Scottish composer Anna Meredith has been shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize alongside the likes of Stormzy, Dua Lipa and Laura Marling.
Meredith, who was born in London but grew up in South Queensferry in West Lothian, has been nominated for her second studio album FIBS.
Revealing the shortlist on Thursday, organisers said Meredith’s “sweeping electronic patterns and glacial vocals form a series of glorious sonic landscapes”.
The performer, who is also known for her classical work, said: “It means a huge deal for me to be shortlisted for the Hyundai Mercury Prize.
“It’s not something I really expected, and in a year that’s been personally, and I guess obviously globally, so difficult, and so much feels unknown and really scary.
“And just to have something this positive, and for something that I have believed in so much and poured so much of myself into, is an amazing confidence boost for me and for this album, so I am absolutely, totally thrilled.”
The 12-strong shortlist also features Charli XCX and Michael Kiwanuka, who has picked up his third Mercury Prize nomination but so far is yet to win the award.
The shortlist for the award, which recognises the best British or Irish album of the year, was narrowed down by 12 judges including Anna Calvi, Annie Mac, Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, Jamie Cullum, Jorja Smith and Vice.com’s editorial director Tshepo Mokoena.
A statement from the judges said: “In these difficult and uncertain times the Hyundai Mercury Prize is proud to celebrate the remarkable power of music to inspire and exhilarate.
“The albums on the 2020 shortlist showcase a great diversity of sounds, styles, ambitions and experience.
“What these albums share is an irresistible urgency, a belief that their music matters more than ever.”
Last year’s Mercury Prize was won by rapper Dave for his album Psychodrama, fending off competition from nominees including Slowthai, The 1975, Little Simz and Foals.
Organisers say it is likely a live awards show will not happen in September as planned, but the winner will be announced on September 24.
Mercury Prize shortlist
- Anna Meredith – FIBS
- Charli XCX – How I’m Feeling Now
- Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia
- Georgia – Seeking Thrills
- Kano – Hoodies All Summer
- Lanterns On the Lake – Spook The Herd
- Laura Marling – Song For Our Daughter
- Michael Kiwanuka – Kiwanuka
- Moses Boyd – Dark Matter
- Porridge Radio – Every Bad
- Sports Team – Deep Down Happy
- Stormzy – Heavy Is The Head
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