Fourth time lucky for Lily at Mercury, but she claims that’s no bad thing
LILY Allen reckons it’s a ‘good thing’ that only a small number of debut albums are in contention for this year’s Mercury Prize, as the short list was announced today.
The Not Fair singer has herself been nominated this year for the prestigious prize alongside many other established acts, from previous winners Arctic Monkeys to formerly shortlisted acts including Florence and The Machine and indie band Everything Everything.
In fact just three of the albums are debuts: Jorja Smith’s Lost And Found; grime artist Novelist’s Novelist Guy; and record producer Richard Russell’s compilation project Everything Is Recorded.
But Lily, who has been nominated for the first time for her fourth album No Shame, doesn’t think new talent has been squeezed out.
Speaking after the announcement, she said: ‘When I didn’t get nominated for my first two records, when everyone thought I was going to be bookies’ favourite, it just pushed me on to make more music.
‘So maybe it is a shame, but maybe it will encourage more creativity, which would be a good thing.’
Responding to her own nomination, Lily tweeted: ‘BOOM . So F***ing Happy !!!!!! #MERCURY2018’.
Other nominees for the prize, which is awarded to the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish act, include Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Who Built The Moon?), Wolf Alice (Visions Of A Life), Nadine Shah (Holiday Destination), King Krule (The Ooz) and Sons Of Kemet (Your Queen Is A Reptile).
Shah told BBC Radio 6 music’s Lauren Laverne she had been keeping the secret of her nomination since Friday.
She said: ‘It’s nuts, I’m very, very excited.’
And Novelist tweeted: ‘For real, this is a great honor, Thanks @MercuryPrize and thanks to everyone who’s been supporting me.’
Arctic Monkeys, Florence and the Machine and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds are the bookmakers’ joint favourites to win this year.
Last year, singer songwriter Sampha beat off competition from Ed Sheeran and Stormzy to take home the prize.
This year’s winner will be revealed at a ceremony on September 20 at the Eventim Apollo in London.
Author: Anna Thomson
