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9, 2022)
- Jessie Ware – That! Feels Good!
- J Hus – Beautiful And Brutal Yard
- Jockstrap – I Love You Jennifer B
- Lankum – False Lankum
- Loyle Carner – hugo
- Olivia Dean – Messy
- RAYE – My 21st Century Blues
- Shygirl – Nymph
- Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy
Who will be performing?
Live performances on the night will come from Ezra Collective, J Hus, Jessie Ware, Jockstrap, Lankum, Loyle Carner, Olivia Dean, RAYE, Shygirl and Young Fathers. Arctic Monkeys and Fred again.. are preparing something special in the form of video.
—
—
Who do the bookies think will win the Mercury Prize 2023?
Here are the current bookies’ favourites:
- Loyle Carner – 9/4
- Jockstrap – 3/1
- Young Fathers 4/1
- Fred Again 5/1
- Lankum 6/1
Who judges the Mercury Prize, anyway?
The Mercury Prize is an open competition, and share the full list of judges. This year, the following assemble to pick the winner:
- Anna Calvi – Musician, Songwriter & Composer;
- Danielle Perry – Broadcaster & Writer;
- Hannah Peel – Musician, Songwriter & Composer;
- Jamie Cullum – Musician & Broadcaster;
- Jamz Supernova – Broadcaster & DJ;
- Jeff Smith – Head of Music, 6 Music & Radio 2;
- Lea Stonhill – Music Programming Consultant;
- Mistajam – Songwriter, DJ & Broadcaster;
- Phil Alexander – Creative Director, Kerrang!/Contributing Editor, Mojo;
- Sian Eleri – Broadcaster & DJ;
- Tshepo Mokoena – Music Writer & Author;
- Will Hodgkinson – Chief Rock & Pop Critic, The Times.
Can I watch the action from Mercury Prize 2023?
Yep, you absolutely can – the show will be broadcast on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer from 9pm.
—
