Feature
Feature
The Mercury Prize 2023 nominees – and where to see them live
All the acts on the Mercury Prize 2023 shortlist and where to catch them performing near you this year
Whilst last year’s list of Mercury Prize nominees was made up almost entirely of first-timers, there are lots of familiar faces in the class of 2023. Leading the pack is Arctic Monkeys, receiving their fifth nomination from this year’s panel. Ezra Collective, J Hus and Jessie Ware are all in the mix for the second time, whilst 2014’s winners, Young Fathers, also return with new record Heavy Heavy. But, as ever, there are a handful of great debuts nominated, including critically acclaimed records from RAYE and Olivia Dean.
This year’s ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 7 at the Eventim Apollo, where one shortlisted record will take home the prize. In the meantime, here’s where to catch all of the nominated acts live in the UK.
Arctic Monkeys
Mercury favourites Arctic Monkeys return, picking up their fifth nomination for latest album The Car. There’s no current upcoming UK dates for the band, but since they just wrapped up a huge UK & Ireland tour we’ll let them off.
Ezra Collective
The quintent get the traditional ‘jazz nod’ for their truly excellent record, Where I’m Meant To Be. You’ll be able to catch them at Ireland’s All Together Now this August.
Find Tickets
Fred again..
In case you haven’t already caught Fred again.. on the festival circuit this summer, you’ve still got a shot. The singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist will play Connect Festival in Edinburgh at the end of August.
Find Tickets
J Hus
The British rapper picked up his second Mercury nod for the album Beautiful And Brutal Yard. He’ll be touring the UK this November, stopping at the O2 Arena on his way.
Find Tickets
Jessie Ware
Another two-time Mercury nominee, Jessie Ware will be at BBC Radio 2 In The Park this September, ahead of a string of UK dates in November.
Find Tickets
Jockstrap
Unsurprisingly, Jockstrap’s huge debut record made the shortlist. The duo can be spotted at Connect this August, with dates in Manchester and London later in the year.
Find Tickets
Lankum
A welcome addition to the list, alternative folk group Lankum picked up their first Mercury nomination. Amid a string of UK performances this December is a not-to-be-missed date at London’s Roundhouse.
Find Tickets
Loyle Carner
After making the shortlist with his debut in 2017, Carner is once again a Mercury nominee. He’s somehow playing Reading & Leeds and Connect Festival at the end of the month, so there’s a chance to catch him no matter what end of the country you’re in.
Find Tickets
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean’s much-awaited debut picked up a much-deserved nod. She’ll be at Connect this August, with dates in Manchester and Birmingham already lined up for April 2024.
Find Tickets
RAYE
This nod feels especially triumphant for RAYE, whose phenomenal debut was years in the making. She’s headed to Connect this August, and all around the UK this December. She’ll also be stopping by London’s Royal Albert Hall this September for good measure.
Find Tickets
Shygirl
Shygirl’s satisfyingly subversive pop debut very much deserved its spot on the list, although it looks like we’ll have to wait a little to enjoy it in person.
Young Fathers
Art-rap group Young Fathers won the prize back in 2014 and are back in the mix again this year with their latest record, Heavy Heavy. You’ll be able to see them in action at Connect Festival this August.
Find TicketsFind tickets to all upcoming gigs and tours near you here.
