The Mercury Prize 2022 nominees – and where to see them live

A look at the Mercury Prize 2022 shortlist and where to catch them performing near you this year

This year has been a landmark for many artists both new and established, and this is reflected by the 2022 Mercury Prize shortlist made almost entirely of first-time nominees. Only Little Simz has made the list before, back in 2019 with Grey Area, but once again makes the cut with her triumphant follow-up Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. Joining her are the likes of Harry Styles with his vibrantly eclectic Harry’s House, Sam Fender with his coming of age sophomore Seventeen Going Under and Fergus McReadie with the understated jazz gem Forest Floor.

The Mercury Prize winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on Tuesday 18 October (having been previously moved from its original date back in September). We’ve put together a list of this year’s nominees who have upcoming shows and tours announced in the coming months.

Harry Styles

2022 saw one of the world’s most in-demand stars open his doors and welcome us into Harry’s House. Across May & June he takes his Love on Tour around the UK.

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Sam Fender

In June 2023 Sam Fender follows in the footsteps of his heroes Dylan and Springsteen as he headlines St. James’ Park, becoming the first Geordie musician to headline the stadium.

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Joy Crookes

Skin, the soulful, trip-hop flecked debut from Joy Crookes announced the South Londoner as a modern pop great to be reckoned with. Don’t miss her supporting Lizzo next March.

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Yard Act

With their debut The Overload, Yard Act stuck out from a saturated post-punk sphere with a sardonic bite. Their tour continues from November into the new year.

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Self Esteem

Rebecca Lucy Taylor’s hedonistic and empowering second album Prioritise Pleasure was a bold wake-up call for many after the ennui of recent years. She plays Homobloc Manchester in November before heading on tour early 2023.

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Wet Leg

There wasn’t much doubt Wet Leg’s debut would make the list, so rapid has their ascent been since its release earlier this year. They kick off a headline tour across the UK this November.

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Kojey Radical

Though he’s been inspiring UK hip hop, art and fashion for years, Kojey Radical’s much-awaited debut studio album Reason to Smile was an important moment in the London polymath’s career. Catch him in Manchester, Glasgow and London this November.

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Nova Twins

Hard rock duo Nova Twins amped it up a notch on their second full-length Supernova. Catch them at Connect festival in August before they head on tour in November.

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Full list of Mercury Prize 2022 nominees:

Fergus McCreadie – Forest Floor
Gwenno – Tresor
Harry Styles – Harry’s House
Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler – For All Our Days That Tear The Heart
Joy Crookes – Skin
Kojey Radical – Reason to Smile
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Nova Twins – Supernova
Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under
Self Esteem – Prioritise Pleasure
Wet Leg – Wet Leg
Yard Act – The Overload