Each year, the Mercury Prize is awarded to a single artist or act for the best album released in the United Kingdom. This year’s shortlist was a compilation of 12 essential albums, including The Orchard’s distributed artist, Cate Le Bon’s, Reward.
Reward is Le Bon’s fifth studio album and second with Brooklyn-based label Mexican Summer. She’s a celebrated guitarist and lyricist, crafting her latest release to “dazzling” reviews. Pitchfork described Reward having “arrangements (that) are lush and warm and ornate, drawing on breezy synths and keyboards to maintain a patient, crystalline momentum.” It’s a warm, inviting dream of an album.
This year’s judging panel for the Mercury Prize, includes Jorja Smith (FAMM), who was named on the Mercury Prize shortlist in 2018. Other notable judges include Stormzy, Annie Mac and Clara Amfo of BBC Radio 1.
Geoff Taylor, the Chief Executive of BPI, said, “These 12 albums are essential listening! Our outstanding expert panel has selected the most original, urgent and ambitious British and Irish records of the last twelve months.”
The winner will be announced September 19th at London’s Eventim Apollo during the live show.
